Tuesday, November 03, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Competitors Ikaika Marzo and Mayor elect Mitch Roth. Their race was characterized by their extreme kindness to
each other and their friendship. Photo from Marzo Facebook

COUNTY PROSECUTOR MITCH ROTH WILL BE THE NEXT MAYOR OF HAWAIʻI COUNTY. See more below. Residents waited late into the night for results for races for county mayor, state House of Representatives, state Senators, U.S. Representatives, and elected members of the board of Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Candidates accepted the results after release of the first vote count.
    State Sen. Kai Kahele, with family ties to Miloliʻi and a father who represented Kaʻū in the Hawaiʻi legislature, won with 59 percent of the vote to represent rural Hawaiʻi in Congress. With 163,464 votes over Joe Akana's 77,083, he will travel to Washington, D.C. to set up his office in the House of Representatives. Learn more, below.
    Ed Case with 71 percent of the vote was declared winner and will go back to the U.S. House for urban Hawaiʻi. He formerly represented Kaʻū and rural Hawaiʻi, and worked on shoreline protection campaigns here.
    Joy San Buenaventura won, with 13,765 votes over Ron Ka-Ipo's 4,443. She will go to the state House of Representatives for East Kaʻū into Puna.
    Richard Onishi won, with 7,997 votes over Susan Hughes' 3,034. He will return to the state House of Representatives for east Kaʻū into Hilo.
    Jeanné Kapela won with 8,069 votes over Michael Last's 1,565 and Citalli Johanna Decker's 792. Kapela will head to the state House of Representatives for west Kaʻū into Kona.
    See more details on candidates below and in Wednesday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Ikaika Marzo and his "lifetime companion" and Campaign Manager
Selma Kettwich. Photo from Marzo Facebook
MITCH ROTH WILL BE THE NEXT MAYOR of Hawaiʻi County, with 50,370 votes over Ikaika Marzo's 35,887. during the general election on Tuesday. Roth and Marzo had nothing but good words for one another, an attitude they maintained throughout the campaign. 
    Roth waited for results in a small backyard gathering in his rural Hilo home, while Marzo played guitar and gathered with supporters at Kona Country Club.
    Release of election results were delayed statewide by long lines in Honolulu to vote in person, even though the vast majority of people cast their ballots through a first-time, mail-in system, during an overwhelming record-setting participation in voting. 
    The number of voters statewide topped the previous record set in 2008 when Barack Obama, who grew up in Hawaiʻi, ran for president, and previous records in 1970 and 1972 during the Viet Nam War. 
    Before results were released, Marzo's facebook showed this post: "It's all in Ke Akua's hands. It has always been. Mahalo Ke Akua for all the blessings you have given us and we leave it up to you lord. Mahalo Ke Akua!!!" 
    Marzo also posted this about his campaign manager: "I just wanted to say a big, huge mahalo to my biggest supporter and Campaign Manager – mahalo for making this campaign a success. Heart of gold, heart for the people, and heart for Hawaiʻi. You have dedicated your entire time to this campaign. 
Clyde Silva, a Pāhala resident and president of a pensioners organization
representing retired union sugar workers, gave a talk on his
support for Mitch Roth recently. See it here: 
facebook.com/mitchroth1/videos/3579934138738066.
    "You have done an exceptional job and I would not ask for anyone else. From the beginning, campaign coordinators, candidates, other campaign managers said 'it's not possible to have a lifetime companion fill the role of Campaign Manager and walk out healthy and strong on the other side... It is not a good idea,' everyone and the textbooks said. And guess what? We made it to the General Election and we have a huge chance at being successful at this election. It's all about trust, aloha, and passion. We had our struggles but nothing overwhelming. We had each others' backs from the beginning and we will continue to have each others backs no matter what life throws at us. Mahalo nui, Selma, and I love you. Grassroots campaign with love for this ‘āina and it's people will never stop. #marzoformayor.'" 

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Kaialiʻi Kahele, homeboy of Kaʻū, won the right to represent Kaʻū,
and all of rural Hawaiʻi today.
ACKNOWLEDGING HIS WIN, KAIALIʻI KAHELE sent this message to supporters: "I want to personally mahalo all of you who voted in Hawaiʻi's General Election and exercised your right to make your voices heard. It has been so exciting to see the record voter turnout throughout our state and our nation! 
    "I am deeply honored and humbled to be elected to serve Hawaiʻi's Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. I look forward to working hard to make each and every day better for you, the people of Hawaiʻi. I look forward to being your voice and I look forward to making you proud.
    "Each and every one of you, from Hilo to Hanalei, are important to me. We ALL share a love for these islands, and I will serve you to the utmost of my abilities and be a voice for you in Congress.
    "This is a critical time for our nation. We have been divided for far too long. We need to unite and heal these differences if we are to overcome the unprecedented challenges our country faces.
    "I am committed to working with our Congressional Delegates and leaders in Washington to tackle the tough issues and do what is right for Hawaiʻi and our country. I want to bring the spirit of unity and aloha to Washington.
    "It's time to go to work! Let's do this Hawaiʻi. Me ka haʻahaʻa."

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A van loaded up with kits filled with hand sanitizer, facial tissue, and more. Read below about Boys & Girls Club 
Big Island's COVID-related Family Support Kits, tens of thousands of hot weekday meals, 
volunteers going above and beyond, and how to donate. BGCBI photo


COMMUNITY MEAL SUPPORT through Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island will continue during November. The initiative provides 878 individuals with hot meals on weekdays. The program has fed people for the eight months of the pandemic, producing over 130,000 individual hot meals that have gone to support Island keiki, kūpuna, frontline healthcare workers, rural area family households, and various homeless populations. Paniolo Country Stew was a recent hot meal. 
Keiki, kūpuna, and others in need all over Kaʻū and this island
receive hot meals on weekdays from Boys & Girls Club.
BGCBI photo
    Watch the recent segment by KHON TV featuring the 100,000+ community meal support efforts at khon2.com/coronavirus/boys-and-girls-club-of-the-big-island-serves-100000-meals-to-families-in-need/.
    Boys & Girls Club continues to assist Salvation Army resource centers, state and county-owned low-income family housing programs, the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, local homeless shelters based in Hilo, Puna and Kona, and struggling families that have been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
    Boys & Girls Club gives special recognition and mahalo to volunteers Mike and Julie Tulang. Since March, the Tulangs have devoted every Tuesday afternoon to help transport close to 100 hot meals out to the rural area communities of Kaʻū, assuring that families residing throughout Pāhala and Ocean View have the extra nutritional supplementation that is required. "Thank you Mike and Julie for supporting our efforts through your time, personal transportation, and the fuel you utilize without any ask of reimbursement. And thank you Mike for your continued service as one of our dedicated Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island esteemed Board member," says an announcement from BCGBI's Chief Executive Officer, Chad Cabral.
    Over 200 COVID-related Family Support Kits have been assembled and delivered to Kaʻū and West Hawaiʻi. Each kit contains family size hand sanitizer, hand soap, paper towel rolls, tissue boxes, disposable face masks and gloves, trash bags, and household disinfectant cleaner. All family support kits (having a value of $30) are provided free-of-charge, "as we know that for many struggling, affording the extras during this time may be difficult. We hope that this support effort helps to keep COVID community spread down on Hawaiʻi Island. Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island will continue our efforts to assist our most vulnerable populations throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to this much needed and worthwhile cause," says the announcement.  
Mike and Julie Tulang volunteer to deliver over 100 hot meals
every Tuesday to those in need in Kaʻū.
BGCBI photo
    In addition to providing meals and kits, Boys & Girls Club recently provided quick response for income-challenged youth and families located in communities and housing complexes throughout Hawaiʻi Island that have had identified COVID clusters.
    To make a donation, click on their PayPal link, paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_
id=QNVDHX44MD6CS.

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SECOND SATURDAY IN VOLCANO VILLAGE is held this month on Nov. 14. Organized and promoted by Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi, the monthly event seeks to bring people into Volcano Village, keeping commerce alive and providing an event for the community, and to "celebrate and share this thriving community of artists, scientists, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners," say the website. 
    Volcano Art Center will feature a choice of BBQ baby back ribs or half a chicken, with sides of corn on the cob and baked beans, for $20 per plate. Pre-order on Volcano Art Center's website. All orders are grab-and-go. Pre-orders drive by at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus, tickets will be available day of event. Cash and credit cards accepted. 
    Kīlauea Lodge Restaurant will have all-day comfort food, for both curbside take-out and dine-in, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Volcano Garden Arts & Café Ono will be serving special plate lunches. Jewelry designer Suzie Cousins will be showcasing her collections of wearable art and demonstrating some of her techniques.
    
Businesses in Volcano Village can renew or apply for new membership in Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi for $20 until the end of November. Details available at experiencevolcano.com/2020special.
    Membership offers perks such as free 25-word classified ads in the newsletter. Buy, sell, trade or donate. Members can send ads to experiencevolcano@gmail.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month. Ads will publish until canceled. No artwork or logos allowed.
    Experience Volcano's Steering Committee will host Ross Burch, executive director Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau, to attend the Nov. 9 Zoom meeting. The goal is to explore how HVB can help market Volcano as a destination.

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GIVE INPUT ON CLEANING UP THE FORMER QUARRY FIRING RANGE inside in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. National Park Service seeks public comment on engineering evaluation and cost analysis. The cleanup will address surface soils impacted with heavy metals. The EE/CA document is available through Dec. 1.
    Executive Summary of the EE/CA and the Community Involvement Plan are available online at parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=307&projectID=92898. View them in person, by appointment only – call 808-985-6073 – at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Headquarters Building, 1 Crater Rim Drive, in the Park, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Electronically submit comments via the website above or writing to Ms. Danielle Foster at danielle_foster@nps.gov or Environmental Protection Specialist, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaiʻi National Park, HI 96718.
    The QFR site is located on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa, about ten miles south of Park headquarters. It is situated about 260 feet west of Highway 11. Use of the former quarry as a firing range reportedly began in 1940; the site was used in this capacity until 1982.
Old quarry firing range in the Park.
    
The non-time critical removal action is expected to address risks to human health and the environment and eliminate the need for further cleanup actions at the site. Additional documents will be added to the Administrative Record File, also available on the website, as work at the site proceeds.
    Investigations were conducted at the QFR site from 2013 to 2017. Results indicate that bullets and bullet fragments were observed within the thin layer of soil surrounding the former backstop, firing line/lanes, and other related areas. Lead, antimony, and copper were determined to be contaminants of potential concern. Potential human receptors include site workers and recreational users; potential ecological receptors include plants, soil invertebrates, birds, and mammals, including several protected wildlife species: the Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian short-eared owl, and Hawaiian hawk.

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FREE COVID-19 TESTING, open to the public, will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Keauhou Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to noon and in Hilo at Afook Chinen Auditorium parking from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

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 SEVEN NEW COVID-19 CASES today. There are at least ten people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
    New cases reported statewide today total 89, with 73 on Oʻahu, three on Lanaʻi, one on Kauaʻi, and five residents diagnosed out-of-state.
    Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 219 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
    There have been 15,318 total COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 11930 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 3,170 active cases in isolation.
    Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu has reported 13,321 cases, Maui 410, Lanaʻi 103, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 67. Eighty-nine victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,124 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, 14 active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 35 cases have been reported in the last 30 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 103 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 23 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Pepeʻekeo zip code 96783, 26 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.
    COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 9,379,590 – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The U.S. now averages 500,000 new cases per week, up from about 300,000 a day at the beginning of October. The death toll is more than 232,553 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide deaths. 
    Worldwide, there are more than 47.34 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,212,844.

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
Attend Free Virtual Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival through Wednesday 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

Learn How to Help Hawaiʻi Island's Food System during the third annual Hawaiʻi Island Community Food Summit through the month of November. 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. The 2020 Food Summit website page provides information about sessions and corresponding registration links, with new content and sessions as the weeks progress. 
    Keynote Presentation is Friday, Nov. 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with Sarah Newcomb, a member of the Hawaiʻi Island Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council. Register here. Watch preparation videos for Food Summit on Youtube, prerecorded to give participants the most time together during live discussions on Nov. 6. When registering for live sessions, summit questions ahead of time. See more here.

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 Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Nov. 7 in Ocean View. 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. 

Celebrate Veterans Day at ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Marketplace property on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans will receive $15 gift certificates to use at OKK food vendors onsite. Farmer's Market will be in progress. Lucky Lizards band will play from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Shootz band will play from 10 a.m. to noon. Masks and social distancing required. A few shade tents and chairs will be set up, first-come, first-served. Attendees are welcome to bring their own. Free watermelon will be given away to all. Food will be available to purchase from OKK Market vendors.

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.

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 at meeting; send to Nominations Committee Chair, David S. Case, at casedavids@gmail.com. Review and comment on proposals. Enjoy world-class educational and musical presentations Nov. 12, 13, and 14. See hfuuhi.org.

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 potatoes, 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

Volcano Garden Arts' Think X-Mas! Exquisite Gift Sale, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Nov. 27, 28, and 29 features special plate lunch at Cafe Ono. Held at 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd. See ShopVGA.netCafeOno.net, and VolcanoGardenArts.com.

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

Receive Help Signing Up for Med-Quest Health Insurance via nonprofit organizations starting Sunday through Dec. 15. Local contacts through the community organization Kalanihale include Kaʻimi Kaupilo, of Miloliʻi, who can be reached at 808-937-1310 and Donna Kekoa, of Pāhala, at 808-769-1334.
    The state's Med-Quest provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans. 
    Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
    Kokua Services will help with virtual appointments through the Certified Assisters above.

ONGOING
New operating hours for Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.

New operating hours for Ocean View Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.

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 Utility Assistance, to pay for electricity, non-government water, or gas. Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident, at least 18 years old, lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, and not previously received assistance from other COVID-19 federal or state-funded programs. Funded by CARES Act and distributed by Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, required documents for application are government-issued identification, income verification documents for all household members, utility statement with address of services, lease/rental agreement or mortgage document, and proof of hardship. Hardship may include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, or layoff letter.

Apply at HCEOC.net or call 808-961-2681. 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.

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.

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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