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| State Senator and kupuna Lorraine Inouye received a COVID vaccine at Kaʻū Hospital's sister facility, Hilo Medical Center. Registration to receive the vaccine is being taken for anyone 65 and older. Photo from Elaine Cabatu |
JEFF ANDERSON OF OCEAN VIEW was the first member of the kūpuna general public to receive the COVID vaccine at Hilo Medical Center. Anderson, 77, is featured in the Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald newspaper today. The story reports that Anderson traveled from Ocean View and said, "This is probably the farthest I've been in six or seven months. I just wanted to get it out of the way, so I can rest in comfort knowing I can't give or get the virus."
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| Kūpuna Gene and Jula Tao, who received their COVID vaccinations from Hilo Medical Center. |
While the current supply of vaccines is set aside for those 75 and older, registration is also being taken for those 65 and older. The online registration is at HiloMedicalCenter.org. Vaccination locations are at Hilo Medical Center, Kona Community Hospital, Queen's North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea and the state Department of Health.
Kaʻū Hospital's staff said they are hoping for vaccination events to come through Kaʻū soon. Registering leads to setting a date and a place for the vaccination when it becomes available.
Elena Cabatu, spokesperson for Hilo Medical Center, the sister facility of Kaʻū Hospital, told the Tribune-Herald, "Right now we have a three week supply that will allow us to give 1,000 shots per week. As long as supplies stay stable, we'll be able to deliver that."
Those needing assistance to register online for the COVID-19 vaccination can call a helpline, weekdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 932-3000. Press 8 for assistance.
Elena Cabatu, spokesperson for Hilo Medical Center, the sister facility of Kaʻū Hospital, told the Tribune-Herald, "Right now we have a three week supply that will allow us to give 1,000 shots per week. As long as supplies stay stable, we'll be able to deliver that."
Those needing assistance to register online for the COVID-19 vaccination can call a helpline, weekdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 932-3000. Press 8 for assistance.
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.
TULSI GABBARD WILL LAUNCH A PUBLIC AFFAIRS PODCAST. The former member of Congress who represented Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi said her podcast will "go beyond the media sound bite to share in-depth insights and thought-provoking conversations. You can subscribe/follow wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. Turn your notifications on so you know when we go live!" The address is https://tulsigabbard.com/podcast. In her introduction to the new show, Gabbard says:
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| Kaʻū's representative in Congress until Jan. 3 was Tulsi Gabbard, who is launching a podcast. See https://tulsigabbard.com/podcast. |
"Now more than ever during these dark and divisive and dangerous times, we have the opportunity to be a positive force, to help heal the divide, to treat each other with aloha, with respect and love and better understand each other.
"So on my show, I will go beyond the sound bite and share in-depth information, insights, and thought-provoking discussions, and I'll answer your questions whether they are about foreign policy, politics, the environment or maybe just questions you have about life, yoga meditation, music, surfing or food. We will tackle the great challenges of our time together. We will go where others won't, gain new perspectives and we will never shy away from the tough conversations."
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.
GOV. DAVID IGE'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS FOR HAWAIʻI will be broadcast live on Monday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. on ʻŌlelo Channel 53 and 1053 for Hawaiiantel HD and ʻŌlelo's website and mobile app. It will be carried on governor.hawaii.gov shortly after the conclusion of the address.
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.
GRASSROOT INSTITUTE OF HAWAIʻI released this opinion piece after the opening of the Hawaiʻi Legislature and Inauguration of the new President this week. Its CEO Keliʻi Akina writes:
This week we witnessed the inauguration of a new president and the opening of the 31st Hawaiʻi Legislature, two great symbols of our peaceful democratic process. Unfortunately, the people of Hawaiʻi haven't had much democratic say in their own political affairs for almost a year now, since Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. But could the 31st Hawaiʻi Legislature play a role in changing all that? Will this be the moment the people of Hawaiʻi begin to have a greater say in the way the coronavirus crisis and lockdowns are being handled?
When the Hawaiʻi Legislature adjourned last year, it was after a shortened session that had been interrupted by the governor's COVID-19 lockdown. Under the circumstances, the legislative priority was to address the state's budget problems and other urgent matters. Now, however, it has been more than six months since the last meeting of the Legislature, and we've had plenty of time to think about how this crisis has been handled. Since that time, we've seen state budget woes become more complex and the local economy sink further into depression. We've also been subject to a perpetual emergency status, wondering whether the next proclamation will restore or further restrict our freedoms.
Theoretically, the Legislature is supposed to balance the powers of our governor, along with the courts. It is the voice of the people of Hawaiʻi. But during the coronavirus lockdowns, it has been missing in action, leaving the governor to exercise his extensive emergency powers unchecked. That's why the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi this week released a new report, "Lockdowns Versus Liberty," calling on the Legislature to restore the checks and balances so necessary to our form of accountable self-government.
The report was written by Malia Hill, Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi policy director, who joined me on my Hawaiʻi Together program this week to talk about why she wrote it.
When the Hawaiʻi Legislature adjourned last year, it was after a shortened session that had been interrupted by the governor's COVID-19 lockdown. Under the circumstances, the legislative priority was to address the state's budget problems and other urgent matters. Now, however, it has been more than six months since the last meeting of the Legislature, and we've had plenty of time to think about how this crisis has been handled. Since that time, we've seen state budget woes become more complex and the local economy sink further into depression. We've also been subject to a perpetual emergency status, wondering whether the next proclamation will restore or further restrict our freedoms.
Theoretically, the Legislature is supposed to balance the powers of our governor, along with the courts. It is the voice of the people of Hawaiʻi. But during the coronavirus lockdowns, it has been missing in action, leaving the governor to exercise his extensive emergency powers unchecked. That's why the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi this week released a new report, "Lockdowns Versus Liberty," calling on the Legislature to restore the checks and balances so necessary to our form of accountable self-government.
The report was written by Malia Hill, Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi policy director, who joined me on my Hawaiʻi Together program this week to talk about why she wrote it.
"Over the past year," she said, "we've thought about freedom in different ways, because you can't deny that our lives changed under the lockdown. Things that we never even thought about as freedoms — like the right to go for a walk or the ability to go to work — all of a sudden became restricted."
Hill explained that the purpose of the report is to consider how to better safeguard civil liberties during states of emergency. The answer, she said, lies not in the courts, but in legislative action. By amending the state's emergency powers law, we can put an end to indefinite states of emergency, create a legislative check on the executive power and ensure that there are protections in place to guarantee that the government cannot easily infringe upon our rights.
Much can be done by following the examples of states that already have meaningful time limits on their periods of emergency. In Hawaiʻi, emergencies are supposed to end after 60 days, but nothing prevents the governor from extending that period through another proclamation, as he has done repeatedly since last March. The Legislature should change this language to require legislative approval of any extension past a reasonable period — like, say, 30 days, which is a time limit used by many other states. The Legislature should also have the power to end an emergency period by concurrent resolution.
In addition, we should look at ways to protect liberty during health emergencies by requiring that any restrictions and regulations be narrowly tailored, with a clear connection to the public health aim. To better protect due process, the government should bear the burden of demonstrating the necessity and reasonableness of an order that shuts down a business or deprives someone of his or her rights.
The point is not to second-guess the governor, who has been faced with very difficult challenges during the past 11 months. I understand that it is not easy to find the balance between preserving civil liberties and protecting public health. But we simply must find ways to better deal with this problem in the future.
I hope that Hawaiʻi will never be faced with such a crisis again. But if we are, let's hope that the people of Hawaii will have a voice in how it is handled.
Hill explained that the purpose of the report is to consider how to better safeguard civil liberties during states of emergency. The answer, she said, lies not in the courts, but in legislative action. By amending the state's emergency powers law, we can put an end to indefinite states of emergency, create a legislative check on the executive power and ensure that there are protections in place to guarantee that the government cannot easily infringe upon our rights.
Much can be done by following the examples of states that already have meaningful time limits on their periods of emergency. In Hawaiʻi, emergencies are supposed to end after 60 days, but nothing prevents the governor from extending that period through another proclamation, as he has done repeatedly since last March. The Legislature should change this language to require legislative approval of any extension past a reasonable period — like, say, 30 days, which is a time limit used by many other states. The Legislature should also have the power to end an emergency period by concurrent resolution.
In addition, we should look at ways to protect liberty during health emergencies by requiring that any restrictions and regulations be narrowly tailored, with a clear connection to the public health aim. To better protect due process, the government should bear the burden of demonstrating the necessity and reasonableness of an order that shuts down a business or deprives someone of his or her rights.
The point is not to second-guess the governor, who has been faced with very difficult challenges during the past 11 months. I understand that it is not easy to find the balance between preserving civil liberties and protecting public health. But we simply must find ways to better deal with this problem in the future.
I hope that Hawaiʻi will never be faced with such a crisis again. But if we are, let's hope that the people of Hawaii will have a voice in how it is handled.
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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| Mauna Loa Volcano covered in snow. Photo from Wikipedia |
Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements show continued slow summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. Gas concentration at the Sulphur Cone monitoring site remain stable (below 2 ppm SO2). Fumarole temperature was ~96 C. This value is in the normal range. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/mo.
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 21 NEW COVID CASES in the past two days. The average daily new case rate over the last two weeks for Hawaiʻi Island is eight. Hawaiʻi County has administered 7,011 doses of vaccine.
New cases reported statewide in the last two days total 250 with 163 on Oʻahu, 49 on Maui, and one on Kauaʻi, 16 residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 108 over the last two weeks.
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 332 people have died in the state, seven reported in the last two days.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 24,870 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 20,230 total cases, Hawaiʻi 2,113, Maui 1,550, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 25, and Kauaʻi 177. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 653. Statewide, 1,647 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
In the last 14 days, zero active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour.
In the last 14 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96777, which includes Pāhala; zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View; and Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718.
In the last 14 days 21 cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi; 48 in Kona zip code 96740; 13 in Hilo zip code 96720; and 11 cases in zip code 96743, which includes Waikaloa Village, Waimea, Kawaihae, Puakō, Waikui, and Akona.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage, coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
Cumulative COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 24,821,815. The death toll is more than 414,107. Worldwide, more than 98.17 million total COVID-19 cases have been reported. The death toll is more than 2,107,388.
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 |
New cases reported statewide in the last two days total 250 with 163 on Oʻahu, 49 on Maui, and one on Kauaʻi, 16 residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 108 over the last two weeks.
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 332 people have died in the state, seven reported in the last two days.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 24,870 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 20,230 total cases, Hawaiʻi 2,113, Maui 1,550, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 25, and Kauaʻi 177. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 653. Statewide, 1,647 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
In the last 14 days, zero active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour.
In the last 14 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96777, which includes Pāhala; zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View; and Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718.
In the last 14 days 21 cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi; 48 in Kona zip code 96740; 13 in Hilo zip code 96720; and 11 cases in zip code 96743, which includes Waikaloa Village, Waimea, Kawaihae, Puakō, Waikui, and Akona.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage, coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
Cumulative COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 24,821,815. The death toll is more than 414,107. Worldwide, more than 98.17 million total COVID-19 cases have been reported. The death toll is more than 2,107,388.
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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| Growing worms for gardens at the weekly class in Pahala. Photo by Katie Graham |
A JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM for ages 12 - 18 is being held at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The sessions are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. They are sponsored by University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension Office and its junior extension agent Marielle Hampton. The six workshops are based on the 4-H Junior Master Gardeners Program's Learn, Grow, Eat & Go curriculum. Those interested can contact Katie Graham at katie.graham@foodcorps.org. Call 808-785-0012.
TEMPORARY SUMMER JOBS ARE AVAILABLE through Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks & Recreation for Summer Fun at Kaʻū District Gym and Nāʻālehu Community Center, June 3 - July 16. The job is to work with keiki. Applicants must possess a current First Aid certification, submit a completed Summer Fun application, and be available to work June 3 through July 16, 2021. Summer Fun starts June 7, following a mandatory two-day training period for all temporary employees.
Summer Fun applications are available online at
https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/facilities-parks/recreation, the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi‘ilani Street in Hilo, and various County gymnasiums located around the island.
Completed applications must be filed with the Recreation Division or postmarked by Monday, Feb. 12. All inquires may be directed to the Recreation Division at 961-8740.
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Directory for farms, ranches, takeout. The Kaʻū Calendar is free, 7,500 distributed to stands and all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano. Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com. |
for full event details and more.
STRATEGIES TO JUMPSTART learning the craft of writing will be taught through Volcano Art Center on Jan. 23 by Jacquolyn McMurray and Kristen Wolfgang from 9 a.m. to noon. "How long has writing been on your bucket list? Are you ready to make 2021 the year you finally get started or restarted?" asks VAC in a statement on the session The Strategies to Jump-Start Your Writing livestream Zoom workshop "is perfect for beginning writers seeking new inspiration and strategies. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for full event details and more.
for full event details and more.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
A BRUSH WITH LIGHT gives the public a chance to "immerse in Hawaiʻi Island’s magnificent landscapes and plants," says the statement from Volcano Art Center. Catherine Robbins’ "evocative oil paintings" are in the solo exhibition, A Brush with Light – Volcanic Island Reflections, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The show runs through Feb. 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday.
GOLF & SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse. The new Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities. Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clugatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED 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. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
VOLCANO GARDEN ART'S SECRET GARDEN WALK is on free trails to the public. Sponsor Ira Ona describes the “Historical garden with many native plants. We have just created a self-guided nature walk in my new secret garden which is carved out of an upland native Hawaiian forest. Open to walk throughout the week, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanogardenarts.com, 985-8979, Located on Old Volcano Hwy in Volcano Village.
KaiLoki's, at the old Mehe's location in Ocean View, offers live music and karaoke on a to-be-determined schedule, along with a locally-sourced menu and bar. See facebook.com/KaiLokis.
Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Details at rb.gy/k3evh6.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
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| Volcano Farmers Market. Photo by Julia Neal |
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing 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. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is 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 required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES CALENDARS, t-shirts, and sweatshirts sales raise money for the schoo. Review the calendar at rb.gy/tmxzva. Order the Calendar using this form: rb.gy/ytekoz. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal, paypal.com/paypalme/VolcanoSchool. To buy t-shirts and sweatshirts, order from here: rb.gy/2a4cim. Send in order forms and 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.
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, 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. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 pm.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandasfarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
KAʻŪ ART SHOW, in-person 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.
CHURCH SERVICES
OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church
is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. Call 808-939-9089
SUNDAY DRIVE-IN WORSHIP SERVICES ARE OPEN TO ALL 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 dwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.
HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text Pam and Lance Ako at 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
HELP FOR HEALTH & COVID TESTING
KAʻŪ HOSPITAL offers COVID testing referral from the ER, a physician or a Kaʻū Clinic health provider.
FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID Testing, Saturdays at Kea‘au High School in Puna, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays at Konawaena High School from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Civic Auditorium in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (enter from Kuawa Street entrance). 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.
MICRONESIAN COVID-19 Helpline is supported by We Are Oceania, weareoceania.org, to help with identifying COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment. Call (808) 913-1364. Watch the video at facebook.com/watch/?v=989579144844697.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? 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 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 at facebook.com/bhhsurg.
KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. 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. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub at health.hawaii.gov/camhd/lgbtq-safe-spaces.
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, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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 at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
FOOD RELIEF
PICK UP FOOD WEEKDAYS n the parking lot of ACE Hardware in Ocean View from Hope DIA-mend Ministries TLC at 4:45 p.m. About 300 meals available each day, coordinated by pastors Pam and Lance Ako. For help or to donate, call or text Ako at 808-937-6355, or call 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
FREE FOOD FOR KEIKI offered at Resilience Hub, Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon to 4 p.m. The Hub also features drop-in WiFi and laptop access. Location is 95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927, for more.
EDUCATION
Virtual presentation, Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi. Register to watch at rb.gy/rkd2fd.Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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.
Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Ka`u High & Pāhala Elementary, 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.org for Live WebEx link.
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.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration at rb.gy/b53jgn.
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.
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: 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. 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.
Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and the senior class at bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
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. Contact RMAP partners: 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, up to $10,000, 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 rb.gy/v2x2vy.
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 at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.AGRICULTURE
QUALIFY TO BECOME A BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER and receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture To qualify for status as a beginning farmer or rancher: Applicants must be an individual. Business entities may receive benefits only if all of the substantial beneficial interest holders (ten percent or more) of the business entity qualify as beginning farmers or ranchers. For example, a son moves home to take over the family farm and incorporates with his spouse and neither have previous farming experience. Their corporation would qualify as a beginning farmer/rancher. However, if a son moves home and forms a corporation with his father, who has had an insurable interest in crops or livestock for more than five crop years, the corporation cannot receive beginning farmer and rancher benefits. Although the son qualifies as a beginning farmer or rancher, the father does not so the corporation cannot receive benefits; and
CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM enrollment ends Feb. 12. Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve Program can sign up for the program until Friday, Feb. 12. The competitive program provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation. Refer to the press release for more information.
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, rb.gy/87fn9d.
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 at rb.gy/exzuk1.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website, ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.
Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begin and Ends with Seed, where Education by Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog at rb.gy/ijai3y.
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.
Learn Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules at rb.gy/4wio2y.
PETS & WILDLIFE
One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble at NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline, 1-888- 256-984. Also report distressed sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins.
Volunteer in the community – find out how at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.
Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station is open 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 or call 961-8270.
Ocean View Transfer Station is open 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 or call 961-8270.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at rb.gy/iemgrc for site closures, service hours, and more.
