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Thursday, October 29, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, October 29, 2020

Water tank above Pāhala near a well drilled by the county for some 11 miles of pipe to serve some 459 connections.
Photo by Julia Neal
COUNTY WATER RATES WILL GO UP JAN. 1 FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS. The board of the Department of Water Supply has voted unanimously to increase rates and some fees. The rate for the volume of water used by each residential customer will increase 13 percent. However, the monthly power charge to cover DWS's use of electricity to pump water and run its facilities is expected to go down. Overall increase to residential water bills is expected to be about eight percent. 
    DWS's largest electrical expense is for pumping from wells and distribution to customers. DWS is Hawaiʻi Electric's biggest customer on this island. A wind farm also supplies electricity to DWS and the water department is looking into solar. 
    Also going up are fees charged to hook up DWS water to a site for the first time. The installation cost will rise from $1,190 to $1,319 for a 5/8 inch residential meter. Cost of an additional residential water meter on any lot will rise from $5,500 to $6,095 per meter.
An overflow of the county's Haʻao Springs water source 
in Waiʻōhinu, with taro, ginger, and pipinola. 
Photo by Elaine Klitgaard
    
Department of Water Supply is a semi-autonomous entity, dependent on its income to fund and manage 23 water systems serving customers on Hawaiʻi Island. It also receives some state and federal grants for improvements.
    In Kaʻū, water comes from Haʻau Springs, Mountain House Spring, and Nāʻālehu well to serve Waiʻōhinu, Nāʻālehu, and its nearby communities. According to a DWS estimate, some years back, there are 46 miles of pipeline and 757 connections.
    The Pāhala well above the town supplies about 459 connections and 11 miles of pipeline.
    In Ocean View, DWS offers well water for pickup from its spigots, but no distribution to homes and businesses. Volcano is without Department of Water Supply. These communities depend on catching water, hauling water, or paying to have it hauled to tanks on their properties. The sources are spigots for public and commercial use, provided by the county.
    Connecting to county water with new meters is not always available from DWS, depending on the capacity of the existing source and distribution lines. Developers can create their own source and distribution, or in some cases, build the distribution system and buy water from the county.
    See Department of Water Supply website for location of county spigots, notices, public outreach events, tips on conservation, and translation of its motto Ka Wai A Kāne. Go to dws.org.

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HOW TO HELP HAWAIʻI ISLAND'S FOOD SYSTEM is the theme of the third annual Hawaiʻi Island Community Food Summit through the month of November. It is hosted by Hawaiʻi Island Food Alliance, in collaboration with Hawaiʻi Agricultural Partnership, Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute, Hāmākua Institute, and others. Sponsors of Food Summit seek to increase residents' exposure to local foods; provide opportunities for networking and engaging with fellow food system-minded community members; expose attendees to ways they can help the food system as individuals; and lay the foundation for a Food System Action Plan.
Keynote Speaker at the Food Summit
will be Sarah Newcomb, a student
at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy.
    The 2020 Food Summit website page provides information about sessions and corresponding registration links, with new content and sessions as the weeks progress. 
    The Keynote Presentation will be Friday, Nov. 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with Sarah Newcomb, a member of the Hawaiʻi Island Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council. A statement from the organizers urges residents to "Learn about how to get involved in the food system movement whether you're 1 or 100!" Madison Frisbie, an Oʻahu-based Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council, will introduce Newcomb and give a short presentation on the Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council. Register here.
    Preparation videos for Food Summit are uploaded on YouTube, prerecorded to give participants the most time together during live discussions on Nov. 6. They also serve as a reference on Value Added Production on Hawaiʻi Island. Participants are advised to watch them before Nov. 6 live sessions. When registering for live sessions, summit questions ahead of time.
Madison Frisbie is a member of
 Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council.
    Session 1 offers three prerecorded recorded videos for the Live Discussion, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Government Support for Value Added Production features Sharon Hurd, who works for Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture in its Market Development Branch as Business Development Program Manager, and Denise Salmeron, who works for USDA in Rural Development.
    Regulation and Educational Opportunities features Nicole Milnes, vice president of food and agriculture initiatives at The Kohala Center. She oversees The Kohala Center's statewide work in agriculture including farmer training, business development and capitalization assistance, and community food system development. Also featured will be Kyla Arruda, who works for the state Department of Health's Sanitation Branch, and Ken Love, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Master Food Preservers, Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers, and Japan Avocado Commission. 
    Certified Kitchens on HI Island offers a pre-recorded presentation ahead of the Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m. live discussion. It is a deep dive into value-added products and processing on Hawaiʻi Island. Presenters are Lisa Desantis, a Certified Kitchens Researcher, and Zach Larsen, founder of Brine Foods and Ferments and Hilo Food Hub. He is passionate about food and helping other businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. 
    Session 2 offers prerecorded videos to prepare for live discussion Nov. 6 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Considerations for Improving Value Added Products is a presentation by Dennis Flemming, Executive Director of Hāmākua Institute.
    On Nov. 9, there will be a live session from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Looking Ahead: Perspectives on Food Resilience. Presenters are Bella Hughe, President and Co-Founder of Shaka Tea; Dana Shapiro, General Manager of Hawaiʻi Ulu Cooperative, and Dr. Ku Kahakalu, Founder and Executive Director of Ku-A-Kanaka. 
    Live session objectives, according to Food Summit organizers, are to increase understanding of agricultural value-added processing needs on-island and where gaps exist, and to increase understanding of considerations for determining strategic options to address those gaps. See more here.

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Volcano Winery offers indoor and outdoor wine and tea tasting. 
Photo by Julia Neal
VOLCANO WINERY REMINDS THE PUBLIC OF ITS SAFETY PROTOCOLS for visitors, to protect everyone from COVID-19. The winery requires masks be worn, except during wine and tea tasting at its tasting bar and tables, indoors and outside. The staff enforces social distancing within the winery and throughout its vineyard and gardens.
    Winery staff takes the temperature of anyone visiting and collects name, phone number, and email address in case contact tracing is needed. Staff is also tested.
    In a Facebook post, the winery thanked "all our amazing local community and visitors from near and far who have been so patient and cooperative with our evolving protocols here at Volcano Winery. Our mission is to maintain a safe and healthy space for both employees and our customers. Mahalo for taking these simple protocols seriously, as this helps us fulfill our kuleana as a business. We appreciate you all so very much and we promise to continue to serve you with excellent customer service and delicious wines!"
    The winery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except Christmas Day. Located at 35 Piʻi Maun Drive in Volcano, the winery offers indoor and outdoor tasting, and small garden gatherings with enhanced safety. Tasting menus include estate-grown wine and tea. Online reservations are available. Kamaʻaina discount available. Gifts also available for purchase, in person or online.
    See volcanowinery.com or call 808-967-7772.

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VOTE IN THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION by dropping off ballots at Nāʻālehu Police Station 24 hours a day until 7 p.m. election day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mailed ballots will not arrive in time to be counted, as all ballots must be received no later than Nov. 3. See more drop off locations at elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit. Vote in person, with same-day registration, in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Check to see if mail-in ballots have been received at ballotstatus.hawaii.gov/ballotreceipt. See more at elections.hawaii.gov.

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ATTEND A SIGN-WAVING TO SUPPORT PRES. DONALD TRUMP tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. People plan to gather by the old theater. The announcement, posted to the Discovery Harbour Facebook group, says, "Bring your flags, banners, and signs! Current COVID mandates require distancing and masks. Join the fun and fellowship of aloha!"

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VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AND DINNER at Kīlauea Military Camp will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony, honoring veterans, will be held live on the KMC Facebook page at 3 p.m. All are invited to view and share with veterans. 
    Veterans Day Dinner at Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, will be operated with COVID precautions from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are required and only a limited number of complimentary meals will be available. Call 967-8371 to make a reservation for either Dine-In or Grab & Go. 
    Menu is prime rib au jus, vegetable stir fry & black bean sauce, roasted red potatoes, cheesecake, and drink. Adults $26.95, $16.95 Vegetarian Option (w/o prime rib), children 6-11 years old, $14.95. 
    Proof of eligibility (Military ID, DD214 with photo ID, 100% DAV, or Hawaiʻi Veterans driver license) required to receive complimentary meal. All in-house veterans at KMC on Nov. 11 will have priority to the complimentary dinner. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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ORDER THANKSGIVING DINNER OR MAKE RESERVATIONS BY NOV. 16 for Kīlauea Military Camp Grab-and-Go or Dine-In, for Thursday, Nov. 26. Dine-In meu is roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, glazed sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, tossed salad, pumpkin squares, and drink, $19.95 adults, $12.95 6-11 years old. Turkey dinner to go, $59.95, 6-8 servings. Ham dinner to go, $69.95, 8-10 servings. Call 808-967-8356.

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SPECIAL THANKSGIVING MENU at Kīlauea Lodge & Restaurant is available for dine-in and to-go. Reservations required to dine in between 3 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26. Pickup slots available between noon and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day; cut off for to-go orders is Thursday, Nov. 19. Call 808-967-7366.
    Dine-in prix fixe menu is seasonal welcome pupus of maple bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, brie bites, and bread basket; appetizer, choice of Autumn Salad or Kabocha Squash Soup; entrée, choice of turkey at $55, filet mignon at $65, or vegetarian at $48, with sides. Add lobster tail, $20. Keiki traditional turkey dinner, $25. Choice of dessert: pumpkin pie, Punaluʻu Sweet Bread pudding, or chocolate layer cake. 
    To-go menu is same style as Easter and Mother's Day: $32 per person for roasted turkey (light & dark meat), stuffing, gravy, cornbread with whipped honey butter, roasted red & sweet potatoes with herbs and caramelized onions, green bean casserole with crispy shallots, balsamic Brussels sprouts, salad of kale & greens with goat cheese and dried cranberries in a vinaigrette, and pumpkin pie. Keiki meal of corndog with macaroni & cheese, add $7.

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FREE PUBLIC COVID-19 TESTING will be held tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 30 in North Kona at the Keauhou Shopping Center.

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THE UNITED STATES RECORDED OVER 100,000 NEW COVID-19 CASES and over 1,200 deaths from COVID in the last day. The U.S. cumulative case count is more than 8,943,590 – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 228,636 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide deaths.

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 eight new COVID cases today. New cases reported statewide today total 77, with 60 on Oʻahu, two on Lanaʻi, one on Kauaʻi, and six residents diagnosed while out-of-state. One case was moved from Maui to Lanaʻi.
    Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 1,238 cases. There are at least four people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
    Since the pandemic began, 46 deaths have been reported by Hilo Life Center (12); 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 215 people have died in the state, according to state records, two new today.
    There have been 14,911 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 11,682 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 3,000 active cases in isolation.
    Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu has reported 13,013 cases, Maui 404, Lanaʻi 97, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 64. Seventy victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,090 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, 19 active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 37 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 92 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 25 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Pepeʻekeo zip code 96783, 27 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.
    Worldwide, more than 44.94 million COVID-19 cases have been reported. The death toll is more than 1,180,277.

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
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, "as long as supplies last."

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. 

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., volcanogardenarts.comcafeono.net, 967-7261. For more information go to ehcc.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.

Manu, the Boy Who Loved Birds Virtual Book Release with author Caren Loebel-Fried and special guests all day Thursday, Nov. 5. Option to order books with personalized inscriptions. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222


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.

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.

Veterans Day Ceremony and Dinner, Kīlauea Military Camp, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Ceremony held live on KMC Facebook page at 3 p.m. Veterans Day Dinner at Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations required, limited number of complimentary meals available. Call 967-8371 for either Dine-In or Grab & Go. Menu: prime rib au jus, vegetable stir fry & black bean sauce, roasted red potatoes, cheesecake, and drink. Adults $26.95, $16.95 Vegetarian Option (w/o prime rib), children 6-11 years old, $14.95. Proof of eligibility (Military ID, DD214 with photo ID, 100% DAV, or Hawaiʻi Veterans driver license) required to receive complimentary meal. Face coverings and 6 feet distancing required in common areas. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 

Introduction to Beadweaving, new series of beading classes with Phyllis Cullen, begins Thursday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Kaʻū Art Gallery First Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaʻū Art Gallery (behind Ace, across from Punaluʻu Bakery, in Nāʻālehu – the old Kamaʻaina Cuts building). Free admission, face masks required for all. Contact organizer Corrine Kaupu at 808-937-1840 or kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz to vend.

Second Saturday Barbecue Fundraiser, Saturday, Nov. 14 in the parking lot of Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Come get barbecued turkey legs and more. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Basics of Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222


Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. Group 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.

Kīlauea Military Camp Thanksgiving Dinner, Dine-In or Grab-and-Go, for Thursday, Nov. 26 – order by Monday, Nov. 16. Choice of turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed poataoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, pumpkin squares. $19.95 adults, $12.95 6-11 yrs old for Dine-In. Turkey dinner to go, $59.95. Ham dinner to go, $69.95. Call 808-967-8356.

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 required.

Beadweaving in the Round
 with Phyllis Cullen, Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Christmas in the Country 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition opens Saturday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Dec. 31 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Small Businesses and Nonprofits can Apply for Reimbursement Grants through the Business Pivot Program to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products, and services. Grant application open until Nov. 23, as funds are available. Click here for eligibility requirements and to apply. Click here for frequently asked questions.

Holiday Open House at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Friday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy viewing of handmade wreaths, cider, music, door prizes, and gifts. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

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
Halloween Safety Tips are promoted in a video shared by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. The video cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the holiday, warning against high-risk activities such as door-to-door trick-or-treating, and indoor gatherings or haunted houses. Watch the video at khpes.org.

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. Watch the mayoral forum on PBS at youtube.com/watch?v=uneuqwEPH7s.

Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.

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 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 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, including quitting or reduced hours to provide childcare, 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, HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, 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: surveymonkey.com/r/638VWS6.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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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