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Joining Santa under his beach umbrella are Sierra Rose Houvener and her dad Kaida Houvener. Each year, this team works from Halloween to Thanksgiving to assemble a yard-full of Christmas lights, blowups, cutouts, buildings, statues and a plethora of creative ideas to celebrate the festive season. See more blow. Photo by Annie Bosted |
David Joslin, best known as the purveyor of outstanding Thai food from his Thai Grindz food truck, is hoping that the evening will go without a hitch, but in case improvements are needed, he will be there to observe and hopefully solve potential problems.
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| David Joslin puts the finishing touches to his giant movie screen on which The Nightmare Before Christmas will be projected this Friday. Photo by Annie Bosted |
Joslin told The Kaʻū Calendar, "I started this project with the idea of showing films for keikis, but it seems more adults want to come than kids. I will spend the opening night figuring out what I need to do."
Before the pandemic, this meant riding in the Nāʻālehu Christmas parade and a photo opportunity sitting on Santa's lap at Nāʻālehu Community Center and schools, in addition to their church events.
Church services, food, shelter, community celebrations, and mentoring comprise the mission of the Ako's and their Hope Dia-mend Ministries, TLC.
Their call is "To reach the unreachable, touch the untouchable, love the unloveable, believe the unbelievable and to win the lost at any cost!"
For help and to donate, call or text Ako at 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopediamendministries.com.
The Dia-mend Hope Ministries church is located at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Outdoor services are 9:45 a.m. on Sunday. Masks and distancing required.
THE LIGHTS ARE ON FOR THE FAMOUS CHRISTMAS DISPLAY nightly on the corner of Lehua and Palm from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in upper Ocean View. The show leads up to Dec. 23 and 24, when Santa will use a pulley system to hand out candy and a gift to each visiting keiki from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For the past 15 years, the Houvener's family yard has become a magnet for families throughout Kaʻū. This is the go-to destination for an extravaganza of Christmas lights and decorations of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes. Some keiki are understandably convinced that Santa lives on this renowned corner.
The display is on each evening before Christmas, unless it is raining. Due to COVID protocols, keiki will not be able to be photographed in a sleigh with Santa, as they were last year. Social distancing among visitors is very much encouraged.
Regular visitors to this seasonal attraction will find, as usual, many new additions among the old favorites. Kaida Houvener, whose daytime job is managing South Point U-Cart, is the brains, brawn, sweat and inspiration behind the annual wonderland.
Joslin was the moving force behind building the giant screen at the site of Saturday's weekly community market on the corner of Kona and Highway 11 in Ocean View. A number of community members pitched in with materials, donations and expert assistance.
The movie will be screened from a projector mounted on a pole, and the sound will be transmitted to each FM car radio, so each member of the audience can control their audio level. There will be no fee, but donations will be accepted.
Refreshments will be sold by Thai Grindz food truck, as well as by vendors of popcorn, candy and any other certified vendors that are willing to join the effort. Joslin hopes a vendor will step up to provide coffee. The gates will be closed either after the car park is full or after the show begins at sunset, whichever comes first.
After Friday's show, movies will be shown each Friday and Saturday indefinitely. For details, see the Ocean View Community Market and Outdoor Theater Facebook page.
Refreshments will be sold by Thai Grindz food truck, as well as by vendors of popcorn, candy and any other certified vendors that are willing to join the effort. Joslin hopes a vendor will step up to provide coffee. The gates will be closed either after the car park is full or after the show begins at sunset, whichever comes first.
After Friday's show, movies will be shown each Friday and Saturday indefinitely. For details, see the Ocean View Community Market and Outdoor Theater Facebook page.
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.
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| Pastor Pam Ako got the call Thanksgiving eve for the gifts of turkeys and all the fixin's to give to people in Kaʻū. Photo from Hope DIA-mend |
A THANKSGIVING SURPRISE BLESSED Pastors Pam and Lance Ako who feed about 300 people each weekday in the parking lot of Ace Hardware in Ocean View. Pam Ako said that the day before Thanksgiving, she got the call from Costco and the Food Bank. Massive amounts of food were available for them to give away. A giant truck and two vans accompanied the Ako's to the Kona Costco to pick up 150 big turkeys, pallets of pies, deli meats and much more.
The Ako's began giving away the turkeys at night to families along the way back to Ocean View. By 6:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, the parking lot at Ace Hardware began to fill with people accepting traditional holiday foods.
The December schedule for the Ako's is to give out 300 prepared meals each weekday at 4:45 p.m. at the Ace parking lot. If they get the call from a food donor on Christmas Eve, they will be there to pick up and distribute all the fixings for another holiday meal. Assistance comes from Laʻaʻiʻopua, a CARES Act Grant through County Council member Maile David; Vibrant Hawaiʻi; and Boys & Girls Club.
In November, participating local food preparers included Shaka's, Da Bomb, and Kalaekilohana.
The Ako's are well known in Kaʻū for an outdoor church, kids camps, Sunday schools, and outreaches on holidays. Each Christmas season, they become Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, with gifts for the keiki.
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| Ace Parking lot in Ocean View where Thanksgiving arrived early Thursday. Photo from Hope DIA-mend |
Church services, food, shelter, community celebrations, and mentoring comprise the mission of the Ako's and their Hope Dia-mend Ministries, TLC.
Their call is "To reach the unreachable, touch the untouchable, love the unloveable, believe the unbelievable and to win the lost at any cost!"
For help and to donate, call or text Ako at 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopediamendministries.com.
The Dia-mend Hope Ministries church is located at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Outdoor services are 9:45 a.m. on Sunday. Masks and distancing required.
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.
THE LIGHTS ARE ON FOR THE FAMOUS CHRISTMAS DISPLAY nightly on the corner of Lehua and Palm from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in upper Ocean View. The show leads up to Dec. 23 and 24, when Santa will use a pulley system to hand out candy and a gift to each visiting keiki from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For the past 15 years, the Houvener's family yard has become a magnet for families throughout Kaʻū. This is the go-to destination for an extravaganza of Christmas lights and decorations of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes. Some keiki are understandably convinced that Santa lives on this renowned corner.
The display is on each evening before Christmas, unless it is raining. Due to COVID protocols, keiki will not be able to be photographed in a sleigh with Santa, as they were last year. Social distancing among visitors is very much encouraged.
Regular visitors to this seasonal attraction will find, as usual, many new additions among the old favorites. Kaida Houvener, whose daytime job is managing South Point U-Cart, is the brains, brawn, sweat and inspiration behind the annual wonderland.
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| For the past 15 years the Houvener home in upper Ocean View has grown its Christmas display, now on view at the corner of Lehua and Palm. Photo by Michelle Houvener |
This year, he built a three-story magic castle – an impressive home for 14 beautifully crafted Disney princesses. New cutouts, inspired by TV shows and the classics, can be seen his year. Tom and Jerry face the road; a six-foot Shrek with Fiona and Donkey are on the roof; Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope can be seen, as well as Lilo and Stitch.
Houvener and his wife Michelle made the new cutouts as well as the old ones.
These new cutouts blend into a vast array of figures, some of which are blow-ups, some statuettes, which Houvener has acquired over the past 15 years. He estimates that the count of Christmas lights is up to 20,000.
Houvener and his wife Michelle made the new cutouts as well as the old ones.
These new cutouts blend into a vast array of figures, some of which are blow-ups, some statuettes, which Houvener has acquired over the past 15 years. He estimates that the count of Christmas lights is up to 20,000.
Since Halloween, Houvener and his daughter Sierra Rose have been setting up the vast display.
Each year, Houvener puts out a box for donations, into which the community contributes cash. The day after Christmas, Houvener collects up the cash and makes the trip to Kona to raid the box stores for greatly reduced Christmas décor. In this way, he is able to grow the number of lights and blow-ups, while hand-crafting other themed displays.
Each year, Houvener puts out a box for donations, into which the community contributes cash. The day after Christmas, Houvener collects up the cash and makes the trip to Kona to raid the box stores for greatly reduced Christmas décor. In this way, he is able to grow the number of lights and blow-ups, while hand-crafting other themed displays.
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Cutouts and Disney princesses are arranged around the new three-story castle built by Kaida Houvener. Kaida and Michelle Houvener created the princesses. Photo by Annie Bosted |
Houvener also bought and installed a 100-foot-long white fence that is tall enough for a light show. Along this, he has arranged 22 projectors that throw lighted images of Christmas icons onto the fence. Candy canes seem to miraculously grow from the lava. Firefly lights in the topmost branches of the ‘ōhiʻa trees enhance the feeling of wonderment.
Each year, Houvener adds more attractions – they are either snapped up at post-Christmas sales, made by him, or donated by stores. The show is powered by two generators, with a combined total of 10 outlets, from which 125 extension cords are run to power the lights, projectors, and a plethora of inflatables.
His oldest inflatable, "Let it Snow," is 13 years old, while a mechanical teeter-totter that features Santa on one side and three reindeer on the other and is constantly in motion, is almost as old.
If purchasing, storing, setting up, and taking down these displays is not daunting enough, Houvener has the daily chore of making sure things don't break or get damaged. Each inflatable is set up on a palette to protect it from the ʻaʻa of the yard. Each evening, he removes the covering tarps so they can be inflated and viewed. When the show ends at 9 p.m., he goes around and tarps each inflatable to protect it. The Hawaiʻi sun can make them brittle if they are not shielded all day.
"I get to be a kid myself," is how Houvener explains his role. "I was from a family of six kids. Mom and Dad didn't have much, so we got a lot of thrift store gifts. I was happy. I was happy to have a bike to ride on, and I didn't care if it was not new. I learned you don't have to be rich to make others happy. I'm not rich, but I can see how all this spreads happiness," said Houvener. "This is my way of making myself happy."
THE NINTH FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY AT PUNALUʻU BEACH on Thanksgiving weekend last year drew keiki and adults to remember people and pets who have passed away. Friends and families floated rafts with messages of love and remembrance. Taiko drumming, taichi, hula, and food brought community together in an event sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and its founder Jessie Marques.
Participants' hand-painted messages on the wooden and foam rafts most often said, "I love you" to the one departed. Some messages were for family members, others for friends. Some were for a small child's pets, who completed their short lives. The group walked the path down to Punaluʻu Medicine Pond around sunset and set free the rafts to sail across the waters to the far shore. After retrieving the rafts, participants took the art home for keepsakes.
Marques said she is looking forward to the event next year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
The Cultural Significance of Humpback Whales in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation will be held Monday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The webinar will focus on the place of humpback whales, koholā, in Hawaiian culture. Koholā was believed to be a manifestation of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean, and is said to be responsible in helping the Polynesians discover the Hawaiian Islands. Join presenter Solomon Pili Kahoʻohalahala as he shares that whales are also revered as ʻaumakua (spiritual protector) to specific families and were generally viewed as divine beings. Register here.
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.
Second Saturday at Volcano Art Center on Dec. 12 offers barbecue chicken or ribs plates as a fundraiser for VAC, in the parking lot of Niʻaulani. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Homestead Mushroom Cultivation workshop with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
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 of 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.
Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.
Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
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.
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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, and their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form here, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
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.
Kaʻu Art Gallery is Open in Nāʻālehu Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gallery is in the process of showcasing everything in the gallery online at kauartgallery.com. If interested in purchasing, contact Kaʻu Art Gallery at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
HEALTH
Free Drive-Thru COVID Testing, every Saturday at Kea‘au High School in Puna, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No co-pay, no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at all times. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
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
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
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 Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
Each year, Houvener adds more attractions – they are either snapped up at post-Christmas sales, made by him, or donated by stores. The show is powered by two generators, with a combined total of 10 outlets, from which 125 extension cords are run to power the lights, projectors, and a plethora of inflatables.
His oldest inflatable, "Let it Snow," is 13 years old, while a mechanical teeter-totter that features Santa on one side and three reindeer on the other and is constantly in motion, is almost as old.
If purchasing, storing, setting up, and taking down these displays is not daunting enough, Houvener has the daily chore of making sure things don't break or get damaged. Each inflatable is set up on a palette to protect it from the ʻaʻa of the yard. Each evening, he removes the covering tarps so they can be inflated and viewed. When the show ends at 9 p.m., he goes around and tarps each inflatable to protect it. The Hawaiʻi sun can make them brittle if they are not shielded all day.
"I get to be a kid myself," is how Houvener explains his role. "I was from a family of six kids. Mom and Dad didn't have much, so we got a lot of thrift store gifts. I was happy. I was happy to have a bike to ride on, and I didn't care if it was not new. I learned you don't have to be rich to make others happy. I'm not rich, but I can see how all this spreads happiness," said Houvener. "This is my way of making myself happy."
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| Tom and Jerry are two new cutouts in the vast Houvener display on the corner of Lehua and Palm in upper Ocean View. Photo by Annie Bosted |
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 REPORTS FOUR NEW COVID case today. There are two people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. The average daily case rate for Hawaiʻi Island is eight over the last two weeks.
New cases reported statewide today total 57, with 46 on Oʻahu, three on Maui, one on Kauaʻi, and two residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 85 over the last two weeks.
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 240 people have died in the state, according to state records, four reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 17,840 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 15,264 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,595, Maui 533, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 112. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 213. Statewide, 1,288 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip code 96718 and Kaʻū zip code 96777.
In the last 14 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi; zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour; zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View; and Volcano zip code 96785.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Hilo zip code 96720, 40 in Kona zip code 96740.
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 13,376,113 – about 20.9 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 266,838 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 62.67 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,458,360.
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.
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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 |
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 240 people have died in the state, according to state records, four reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 17,840 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 15,264 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,595, Maui 533, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 112. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 213. Statewide, 1,288 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip code 96718 and Kaʻū zip code 96777.
In the last 14 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi; zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour; zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View; and Volcano zip code 96785.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Hilo zip code 96720, 40 in Kona zip code 96740.
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 13,376,113 – about 20.9 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 266,838 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 62.67 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,458,360.
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.
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| Keira Aida Ayu, with her art for a floating lantern to remember her late pets. Photo by Julia Neal |
Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
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| Lanterns remember late loved ones at the Punualuʻu Medicine Pond. Photo by Julia Neal |
Participants' hand-painted messages on the wooden and foam rafts most often said, "I love you" to the one departed. Some messages were for family members, others for friends. Some were for a small child's pets, who completed their short lives. The group walked the path down to Punaluʻu Medicine Pond around sunset and set free the rafts to sail across the waters to the far shore. After retrieving the rafts, participants took the art home for keepsakes.
Marques said she is looking forward to the event next year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
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Hula from the hālau of the Kīlauea Military Camp luʻau each Friday night offered danced for the Floating Lantern Ceremony at Punaluʻu Medicine Pond during the 2019 Thanksgiving weekend. Photo by Julia Neal |
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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
Order Culinary and Craft Gifts Made By Kaʻū High Entrepreneurs online through Monday, Nov. 30 and by email through Friday, Dec. 11 via email. Mail orders will be shipped by Dec. 4. Pick up orders will be available at Kaʻū High School on Dec. 10. Make purchases online at hfwfmarketplace.com. Selections include Kaʻū ʻOno Iʻa, sustainably-caught, artisan-dried ʻopelu (mackerel) - Kaʻū residents receive $5 off per bag; Manaʻolana Butters, two butter flavors: lilikoi or chilli; Kaʻū Quality F.I.T. Powder, all-natural fruit powder; Lāʻau Aloha by Kamalanini, pendants, incorporating resin and hand-carved polished ʻōhiʻa and ʻaʻaliʻi wood; and Kaʻū Design Group two custom-designed hats. Email questions for the student entrepreneurs to aina.akamu@k12.hi.us.
Order Culinary and Craft Gifts Made By Kaʻū High Entrepreneurs online through Monday, Nov. 30 and by email through Friday, Dec. 11 via email. Mail orders will be shipped by Dec. 4. Pick up orders will be available at Kaʻū High School on Dec. 10. Make purchases online at hfwfmarketplace.com. Selections include Kaʻū ʻOno Iʻa, sustainably-caught, artisan-dried ʻopelu (mackerel) - Kaʻū residents receive $5 off per bag; Manaʻolana Butters, two butter flavors: lilikoi or chilli; Kaʻū Quality F.I.T. Powder, all-natural fruit powder; Lāʻau Aloha by Kamalanini, pendants, incorporating resin and hand-carved polished ʻōhiʻa and ʻaʻaliʻi wood; and Kaʻū Design Group two custom-designed hats. Email questions for the student entrepreneurs to aina.akamu@k12.hi.us.
The Cultural Significance of Humpback Whales in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation will be held Monday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The webinar will focus on the place of humpback whales, koholā, in Hawaiian culture. Koholā was believed to be a manifestation of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean, and is said to be responsible in helping the Polynesians discover the Hawaiian Islands. Join presenter Solomon Pili Kahoʻohalahala as he shares that whales are also revered as ʻaumakua (spiritual protector) to specific families and were generally viewed as divine beings. Register here.
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.
Apply for Small Business Relief Grants, Thursday, Nov. 26 through Wednesday, Dec. 2. Local Initiatives Support Corporation's Small Business Relief Grant program will accept applications from eligible businesses in rural areas for awards up to $20,000. For more information and to apply, visit the program website.
From Plant to Pigment with Puakea Forester returns on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
From Plant to Pigment with Puakea Forester returns on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
Apply or Donate to Full Calabash Fund to support vulnerable Hawaiʻi families and food producers impacted by the pandemic through The Kohala Center. Organizations and foundations can donate to the Full Calabash Fund through Dec. 31 by contacting Nicole Milne, The Kohala Center's vice president of food and agriculture initiatives, at (808) 987-9210 or nmilne@kohalacenter.org. Nonprofit organizations and meal preparation services can apply for grants through Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. online at koha.la/calabash or by calling 808-887-6411.
Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The webinar presenter, Hannah Bernard, is the executive director of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect native wildlife. She will discuss the latest information on their work with the various sea turtle species found within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The live presentation is hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Register here.
Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The webinar presenter, Hannah Bernard, is the executive director of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect native wildlife. She will discuss the latest information on their work with the various sea turtle species found within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The live presentation is hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Register here.
Second Saturday at Volcano Art Center on Dec. 12 offers barbecue chicken or ribs plates as a fundraiser for VAC, in the parking lot of Niʻaulani. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Homestead Mushroom Cultivation workshop with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
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.
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.
Register for 2021 Sanctuary Ocean Count starting Tuesday, Dec. 15. The count is held the last Saturday of January, February, and March, yearly. In 2021, the dates are Jan. 30, Feb. 27, and March 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. Contact Cindy Among-Serrao, cindy.among-serrao@noaa.gov. Register at oceancount.org.
Register for 2021 Sanctuary Ocean Count starting Tuesday, Dec. 15. The count is held the last Saturday of January, February, and March, yearly. In 2021, the dates are Jan. 30, Feb. 27, and March 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. Contact Cindy Among-Serrao, cindy.among-serrao@noaa.gov. Register at oceancount.org.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Event Saturday, Dec. 19. Group size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
Apply for SNAP at Markets Grant through Sunday, Dec. 20. Launched by Hawaiʻi Farmers Market Association, the program will work through implementation and promotion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
Apply for SNAP at Markets Grant through Sunday, Dec. 20. Launched by Hawaiʻi Farmers Market Association, the program will work through implementation and promotion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Visit the program website for more information and to apply.
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.
Christmas in the Country 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition runs through Thursday, Dec. 31 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See volcanoartcenter.org, call 967-8222.
Vote for Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge Winner. Local community members and guests at KMC are invited to come see the decorated cottages at the camp and vote for their favorite one. The annual event is a friendly decorating competition between KMC employees. It began the day after Thanksgiving and ends on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2021.
Apply for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Members by Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. There are five primary and 11 alternate seats open: Business/Commerce (primary & alternate), Commercial Shipping (alternate), Conservation (alternate), Fishing (primary & alternate), Lānaʻi Island Representative (alternate), Maui Island Representative (primary & alternate), Molokaʻi Island (alternate), Native Hawaiian (alternate), Oʻahu Island (primary & alternate), Research (alternate), and Youth (primary & alternate). To receive an application kit or for further information, contact Cindy Among-Serrao via email at Cindy.Among-Serrao@noaa.gov or visit the sanctuary website, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/management/advisory/recruitment.html.
Vote for Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge Winner. Local community members and guests at KMC are invited to come see the decorated cottages at the camp and vote for their favorite one. The annual event is a friendly decorating competition between KMC employees. It began the day after Thanksgiving and ends on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2021.
Apply for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Members by Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. There are five primary and 11 alternate seats open: Business/Commerce (primary & alternate), Commercial Shipping (alternate), Conservation (alternate), Fishing (primary & alternate), Lānaʻi Island Representative (alternate), Maui Island Representative (primary & alternate), Molokaʻi Island (alternate), Native Hawaiian (alternate), Oʻahu Island (primary & alternate), Research (alternate), and Youth (primary & alternate). To receive an application kit or for further information, contact Cindy Among-Serrao via email at Cindy.Among-Serrao@noaa.gov or visit the sanctuary website, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/management/advisory/recruitment.html.
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 of 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.
Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
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.
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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, and their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form here, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
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. Cooper Center
Kaʻu Art Gallery is Open in Nāʻālehu Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gallery is in the process of showcasing everything in the gallery online at kauartgallery.com. If interested in purchasing, contact Kaʻu Art Gallery at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.
Volcano Village Art Hui: Creative Adaptations 2020 34th Annual Studio Tour & Sale, adapted to fit pandemic circumstances, will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours. Offered throughout December and beyond. See VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information.
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.
Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration here, hosted by the Filipino Community Center.
FREE FOOD
Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally-owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net to apply. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Dec. 11, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. No service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits, and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally-owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net to apply. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Dec. 11, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. No service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits, and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
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.
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.
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
Purchase The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Fundraising calendars, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Preview the calendar here. Order the Calendar using this form. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal. Order school t-shirts and sweatshirts via order forms with payment to the main office: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785. For a printed copy of the order form to be mailed, contact Kaye at 985-9800, knagamine@volcanoschool.net. Contact Kanani at kwylie@volcanoschool.net for more information and assistance with ordering.
Purchase The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Fundraising calendars, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Preview the calendar here. Order the Calendar using this form. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal. Order school t-shirts and sweatshirts via order forms with payment to the main office: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785. For a printed copy of the order form to be mailed, contact Kaye at 985-9800, knagamine@volcanoschool.net. Contact Kanani at kwylie@volcanoschool.net for more information and assistance with ordering.
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Crystal Mandaquit. No restrooms available at this location.
Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann Ebanez.
All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Crystal Mandaquit. No restrooms available at this location.
Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann Ebanez.
All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
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.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
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/.
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.
Free Drive-Thru COVID Testing, every Saturday at Kea‘au High School in Puna, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No co-pay, no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at all times. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering 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.
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.
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
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
AGRICULTURE
Contact AskUSDA at (833) ONE-USDA with representatives available 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. The website, ask.usda.gov is available 24/7 and includes live chat agents available 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Inquiries can also be sent via email at any time to askusda@usda.gov.
Women Farmers can Register with Hawaiʻi Women Farmers Directory, a statewide online directory of women-operated farms, ranches, and agribusinesses. Visit the program website to register.
Contact AskUSDA at (833) ONE-USDA with representatives available 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. The website, ask.usda.gov is available 24/7 and includes live chat agents available 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Inquiries can also be sent via email at any time to askusda@usda.gov.
Women Farmers can Register with Hawaiʻi Women Farmers Directory, a statewide online directory of women-operated farms, ranches, and agribusinesses. Visit the program website to register.
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.
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.