About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Kaʻū Coffee farmers and ranchers Phil and Merle Becker, of Aikane Plantation, recently donated this Matson container
 to ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. The Beckers ranch cattle and horses and farm coffee and tea. Photo from OKK


A HŌLUALOA COFFEE FARM HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COFFEE LEAF RUST, reports Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture today. Samples were collected from the farm above Kona on Halloween. Samples from Hilo, mentioned in an earlier news release, were negative for CLR. Earlier in October, CLR was detected and confirmed in the Haiku area of Maui. CLR has not been detected on other islands.
    CLR is one of the most devastating pests of coffee plants and is established in all major coffee-growing areas of the world, but had not been found in Hawaiʻi prior to last month.
    Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture said, "Coffee is one of Hawaiʻi's signature crops, of which production was estimated to be $54.3 million in 2019. As surveys continue across the state, the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture is preparing to establish interim rules that will hopefully prevent the spread of the fungus to uninfested islands."
    Dept of Ag's Advisory Committee on Plant and Animals will hold a virtual meeting Friday, Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. to consider an interim rule to restrict the movement of coffee plants and coffee plant material from islands found to have CLR to islands on which the fungus has not been detected. Sign up at https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/pqmtgs/.


    
See advisories on CLR at https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/ppc/new-pest-advisories/
    To report possible coffee leaf rust infestations on any island, call (808) 973-9525.
    For more information on CLR go to the UH-CTAHR webpages at https://www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/clr.html, http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/h_vasta.htm, or https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/ppc/new-pest-advisories/.

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.

AGRICULTURE WILL BE A KEY TO HAWAIʻI'S FUTURE ECONOMIC SUCCESS, according to Congressman-elect Kai Kahele. He said he wants to serve on the House Agriculture Committee when he goes to Washington. He and Congressman Ed Case gave a joint press conference Monday to talk about COVID, economic recovery and other issues as they prepare for the January start of the 117th U.S. Congress. They said they look toward coordinating their efforts with Hawaiʻi senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz.
    Kahele noted that Congressional District 2, which includes Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi, is the center for agricultural production. He said that serving on the Agriculture Committee would be important to help diversify the economy of the state. He said his view that agriculture can once again be a cornerstone to Hawaiʻi's economy "is not anything new. Many people have come before." They said "the exact same thing, but we just haven't ever done it because we fall back to tourism and the military." Kahele contended there is "so much opportunity" in agriculture. He said he wants to be "a member of Congress for Hawaiʻi 
that just grabs the bull by the horns and just is able to take agriculture to a whole other level in the state."
    Kahele also urged direct federal relief to the counties to help bolster agriculture and deal with the pandemic. With Oʻahu's urban areas receiving the bulk of the relief, rural Hawaiʻi doesn't get its fair share, according to Kahele. He said he doesn't want rural counties "left at the table or having to negotiate with the governor on how much they get. I think that is really important and critical" in future relief packages. 

Congressman-elect Kai Kahele, on a Zoom press
conference Monday with Rep. Ed Case. Photo from Facebook
    Kahele also focused on infrastructure initiatives to produce jobs and improvements for rural Hawaiʻi. He said he wants to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
    Concerning COVID-19, Kahele said he is looking to "a Biden administration that starts at the top, that has a consistent voice for the country in how to deal with the coronavirus." He said he looks to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Health & Human Services agency for "clear guidance to the states in what we need to do to make sure that the health and safety and welfare of the people of Hawaiʻi and our country are first and foremost."
    Under the Trump administration, "It's obvious that that hasn't happened, and we have a surge in coronavirus cases happening all across the country," said Kahele. He predicted "a lot of hard times ahead for us" in Hawaiʻi, with more than the current ~100 cases a day. He predicted it will be difficult to control the virus until an FDA-approved vaccine is distributed. He called for a national mandate to wear masks and said that the "more protective measures that we can do for our community, and equipment that we can provide is going to be absolutely essential to minimize COVID-19."
    Kahele said he, his wife, and their children are moving to Washington, D.C. by Summer 2021. "The entire family is coming to Washington and they're super excited," said Kahele.
    Kahele is a legislator in the Hawaiʻi State Senate, where he serves as Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Water and Land. He also serves as a lieutenant colonel with the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, United States Air Force. Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District encompasses Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau and the rural parts of Oʻahu, including Waimanālo, Kailua, Kāneʻohe, the North Shore, and Leeward.
    Watch the press conference here.

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.

Rep. Ed Case on a Zoom press conference Monday with 
Congressman-elect Kai Kahele. Photo from Facebook

DEALING WITH COVID-19 AND ACQUIRING FUNDING FOR HAWAIʻI, through serving on the House Appropriations Committee, are priorities expressed by Congressman Ed Case during a joint press conference Monday with Congressman-elect Kai Kahele – see story, above. Case noted that Hawaiʻi's battle with coronavirus "severely exposed many, many deep economic issues that Hawaiʻi has and the 
vulnerability that we have."
    Case applauded the election of Joe Biden for president and said it "could not come at a more critical time for our country and for our Hawaiʻi. COVID is getting worse across our country. Division and polarization is just as extreme as it was. Today in our country, unfortunately, the results of that polarization are that many folks feel like winners, but many folks feel like losers, and that's not the way it should be, but it is 
the way it is. We have to be honest about that. He said he hopes for a coronavirus relief package before 
    Donald Trump leaves office on Jan. 20, but has little optimism. "I felt the compelling needs out there in the rest of the country would lead us of all stripes in Washington, D.C., to reach an actual compromise... At the end of the day, a compromise package" may be achieved, helping small businesses in particular and large businesses to an extent; aiding state and local governments with necessary expenses, giving direct impact payments to families in need; bolstering unemployment; and supporting health care. Case predicted additional relief packages after Biden takes office. "I think it's going to take more for us to get all the way through this incredible crisis."
    Case posted to Facebook this morning, "I'm very excited to be part of a great team representing Hawaiʻi with Congressman-elect Kai Kahele in the US House for the upcoming 117th Congress. Kai took his first of many red eyes to DC last night for new member orientation and I wish him only the best."
Case has represented Hawaiʻi's District 1 in the U.S. House since January 2019 and was just re-elected to the 117th Congress for another two-year term. He previously represented Hawaiʻi's District 2, from 2002 to 2007. He currently serves on the House Appropriations and Natural Resources Committees.

Pets in Kaʻū and beyond can benefit from
free veterinary care. HIHS photo
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.

FREE VETERINARY CARE from Kaʻū to Hāmākua is coming thanks to Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society's new Community Pet Support Program, in partnership with John R. Peterson Foundation. The program provides basic veterinary care to pets in need, all around Hawaiʻi Island. The Community Pet Support Program includes vaccinations, routine lab tests, deworming, flea and tick preventatives, and routine health maintenance.
    First served were residents of senior housing in Kona, Kamakana Village. Next on the roster over the next two months are Nāʻālehu, Ocean View, Kohala, Laupāhoehoe, Waikoloa, Hōnaunau and Paʻauilo.
    The spay and neuter services via the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society's Mobile "Waggin" – and at the shelters in Keaʻau, Waimea and Kona – will be expanded, to help eliminate pet overpopulation. West Hawaiʻi Humane Society is providing the funding, and providing equipment to increase the ability to rehabilitate pets coming into the shelters.
    Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beth Jose said, "Thanks to Ginger Towle and the Board of Directors of the West Hawaiʻi Humane Society, we are excited to open up new appointment times to the public for free spays and neuters. Our main goal with the Community Pet Support Program is to preserve families by providing services and resources to help keep pets in homes. We would not be able to do this expanded outreach into the community without the support of the John R. Peterson Foundation."
    Catherine Chow, Chief Executive Officer of John R. Peterson 


Foundation, said, "The John R. Peterson Foundation was established in 2020 with the mission to ensure better, longer lives for companion animals. The Foundation strives to tackle and alleviate those conditions that cause animals to be placed into shelters and rescues. Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society's Community Pet Support Program tied in perfectly into mission and values." Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society is staffed with two licensed veterinarians, serving both East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi, and supported with trained, professional veterinary assistants. The veterinary team follows guidelines set by nationally-recognized organizations regarding high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with 
contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
    The Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society has performed nearly 50,000 spay and neuter surgeries in the last nine years.

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.

Pueo Series in mixed media by Ira Ono.
VOLCANO VILLAGE ART HUI: CREATIVE ADAPTATIONS 2020 34th annual Studio Tour & Sale has been adapted to fit these challenging times. Over Thanksgiving weekend – Nov. 27-29, Friday through Sunday – participating artists will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours.
    Many artists will continue these opportunities throughout December and beyond. Several locations plan to be open for direct sales, including Fahrenheit 2400 Glass Gallery and Volcano Garden Arts. Elizabeth Miller, Margaret Barnaby and Erik Wold plan to continue to take appointments to visit their studios. Lisa Louise Adams, Margaret Barnaby, Chiu Leong, Charlotte Forbes Perry, Joan Yoshioka and Emily Herb invite the public to visit their websites for online purchases. However, any of these plans may change due to health & safety considerations. The Hui encourages the public to contact individual artists to discover the most current available options:
    Chiu Leong – porcelain, tea, www.teahawaii.com; Elizabeth Miller – prints, cards, metalwork, lizmillerart@gmail.com; Emily Herb – pottery, sculptural clay vessels, www.emilyherb.com, Erik Wold – pottery, erikwoldpottery.square.site/; Ira Ono – treasures, 19-3834 Old Volcano Road, www.shopvga.com; Lisa Louise Adams – art, great gifts, online classes, www.lisalouiseadams.com; Margaret Barnaby – woodblock prints, www.margaretbarnaby.com; Mike & Misato Mortara – hand blown art glass, www.2400F.com; guest artist Charlotte Forbes Perry – ceramic tiles, stained glass, www.etsy.com/olaatilestainedglass; and guest artist Joan M. Yoshioka - original paintings, prints, http://drawingonnature.blogspot.com/. Out of an abundance of caution, Pam Barton, Randy Sutton, Ricia Shema, and Zeke Israel have chosen not to participate this year.
    See www.VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information. The Hui thanks the public for their valued support throughout the years.

Hand-blown glass holiday ornaments by Mike & Misato Mortara.


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.

BIG ISLAND GIVING TREE will have a booth at St. Jude's in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Available to those in need will be free clothing, linens, shoes, household items, cleaning products, and hygiene products.

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


HIGH SURF ADVISORY is in effect for all east-facing shores through Thursday. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong currents making swimming more difficult and dangerous. There are no beaches closures at this time but closures may occur without notice. Property owners that may be impacted by high surf are advised to secure property, including water vessels.

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.

CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 11. 
    During ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Market in Nāʻālehu, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy free watermelon and musical entertainment for all attendees, with veterans gifted a $15 voucher to purchase lunch from market vendors. Limited chairs available; bring chairs if need. 
    Kīlauea Military Camp will hold a live, virtual ceremony on KMC Facebook from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. At Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, enjoy dine-in or to-go special dinner, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations required, limited number of complimentary meals for veterans available. 
    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. Call 967-8371.

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.

COMMUNITY SPREAD OF COVID-19 is concentrated in Hawaiʻi Island residents in the Kona area. Data from Department of Health shows the majority of new cases are 40 years old or younger. Recent increases of positive cases are mostly not travel-related. Increased testing, especially in the Kona area, is being scheduled. The purpose of testing is to identify positive cases as early as possible and help stop spread. 
    By getting tested, says Civil Defense, "know that you are helping stop the spread of this virus and helping to protect our families and community. This high increase of the coronavirus is of great concern and demonstrates the critical need for you to follow the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing and gatherings. Know that the preventive policies are mandated and the Hawaiʻi Police Department will continue the enforcement of these policies."
    Testing for tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 11, will be held at Keauhou Shopping Center and in Hilo at Afook-Chinen Auditorium. An ʻOhana food service is also scheduled in Hilo at the Afook-Chinen Auditorium.

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 14 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

THE U.S. REPORTED MORE THAN 128,000 NEW COVID CASES in the last day. Since the pandemic began, the U.S. reported 10,238,243 cases – about 19.5 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 239,588 – a one-day increase of 1,386 – about 19 percent of worldwide deaths.
    Hawaiʻi Island reports four new COVID cases today. There are at least 10 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
    New cases reported statewide today total 78, with 65 on Oʻahu, five on Maui, nine residents diagnosed out-of-state, and three removed from Kauaʻi.
    Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 222 people have died in the state, according to state records, one new today.
    Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,088 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 13,924 total cases, Maui 430, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 71. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 127. Statewide, 1,180 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
    No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
    In the last 14 days, 12 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 23 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 84 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. In zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – 16 cases have been reported in the last 14 days.
    See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
    The worldwide cumulative COVID count is 50,869,414. The death toll is more than 1,262,413.

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
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.

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 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.

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.
    Attend virtual workshops: Virtual: Carbon Market Information Expo will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Essential Resources for Essential Workers will be held Thursday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. The Squeeze Chute - Examining Market Concentration in our Fragile Food System(s) will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.
    Hawaiʻi Theatre will offer a SHOP LOCAL items for sale page. Vendors must be registered for the convention in order to sell items on the SHOP LOCAL page. By submitting a request to publish the information and sell the item, sellers agree that 15 percent of the total sale will be retained as a commission and 4 percent will be retained to cover transaction fees by Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. Sellers must include shipping and handling, and 4.167% GET, in the cost for the item. Sellers are responsible for shipping items to purchasers and paying GET. Hawaiʻi Theatre will provide sellers with the purchaser's shipping information within 24 hours of purchase. Use this link to enter each individual item for sale. 
    Registered for the convention at hfuu.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

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.

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 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.

Big Island Giving Tree will have a booth at St. Jude's in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Available to those in need will be free clothing, linens, shoes, household items, cleaning products, and hygiene products.

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.


Homeowners, Apply for Affordable Rental Housing Tax Reduction through Dec. 31. Application, requirements and benefits are at hawaiipropertytax.com/misc.html or call the county Real Property Tax office at 961-8201 or 323-4880.

ONGOING
COMMUNITY

Support Volcano Emergency Response Team's Efforts to supply a newly-developed plan to manage potential disasters in the community of Volcano until other assistance arrives. In order to address these disasters quickly and efficiently, such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic issues, supplies and equipment are needed to assist the Volcano community in the event a disaster. VERP has set up a GoFundMe website to address these needs and would be "extremely grateful" for any contribution in any amount. See gofundme.com/volcano-emergency-response-plan or the VERP page at thecoopercenter.org.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
 open 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.

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

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.

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

FOOD
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.

FINANCES
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.

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.

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.

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

EDUCATION
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HEALTH
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.

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

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.

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.

AGRICULTURE
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.

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.

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.


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.