About The Kaʻū Calendar

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, October 25, 2020

Kanai Pieper, son of Bronson Pieper of Kamuela, swings his rope at Nāʻālehu Rodeo Grounds last year, as families 
came from around the island to support two days of rode for youth and family members of all ages. It was sponsored 
by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association. See more below, in Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were. Photo by Julia Neal

URGING REJECTION OF PRES. DONALD TUMP'S SUPREME COURT JUSTICE NOMINEE, Amy Coney Barrett, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, gave a speech on the Senate floor today.
    She shared the story of the late Hawaiʻi Sen. Patsy Mink helping to stop the nomination of Judge G. Harrold Carswell to the Supreme Court by testifying against him before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1970. Mink cited the Judge's refusal to take up a case related to a woman denied a factory job because of her preschool-aged children as evidence he "demonstrated a total lack of understanding of the concept of equality." After the Senate rejected Carswell's nomination, the Senate confirmed Justice Harry Blackmun, who wrote the majority opinion in Roe v. Wade three years later. See video of Hirono's speech. 
    Hirono told the U.S. Senate today: "In 1970 – the same year that Hawaiʻi became the first state in the country to decriminalize abortion – Patsy did something no one had done before. She made women's rights a key issue in a Supreme Court nomination when she testified against the nomination of Judge G. Harrold Carswel. In her testimony, Patsy brought up Judge Carswell's decision in the case of Ida Phillips – a woman denied a factory job because she had preschool-aged children. Of course, no such rule applied to fathers. Judge Carswell, along with ten of his colleagues on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, had refused to hear Ms. Phillips' case. 
The late Sen. Patsy Mink, a hero to Sen. Mazie Hirono,
successfully testified to turn down the nomination of a
Supreme Court judge some 50 years ago The judge
ultimately appointed protected abortion rights. See
today's similar testimony from Hirono. See
video of Hirono's speech. Photo from U.S. Senate
    "Patsy told the Senate Judiciary Committee: 'Judge Carswell demonstrated a total lack of understanding of the concept of equality... His vote represented a vote against the right of women to be treated equally and fairly under the law.' When a Republican Senator tried to defend Judge Carswell by pointing out that ten other judges had also voted to refuse to hear the case, Patsy responded, 'But the other nine are not up for appointment to the Supreme Court.'
    "Patsy understood the critical role the Supreme Court plays in the lives of every American. She pointed out to the Committee that 'the Supreme Court is the final guardian of our human rights. We must rely totally upon its membership to sustain the basic values of our society.' Patsy's testimony marked a turning point in Judge Carswell's nomination, which the Senate ultimately rejected. Her courageous action paved the way for President Richard Nixon to appoint Justice Harry Blackmun to the Court.
    "Three years later, Justice Blackmun wrote the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade – recognizing a woman's constitutional right to control her own body. Justice Blackmun, unlike Judge Carswell, understood the right of women to be treated equally. Upon his retirement, he observed Roe was 'a step that had to be taken… toward the full emancipation of women.'
    "This story about Patsy is not very well known, but it underscores how one person can make a difference and how one vote on the Supreme Court can make a difference. During his years on the Court, Justice Blackmun became a reliable vote for racial and gender equality, and his decisions reflected an understanding of how the Court's decisions impact the lives of millions of Americans. If Judge Carswell had been confirmed to the Supreme Court instead of Justice Blackmun, Roe v. Wade would not exist as we know it. Nor would a host of civil rights protections for students and racial minorities. 
    "Our nation finds itself at a similar judicial crossroads today as we debate whether Judge Amy Coney Barrett should replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. The choice we face as Senators is clear. It's the same choice Patsy Mink presented to the Senate 50 years ago. We can choose to protect equality for women, health care for millions, and other 'basic values' of our society. Or, we can choose a justice selected to do precisely the opposite: strike down the Affordable Care Act, overturn Roe v. Wade, and continue to decide cases like her conservative mentor, Justice Antonin Scalia," said Hirono. 
Sen. Mazie Hirono, right, and Maria Teresa Kumar, leader of Voto Latino,
who hosted AM Joy MSNBC this morning. Hirono said confirmation of
a new Supreme Court Justice before the election will have consequences
to Republicans running for office. Photo from AM Joy
    Hirono also took to the AM Joy Sunday MSNBC show this morning. Hirono said that confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice before the U.S President is selected for the next term will have consequences. She said, "People who are voting, standing in line, in the wind & the rain... I believe they will vote out Republicans who have done a total 180 on what their position was in 2016, that we should await the results of a presidential election to fill a SCOTUS vacancy."
    The U.S. Senate voted 51 to 48 tonight to move the nomination forward to a final vote for Barrett to be confirmed on Monday. The pro-life judge is likely to help end health insurance through the Affordable Care Act and end legal abortion, say her opponents. Hirono grilled the nominee last week during hearings, and the Senate held sessions over the weekend to fast track the vote. Confirmation of Coney Barrett this week would be the closest to a presidential election in the history of naming new justices to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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PREPARING TO DELIVER VACCINATIONS TO HAWAIʻI'S RESIDENTS, the state Department of Health issued a statement on Oct. 22. 
    "Although a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration is not expected to be widely available until early next year, state and county officials, and private-sector partners, have already prepared a preliminary plan to implement a COVID-19 vaccination program in the state." 
    DOH says that more than 150 stakeholders representing more than 90 organizations kicked off vaccination workgroups on Oct. 21. 
    The vaccination plan, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, is intended to reduce COVID‐19‐related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. 
Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, (right) visited Kaʻū in July and is planning for rollout of an expected vaccine to reach the
most rural areas of Hawaiʻi next year. Above, he joined a Covid update with Kaʻū Hospital administrator
Merilyn Harris, Mayor Harry Kim, and public health officials in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal
    Gov. David Ige said, "Epidemiologists who study immunity say at least 60 percent to 70 percent of the population need to have immunity to a virus to break the chain of transmission. Vaccinations can help accelerate immunity in our community so we want Hawai‘i to be fully prepared and ready to implement our vaccination plan as soon as a viable vaccine that is safe and effective becomes available. The impact of our vaccination program and its effectiveness in managing the disease will largely depend upon our ability to allocate and administer the vaccine effectively and efficiently. This is as important as the vaccine itself."
    Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, who formerly practiced medicine in Kaʻū, said, "We're still refining our vaccination plan, but we felt it was important to share what we are developing and provide a preview of what to expect. This has to be a coordinated effort between the state and counties. It will also require extensive outreach and education to healthcare providers and their patients. Everyone's kokua is critical to the success of the vaccination plan, so we must make sure everyone's roles and responsibilities are clearly defined." 
    Dr. Elizabeth Char, state Director of Health, said, "A COVID-19 vaccination has been presented as our ticket to better health and restoration of a sense of normalcy. But it's incumbent upon the Department of Health's Disease Outbreak Control Division Immunization Branch and our partners to lead this initiative and make sure we get this right, starting with using a safe and effective, FDA-approved vaccine." 
    Expecting limited vaccine supplies when the campaign begins, the vaccine will initially be made available to those who fall within four priority groups. The state plan calls for the first immunizations to go to high-risk healthcare employees at hospitals, nursing homes, and those engaged in home care, and direct patient care; first responders with high risk for COVID-19 exposure; and Hawaiʻi residents of all ages with underlying health conditions, including those 65 and older who live in congregate. 
    The second priority group includes K-12 teachers and school staff as well as those in essential industries. It includes those with underlying health conditions that put them at moderately higher risk. People in homeless shelters and group homes with physical or mental disabilities and workers who serve them also fall into this category. People in prisons, jails, detention centers, and similar facilities, and staff who work in these settings, as well as all adults age 65 and older, also fall within this second priority group. 
    The third priority group is comprised of young adults 18 to 22 years old and children, from newborn to 17 years old. It also includes employees in industries or occupations not in the previous groups that are considered essential but face increased risk of exposure. 
    The fourth group includes all Hawaiʻi residents who did not fall in any of the other priority groups. 
    Char said effective rollout will be dependent upon "ancillary supplies" such as syringes, needles, and appropriate PPE, and this is being addressed in the vaccination plan. 
    The Department of Health plans to use the educational tools developed by the CDC for the public to conduct self-screening for vaccines and provide a vaccination finder tool for those who fall in the priority groups. 
    To view an executive summary of the State of Hawai‘i's draft COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan go to hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine-plan.

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THE BUSINESS PIVOT GRANT PROGRAM will distribute $25 million to pay businesses for adjusting to COVID and for financial training and support. The State of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, has launched the Business Pivot Grant Program to help struggling businesses and nonprofits adjust to marketplace changes resulting from the COVIC-19 pandemic. The program will provide approximately 2,500 organizations with reimbursement grants to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products, and services.
    The grant application remains open until Nov. 23, as funds are available. In addition to the grant reimbursement, the Chamber offers technical assistance to companies through workshops, training, and consultant resources as they adjust their operations. An online marketplace for companies to access products and services to support operational changes is also available, and these costs could be eligible for reimbursement under the grant program. 
    Click here for frequently asked questions.

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Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau reopens daily fee collection, parking, 
and visitor services tomorrow. NPS photo
NORTH OF KAʻŪ, PUʻUHONUA O HŌNAUNAU National Historic Park is open seven days a week for visitation beginning tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 26. The National Park Service will reopen access and resume services to the entrance station and fee collection activities, Visitor Center parking lot, and visitor services along the breezeway in front of the amphitheater.
    Areas already open are all hiking trails for day time exercise and outdoor recreational experience; beach and shoreline areas for hiking, ocean recreation, and fishing, with the exception of Keoneʻele Cove; restroom facilities at the Visitor Center; Royal Ground; and Puʻuhonua.
    The Picnic Area remains closed and all ranger-led programs remain suspended.
    Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau NHP Acting Superintendent John Broward said, "Services are limited, and visitors should bring everything they might need for a safe visit including water, meals and hand sanitizer. Above all, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes with very little warning should public health concerns require a reversal in our plans."
    Visitors are urged to recreate responsibly by planning their visit in advance and acting with care while at Puʻuhonua. Let wildlife be wild and stay 20 feet away from any honu (turtles) on the beach. Practice preventative COVID measures. If feeling sick, visit another day. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at nps.gov/puho and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on nps.gov/coronavirus.

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ADVOCATS FREE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Ocean View Community Center. To make a reservation, to reserve traps, to volunteer, or with questions, e-mail Cindy Thurston at cindyt@hawaii.rr.com, or call or text (808) 895-9283. See advocatshawaii.org.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND COVID-19 CASE COUNT REACHED A NEW RECORD today, with 51 new cases – two more than Oʻahu reported. 
    Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense said the high numbers "are concentrated in housing areas in North Kona and South Hilo Districts. These numbers reflect the ongoing testing policies to identify clusters of positive cases so they can be isolated and treated to prevent the spread of the virus. The County will continue to identify and expand testing in areas based on known or suspected clusters. Please know the importance of getting tested. Thank you for your cooperation in supporting the testing programs; you can make a difference." 
    State Department of Health reports Hawaiʻi Island has a 3.4 percent positive rate over the past 14 days. 
    Testing for the public is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 26 at Keauhou Shopping Center in Kona from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
    See more COVID details, below.

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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. Gray

areas have populations less than 1,000. White is zero cases.

Yellow is one to 10 cases. Light orange is 11-50 cases. Dark

orange is 51-200 cases. Department of Health map

HAWAIʻI ISLAND REPORTS 51 NEW COVID-19 CASES today. New cases reported statewide today total 121, with 49 on Oʻahu, one on Kauaʻi, 17 in Maui County, and two residents diagnosed while out-of-state. 
    Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 1,221 cases. There are at least 10 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. 
    Since the pandemic began, 41 deaths have been reported by Hilo Life Center (seven), Kona Community Hospital (one), Hilo Medical Center (six), and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (27). Hawaiʻi Island's death toll, as reported by the county, is 40 since the pandemic began. Some Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 212 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
    There have been 14,672 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 11,405 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 3,050 active cases in isolation.
    Oʻahu reports 12,839 cases, Maui County 497, and Kauaʻi 61. Fifty-four victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,065 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 28 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip code 96772. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96777, and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
    In the last 28 days, 20 active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 48 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 111 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 27 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Pepeʻekeo zip code 96783, 22 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
    See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
    The United States reports over 72,000 COVID cases today. The cumulative case count in the U.S. is more than 8,635,752 – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 225,227 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide deaths.
    Worldwide, there are more than 42.92 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,152,990.

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Underfoot, this youth rodeo competitor avoids the flying hooves of a steer that unloads him just outside the gate.
Photo by Julia Neal

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
Kassidy Pieper, of Kamuela
came to Kaʻū for the rodeo.
Photo by Julia Neal
LAST YEAR, THIS WEEKEND, PANIOLO KEIKI AND YOUTH CAME FROM ALL OVER THE ISLAND to participate in a rodeo Saturday and gymkhana Sunday. With events for all ages, families from as far away as Kamuela and Pauʻilo traveled with their big rigs and horses for two family rodeo days, and fellowship with the ranching and riding community. The rodeo events are sponsored by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association and take place at Nāʻālehu Rodeo Grounds.
    Saturday's events were double mugging, kane-wahine ribbon mugging, poʻowaiu, calf roping, calf riding, goat undecorating, dummy roping, and barrels.
    The community received free admission both days.
    Organizer of rodeo events is Tammy Kaʻapana. To donate to Kaʻū Roping & Riding and to help expand parking for events, call Kaʻapana at 808-854-78917. 
    The results were: 
    In Poʻowai U, first place was taken by Jordan Gomes, second by Allen Aku. 
    In Tie Down Roping, Herman Hollan took first, Allej Aku took second. 
    In Wahine Breakaway, Denicia Derasin placed first, Kassey Hanoi second. 
    In Youth Barrels, first place was taken by KayleeAnn Holland, second by Breanna Gomes. 
    In Dummy roping, Kanai Pieper took first in 4 & Under, Katum Malicki took first in 5 to 8, and LeeAnn Yanag took second in 5 to 8. 
    In Goat Undecorating for 4 & Under, Kanai Pieper took first. In Goat Undecorating for 5 to 8, LeeAnn Yanag took first and Kassidy Pieper took second. 
Bobby Boy Manuel from Pauʻilo traveled with his family to Kaʻū to 
participate in two days of rodeo and gymkhana, and to stay with tūtū, 
last October. Photo by Julia Neal
    In Open Dally, Gilbert Smith and Allen Gomez placed first, Stetson Branco and Troy Gomes placed second, and Allen Gomes and Lyons Deguair placed third. 
    In Kane-Wahine Dally, Brandy Gomes and Keith Gomes placed first. 
    In Century Team Roping, Allen Gomes and Walter Gomez took first, Cookie Kawamoto and Walter Gomes took second. 
    In Double Mugging, first place went to Westin Joseph and Richard Souza III, second to Bobby Boy Manuel and Troy Wood, and third to Stetson Branco and Troy Wood. 
    In Kane-Wahine Mugging, Lorilee Lorenzo teamed up with Ikaika Grace for first, and with Frank Lorenzo Jr. for second place. 
    In Wahine Mugging, Justina Wood and Lauren Santiago took first.
Steer kicks up his heels after launching a paniolo into the dust. Photo by Julia Neal

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.

EVENTS
Arts & Culture Grants and Support Zoom Meeting, Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m. Aim is to help the arts community learn about grants and other resources available from national and state public funders. It will cover basics for applying for government support and recent changes in granting. Information session followed by town-hall-style meeting with a moderated question and answer session. Register in advance for this virtual meeting here.

Give Input on Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan Update by State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning through Oct. 28. Public invited to participate in online sessions to learn about plan and contribute to the revision process. Free; advance registration required. Register online.

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Annual Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. via Zoom, meeting code 450 691 6693. No password. Attend by phone at (669) 900-6833, code 450 691 6693#. Delegates elect HFUU president, and adopt policies and bylaw amendments. Nominations for president due by Friday, Oct. 30 or at meeting; send to Nominations Committee Chair, David S. Case, at casedavids@gmail.com. Review and comment on proposals from Friday, Oct. 30. Enjoy world-class educational and musical presentations Nov. 12, 13, and 14. See hfuuhi.org.

Free Drive-Thru Candy Giveaway at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween Day, starting at 3 p.m. Each keiki will receive a bag and kids in costume "may get a little something extra," says the announcement.

Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Kīlauea Visitor Center Lānai on Halloween weekend, Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rangers will safely provide each keiki a free ecology gift bag and bingo card to help families explore the park Halloween-style. Park entrance fees apply, but families with fourth graders enter free when they complete the paper voucher on everykidoutdoors.gov, and present it at the entrance station fee booth.

Ocean View Community Center Library New Hours as of Saturday, Oct. 31 are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free Courses and Certifications for Hawaiʻi Residents through Coursera offered by state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. More than 3,000 options. Registration open until Oct. 31. Recommended courses for picking up technology skillsView more.

Give Input of Pandemic on Small Businesses to Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center through Oct. 31. Provides vital information to policymakers and lenders who are weighing decisions that affect small businesses. Ten-minute-long survey open to businesses currently in operation, recently closed, or about to launch. Responses confidential. Complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org. 



Vote and Register In-Person same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Secure ballot dropbox located in Nāʻālehu Police Station at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy 24 hours a day, until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day. See other locations here. Tips on helping others to register to vote at nationalvoterregistrationday.org. Find more information at elections.hawaii.gov. Check voter registration status here

Attend Free Virtual Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival through Nov. 4 15th year of the festival features in-depth presentations covering a variety of topics deeply impacting the local community. Featuring Hawaiʻi Public Radio's Burt Lum, host of Bytemarks Café, on several panels. More info & schedule.

Artists and Vendors, Sign Up for the Annual Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., helps raise funds for OVCC and benefit local artists and crafters. Booths $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Free admission for attendees. Face masks required for all. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.

PETFIX and Hawaiʻi Rainbow Ranger Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Nov. 7 in Ocean View. Microchips available. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.


Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. Groups sizes limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. HWF says details are forthcoming but will be a blend of hiking, BYO-4wd, and limited HWF carpool options. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.

Veteran Farmers can register for virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Features education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration requiredRegister online.

Hawaiian Islands Challenge Virtual Run through Dec. 31. Registration closes Nov. 30. Individuals or teams can register to traverse some or all of 808 kilometers on six different courses, one on each main island. Register here

ONGOING
Presidential Debates: The first Presidential Debate was held Tuesday, Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. The second Presidential Debate was canceled. The final Presidential Debate was held Thursday, Oct. 22. Each debate is carried by major news networks, YouTube, Twitter, and more. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast on the HPR mobile app or a smart speaker.

Watch the Oct. 5 Debate between Mayoral Candidates Ikaika Marzo and Mitch Roth on Nā Leo TV, Spectrum Channel 54, online at naleo.tv/channel-54/, or via the free Nā Leo mobile app.

Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click https://zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at https://lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.

Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. RMAP partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. Payments made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
    RMAP nonprofit partners are Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, www.HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, www.hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, www.neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, www.hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, www.habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.

Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here.

Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline offered by We Are Oceania. Receive answers to questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. (808) 913-1364. Watch the video here.

Anyone Feeling Depressed or Anxious, or who needs someone to talk to, can call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.

Free Monthly Online Breastfeeding Support Group MOMs to MOMs, fourth Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Presented and facilitated by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi's Leila Ryusaki. Open to pregnant women and new breastfeeding moms with babies from birth to one year old. Sign up at HMONO.ORG/SERVICES.

Learn How to Practice Self-Care through Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.

The State of Hawai'i requires a Letter of Exemption for Farm Workers. Requests should be submitted to 
covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov

Student Athletes of Kaʻū High interested in participating in athletics during the 2020-2021 school year are encouraged to call Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 313-4161 to sign up for the Student Athlete Google Classroom.

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.

Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs here. Registration does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families for keiki grades 1-6, to complete the registration process. Questions? Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.

COVID-19 Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.

Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development here. Find help for small businesses here.

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here for site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.

Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m., with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. Face coverings required when usher comes to vehicle to pass out worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give, or when leaving vehicles for the restroom. Church provides paper fans to stay cool. Bring water. Catch the live-streamed service at 10:10 a.m. and Praise Jam, which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Service is emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing atdwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, here, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.

One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

Food Pickup through Hope DIA-mend Ministries, weekdays, 5 p.m. in the Ace parking lot in Ocean View and lunches on Mondays. In Nāʻālehu, meals distributed in front of old Nāʻālehu Theatre at 4 p.m.

Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.

Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

32nd Annual The Trash Show Hawaiʻi: Artists Recycle open through Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo. Features The TrashFace Collection by Volcano Artist Ira Ono. To attend, all visitors are required to wear a face mask, maintain six-foot social distancing, no physical contact when greeting people, a maximum of ten people in the gallery, and encouraging anyone who feels ill to stay home. See more art from Ono at Volcano Garden Arts & Café Ono, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., www.volcanogardenarts.comwww.cafeono.net, 967-7261. For more information go to ehcc.org

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers, 25 vendor booths, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Ocean View Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.

Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up here.

ʻOhana Help Desk
 offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads here. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. Open to students of Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, to connect to internet for distance learning. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits of up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See the program website.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries,
 open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot. librarieshawaii.org

Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.

Sign Up for Two Women's Health Programs from Kaʻū Women's Collective. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Meetings held Sundays on Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issuesthrough Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from County of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Complete webform here or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.

Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub, Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov.

Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. See https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here

Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. See funding updates and resources for coffee growers, hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.

Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website.

Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, where Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.

Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature.

Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules.


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