Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, November 4, 2020

This Associated Press map from 7 p.m. Wednesday shows Joe Biden in the lead over Pres. Donald Trump, in number of
popular and Electoral College votes. AP projected Biden winning Arizona but the race tightened after AP produced this map.

THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION remains up in the air, with states still counting votes. Wednesday evening, Associated Press projected at 7 p.m. Joe Biden with 264 Electoral College votes, 50.4 percent of the vote, with 72,062,575 ballots cast in his favor. AP estimated incumbent Donald Trump with 214 Electoral College votes, 48 percent of the vote, and 68,595,653 ballots cast in his favor. A presidential candidate needs 270 Electoral College votes to win. AP projected that Biden would win Arizona. However, Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia were still counting ballots.

    Voters in Hawaiʻi cast 365,802 ballots for Biden and Kamala Harris, 63.2 percent. Trump and Mike Pence received 196,602 ballots, 33.9 percent, of the vote. About 5,000 people declined to vote for any presidential candidate, and 11,450 people voted for other candidates.

    The winner of the presidential race and their vice president will be officially selected by the Electoral College on Dec. 14 and sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 – if all recounts and disputes are resolved by then.

Keola Lindsey will represent Hawaiʻi Island in the
Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

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.

KEOLA LINDSEY WILL REPRESENT HAWAIʻI ISLAND on the board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. A Kawaihae resident, he takes over for his uncle, Robert Lindsey Jr., the present trustee for Hawaiʻi Island, who will retire from his position. 

    After winning the election, Lindsey posted a simple, "Mahalo,” on Facebook,

    Lindsey won over Lanakila Mangauil, of Hamakua. The pair topped the field of 11 and are well known in the Hawaiian political world. Lindsey works for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as its Director of Advocacy. Lindsey received 44 percent of votes and Manquail received 31.5 percent. There were 24.4 percent of voters who chose neither candidate.

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.

INCUMBENT KELIʻI AKINA WILL REPRESENT ALL ISLANDS on the board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Akina, a Ph.D., is president and CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi. Grassroot's website says he is a recognized scholar, public policy spokesperson and community leader in Hawaiʻi. He has held OHA office since 2016. 
    In a Facebook post today, he said, "I am incredibly grateful to my wonderful family, friends, supporters, volunteers, and everyone who stood with us in this campaign. I commend our opponent Keoni Souza and his supporters on an excellent effort and wish him all the best. Most of all, I thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve as an OHA Trustee-at-Large. Please pray that I will always faithfully better the conditions of native Hawaiians and spread Aloha throughout our state. Mahalo for your support!"

    Akina is an expert in East-West Philosophy and ethics, has taught at universities in China and the United States, including Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and holds advanced degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Hawaiʻi. He won over Keoni Souza. Akina received 36.3 percent of votes and Souza received 31.4 percent. There were 32.2 percent of voters who chose neither candidate.

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.

LUANA ALAPA WILL REPRESENT MOLOKAʻI AND LANAʻI on the board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. She beat out incumbent OHA trustee and Chair Colette Machado. A former Miss Hawaiʻi, Alapa received 35 percent of votes and Machado received 26.1 percent. There were 38.9 percent of voters who chose neither candidate.

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.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND MAYOR-ELECT MITCH ROTH WILL BE SWORN IN MONDAY, DEC. 7 at noon. Incumbent Mayor Harry Kim lost to Roth and Ikaika Marzo in the primary election, which boasted a field of 14 candidates. In the primary, Roth led with 31.4 percent, followed by Ikaika Marzo at 20.8 percent. In the general election, Roth received 56.9 percent of votes, Marzo 40.5 percent, and 2.5 percent of voters did not vote for a mayoral candidate. See more and reactions in yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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.

JEANNÉ KAPELA ASSUMED THE WEST KAʻŪ STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES seat on Nov. 3. As of yesterday, she represents House District 5 from Honuʻapo, though Nāʻālehu, Ocean View, and Miloliʻi, into Kona. A resident of Capt. Cook, Kapela takes over incumbent Richard Creagan's seat, who retired from public office yesterday – see story in the June 5 Ka‘ū News Briefs. Kapela won over Aloha ʻĀina Party member Citlalli Johanna Decker and Libertarian Michael Last, of Nāʻālehu. She received 68.4 percent of the votes, while Last received 13.4 percent and Decker received 6.9 percent. There were 11.3 percent of voters who chose no candidate for the seat.

    On her Facebook today, she said, "We did it. Mahalo for electing me to be your representative to the Hawaiʻi State House. Together, we made history. We embraced leadership with aloha that puts people and our planet first. We chose compassion over competition and hope over fear. This is our moment. I won't let you down."

Jeanné Kapela took over Richard Creagan's seat yesterday.

    According to a campaign statement sent to The Kaʻū Calendar, Kapela is the Prevention Education Coordinator for IMUAlliance. The statement says the organization is "one of Hawaiʻi's largest victim service providers for survivors of sex trafficking."
    According to the statement, she also serves West Hawaiʻi as a member of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Board of Directors and as Operations Coordinator for the Kona Historical Society. She is a Lions Club of Kona member, communications chair of Konawaena High School's 100th Anniversary Committee, and Director of the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition.
    She was previously on the board of Kona Coffee Farmers Association. The statement says she served as Executive Director of UNITE Hawaiʻi, an organization devoted to ending sexual exploitation through education. Kapela worked two sessions in the Hawaiʻi legislature, for Rep. Nadine Nakamura in 2017 and for Rep. Amy Perruso in 2019. Her statement says she worked on increasing public education funding, banning use of pesticide glyphosate on public school campuses, and addressing the climate crisis.
    Kapela, 25, was born in Kona and raised on a small coffee farm in Captain Cook. She graduated from Konawaena High School in 2012. She wrote to The Kaʻū Calendar that she grew up in poverty, and "understands the importance of putting people before profit." Her campaign information says she is running "to protect our iconic agricultural and coffee industries, champion the needs of working families, deliver the schools our keiki deserve, and defend the environment from a worsening climate crisis. I am committed to advancing the common good for the community in which I was born and raised… I am dedicated to strengthening West Hawaiʻi through the spirit of public service.
    "It's time to guarantee that the workers who drive our economy are able to thrive financially, give our children a world-class education system, make the islands affordable for all who call Hawaiʻi home, and protect our ʻāina for generations to come.

Richard Creagan retired from public service. 
Kapela took his seat yesterday.

    "Our community deserves leadership with aloha. Two years ago, my campaign started a movement to bring hope to those who need it most. Today, faced with a soaring cost of living, crumbling schools, and climate change, that movement is more urgent than ever."
    Kapela's campaign promises to raise the minimum wage to at least $17/hour, establish statewide paid family leave and sick pay programs, raise teacher pay, eliminate the gender pay gap, defend women's rights to access reproductive care, advocate for additional resources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, educate children about the dangers of sexual exploitation, and increase the availability of rehabilitative care for survivors of sex trafficking.
    She says she will also work to eliminate cash bail, fully fund schools, reduce standardized testing, create community schools that provide "wraparound services for vulnerable children," create affordable housing, support a single-payer healthcare insurance program, and ensure access to protective equipment, testing capacity, bed space, and essential medicine.
    Her campaign also includes initiatives to fund research on eliminating agricultural infestations, increase funding for Hawaiʻi's conservation and sustainability programs, support measures for a managed retreat from Hawaiʻi's coastlines, advocate for a carbon tax, and create a Green New Deal for the islands that "uplifts workers' prosperity and our ʻāina for generations to come."
    The statement from her campaign says that, as a Native Hawaiian woman, Kapela is committed to preserving Hawaiian culture and supporting legislation to increase Hawaiians' share of public land revenue. She wrote that she will work to ensure Hawaiian families are given access to homestead lands, defend Hawaiʻi's land and water resources from commodification, and empower indigenous voices in political decision-making.

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.

JOY SAN BUENAVENTURA ASSUMED THE EAST KAʻŪ STATE SENATE seat yesterday. She represents District 2, east Kaʻū and Volcano, into Puna and Hilo. Incumbent Russell Ruderman retired from public office yesterday – see story in the May 20 Kaʻū News Briefs. San Buenaventura ran against Aloha ʻĀnia party member Ron Ka-Ipo. She won 67.8 percent of the votes, he received 22.4 percent. There were 9.8 percent of voters who chose neither candidate. She retired from her District 4 state House of Representatives seat, representing Keaʻau and lower Puna, for this office. Greggor Ilagan takes that seat.
    A 30-year resident of East Hawaiʻi and resident of Keaʻau, San Buenaventura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, she worked at the Environmental Protection Agency as a computer programmer and with Reynolds Electrical Engineering as a law clerk. Joy went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Joy San Buenaventura represents east Kaʻū
and Volcano in the state Senate.

    San Buenaventura was a lecturer of business law at University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. In 1991, she was appointed Per Diem District Court Judge, making her the youngest judge in Hawaiʻi at the age of 32. In one of her early court-appointed cases, she represented the first geothermal protesters opposing the proposed geothermal well at Wao Kele O Puna. In 1992 she was the first attorney to prosecute/settle a breast implant case in the State of Hawaiʻi. In 2013-2014 she took two of her clients' cases to the highest court in the state, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.
    San Buenaventura volunteers her time by helping the public access the courts through the Self-Help Center, and helping the public resolve their disputes amicably through Kuʻikahi Mediation Center.
She resides in a photo-voltaic powered home in Hawaiian Paradise Park with her husband, "Weldin" Sheldon Lehman.
    San Buenaventura told The Kaʻū Calendar she intended to run for re-election when she received a call from Ruderman, of his intent to not seek re-election. She says she believes that, in this tough economic time, "experienced, proven leadership is needed."
    Her first run for office unseated Faye Hanohano, "whose many publicized remarks in 2013-2014 divided Puna needlessly among racial lines." San Buenaventura says Hanohano's "divisiveness prevented Puna from getting the attention and funding it needed. In order for funding or bills to pass, the majority of both the House and Senate need to vote to pass these bills. Someone who is unable to work with the majority of the 51 members in the house and the 25 members of the Senate cannot get anything done."
    San Buenaventura says she believed that her strength as a trial attorney for 30 years would help Puna get the attention it needed. She lists some of her accomplishments as helping alleviate stand-still traffic during the afternoon rush-hour on Highway 130; advocating for funding, receiving over $50 million, for construction, including a Pāhoa roundabout "that transformed the deadliest intersection in the State highway system into the safest, with no fatalities since its creation" and helping get rid of standstill traffic in front of Keaʻau High School. She says she wants to focus on Highway 11 and alternates to Highway 11.
    When the 2018 lava crisis occurred, her campaign information says San Buenaventura "was a constant presence at non-profit meetings, volunteering at the county then FEMA disaster centers and pleading with the Governor and federal housing authorities to provide immediate housing for the displaced residents." She says her efforts led to opening senior housing placements in Pāhala and renovating abandoned Keaʻau public housing units. She brought House leadership to see the damage being done and brought House, Senate, and County leadership to a conference at her law office that August to hash out the needs of the County; and continued negotiations which led to her acquiring $60 million in state funds in the 2019 session for the county to use and to grow by using it as matching funds for federal aid.

Russell Ruderman retired from public service.
San Buenaventura took his seat yesterday.

    Her campaign information cites her "ability to bring people together" leading House Speaker Scott Saiki to appoint her in 2019-2020 as Chair of Human Services and Homelessness. In that capacity, she says she found that, to fix chronic homelessness, "public behavioral health treatment centers are needed because the only state public mental hospital was admitting only those who are criminally insane."
    During her one term as Chair, she introduced, advocated for, and passed a series of bills "that reform our criminal justice system to immediately examine and treat those who are mentally ill" and passed funding procedures to reuse the vacant buildings on Oʻahu, at the old Kona Courthouse, and the old Hilo Hospital as behavioral treatment centers.
    San Buenaventura says she hopes to work with Aunty Jessie, Executive Director of Kaʻū Rural Health, "in supporting and extending the kūpuna telehealth project with Department of Labor; and work toward an infrastructure plan to bring a dialysis center to Kaʻū and Puna."
    San Buenaventura says she ran for senate because, with a longer term, "she can do more and be able to represent east Kaʻū and Puna mauka – some issues are intertwined with the needs of Puna makai, whom she represented." She says her experience in the legislature, especially in a leadership position of Majority Whip and House Chair, has given her the stature to deal with other department heads in speaking to them of Puna and Kaʻū issues.
    She also says, "COVID-19 will require a new look as to how Hawaiʻi can be self-sustaining. The 2020 legislative session recently passed a bill legalizing hemp which may help bring Kaʻū and Puna out of economic distress because of the worldwide demand for hemp in the creation of CBD and hemp oil. That is just one example of a new industry that the state should consider in moving forward. In the meantime, while we have Federal monies, infrastructure like fixing/expanding roads needs to be done so that people can still pay bills and the roads will be ready when full commuter traffic comes back.
    "With Young Brothers in economic distress, the issue of whether the state will subsidize or deregulate interisland shipment of goods will need to be addressed soon by experienced legislators – because no matter how many crops we grow or products we make for worldwide consumption, high shipment costs will prevent economic recovery."
    She says she hopes "to be the voice of all of Puna and east Kaʻū in the legislature as the State navigates a path forward beyond this economic crisis."

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.

RICHARD ONISHI CONTINUED SERVING IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES yesterday, his fifth term for District 3, which stretches from Honuʻapo and Punaluʻu to Pāhala, Volcano, into Puna and South Hilo. A Democrat, Onishi ran against Republican Susan Hughes. He received 66.7 percent of the vote. Hughes received 25.7 percent of the vote. There were 7.6 percent of voters who chose neither candidate.
    Onishi, a Hilo resident, is a member of the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee and the Agriculture Committee, and chairs the Tourism & International Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, working with other legislators and officials toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    In mid-July, he and the Kaʻū Farm Bureau helped to organize a gift of Kaʻū's Aikane Plantation Coffee to first responders. Onishi has been a speaker at Farm Bureau meetings and has been honored by the organization for his work for the agricultural community. 

Incumbent Richard Onishi continues to represent
Kaʻū in the state House of Representatives.

    During the 2020 session, despite the interruptions from the pandemic, he was a primary sponsor of 24 bills, including developing a plan to "recognize, honor, and memorialize" the legacy of Kaʻū-born Mary Kawena Pukuʻi in perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
    He has supported the Miss Kaʻū Coffee competition with donations of scholarships. His efforts to help build a larger kitchen for Volcano School of Arts & Sciences and his continuing support helped lead to the VSAS Keakealani Campus that broke ground this summer.
    Onishi was born and raised in Hilo. He and his wife, Joni, have three children. He served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1977. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo in 1986.
    Before his election on Nov. 6, 2012, to the state House of Representatives, he worked for over 20 years for the County of Hawaiʻi as an Information System Analyst. He also worked as a lecturer at UH, a sales manager and travel consultant at Puainako Travel Service, and an operations supervisor and computer programmer for KTA.
    Onishi belongs to the Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association and American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees. His past affiliations include Big Island Computer Users Group and Hawaiʻi System 38 Computer Users Group. His community organizations include the Democratic Party, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi Board, Hawaiʻi Island Adult Care Board, Hawaiʻi County Employees Federal Credit Union Board, Hilo High School Foundation Board, Hilo High School Class of '72 Reunion Committee.
    Onishi's campaign information says he pledges to "address issues and concerns and find solutions to better our communities and our future generations." His website says he promises to listen to, stay in touch, work tirelessly, and work together with constituents. His campaign information says his vision "is for our communities to be safe, healthy, economically viable, and sustainable. I will ensure our communities are a safe place to live, play, work and do business; our children receive high-quality education; our seniors (kūpuna) are cared for; our economy supports local businesses and products; our individual rights are protected; our environment is preserved; and our people have access to first-rate medical services."

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.

PETFIX FREE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@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.

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 TWENTY-ONE NEW COVID-19 CASES today. There are at least eight people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
    New cases reported statewide today total 156, with 125 on Oʻahu, four on Maui, one on Lanaʻi, 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 15,473 total COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 11,958 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 3,300 active cases in isolation.
    Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu has reported 13,445 cases, Maui 414, Lanaʻi 104, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 67. Ninety-four victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,125 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, 27 cases have been reported in the last 30 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 115 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 22 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – 11 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.
    COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 9,480,242 – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The U.S. now averages about 500,000 new cases per week, up from about 300,000 a week at the beginning of October. The death toll is more than 233,663 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 48 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,224,415.

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 

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

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.

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.

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

Second Saturday in Volcano Village on Nov. 14 features Volcano Art Center, volcanoartcenter.org, with 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, volcanogardenarts.com, & Café Ono, cafeono.net, will be serving special plate lunches. Jewelry designer Suzie Cousins will be showcasing her collections of wearable art and demonstrating some of her techniques. See experiencevolcano.com.

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.net, CafeOno.net, and VolcanoGardenArts.com.

Renew or Apply for Membership in Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi for $20 until Nov. 30. 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.

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. 

Give Input on Cleaning up the Former Quarry Firing Range in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Engineering evaluation and cost analysis 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. 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.

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 Kūpuna, 808b-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 Issues, through 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.

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.