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| State Board of Land & Natural Resources approved $1.475 million toward purchase of Kiolakaʻa, which borders Kaʻaluʻalu Bay. The non-profit receiving the land promises to include the community in planning and stewardship. Photo from TNC |
THE EFFORT TO PRESERVE 1,841.3 ACRES ON THE KAʻU COAST AT KIOLAKAʻA received a $1.475 million commitment Friday from the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. With additional state and county approvals, appraisals and continued cooperation from the landowner, the money would go toward purchase the Kiolakaʻa property from a Las Vegas investor for transfer of title to the non-profit Ala Kahakai Trail Association. The Kiolakaʻa acquisition would help to ensure uninterrupted coastal preservation from Honuʻapo to Ka Lae.
The seven BLNR members who unanimously voted for the state Legacy Land grant funding for Kiolakaʻa are: Chris Yuen, Wesley "Kaiwi" Yoon, Vernon Char, Sam "Ohu" Gon III, Thomas Ohi, James Gomes and Chair Suzanne Case.
The majority of testimony, however, was in favor of acquiring Kiolakaʻa from the real estate investor, to preserve the property in perpetuity. Among those testifying in favor of the funding were members of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association's Kaʻū Stewardship Committee, called Hui O Waikapuna. The group is comprised of Shalan Crysdale, Michelle Galimba, Pelehonuamea Harman, Nohealani Kaʻawa, Ka‘ohi Mokuhali‘i, Megan Lamson, Leilani Rodrigues and Jodie Rosam. Their testimony summed up many of the points made by those who said they want to conserve the Kaʻū Coast. They asked for the funding "to to ensure that this ʻāīna is protected for future generations." ATA has already become steward of the Kaʻū Coast property of Waikapuna.
The Stewardship Committee wrote: "The cultural and conservation values of Kiolakaʻa are countless, and the wealth of ʻike within this ʻāina is unfathomable. With protected land from Honuʻapo to Ka Lae and beyond, it would be a tragedy to lose Kiolakaʻa to development and fragment the continuous open space of this portion of Kaʻū’s coastline and lowlands.
"Hui o Waikapuna recognizes that community-based management is essential when it comes to ʻāina that has such a multitude of resources on which our community depends. It takes expertise and a deep sense of place-based knowledge, and invaluable qualities are found within our Kaʻū community and community organizations. Ala Kahakai Trail Association respects and recognizes that, and our Hui o Waikapuna has witnessed it first-hand.
"Since the initial Board meeting on January 22nd, 2021, the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (in close partnership with our Hui) has done extensive community outreach. They have hosted well-attended community outreach meetings via zoom to share updates, get feedback, and address concerns. They have reached out and offered to have socially distanced in-person meetings. They have met with others who are opposed. They have apologized and asked for forgiveness for any offense they may have caused. They have listened to our community and learned from these experiences. When community members began to spread rumors and misinformation about ATA, ATA worked with us to draft a frequently asked questions document and distribute it to our community so people could be empowered with factual information.
"When concerns were raised about access to Waikapuna, they made sure to recruit a liaison, within the Kaʻū community, who can help make arrangements and accommodate kūpuna requests. When concerns were raised about the need for inclusion of certain Kaʻū organizations or families in the process and management plan, they did so without hesitation. When concerns were raised about ATA’s board members not being 'born and raised in Kaʻū,' they recruited a new board member, Nohealani Kaʻawa, who is born and raised here." The statement says ATA plans to add more Kaʻū board members in the future.
A number of Kaʻū community members testified against funding the acquisition, saying they didn't expect development to take the land and that they want Kiolakaʻa to be preserved and stewarded by an entity exclusive to Kaʻū. The Ala Kahakai Trail Association is comprised of folks from Kaʻū and communities, with similar land development challenges, all along the trail from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to North Kohala.
Opponents of the funding have noted that many kūpuna in Kaʻū have successfully worked to to deter such projects as Spaceports near Pāhala and at South Point, a prison in Wood Valley, SpinLaunch below Ocean View and resort development of Punaluʻu.
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| Stewarding will include trash cleanup along the the shore. Photo from ATA |
The Stewardship Committee wrote: "The cultural and conservation values of Kiolakaʻa are countless, and the wealth of ʻike within this ʻāina is unfathomable. With protected land from Honuʻapo to Ka Lae and beyond, it would be a tragedy to lose Kiolakaʻa to development and fragment the continuous open space of this portion of Kaʻū’s coastline and lowlands.
"The Kiolaka‘a ahupua‘a is in the middle of a 17-mile stretch of coastline from Ka Lae to Pohina Pali (at Honu‘apo Bay) that is rich with rare and endangered species, an anchialine pool complex, and numerous cultural sites. There are relatively few places that exist in Hawai‘i today that can boast such a diverse coastal and lowland plant community, as many of the other areas that were once abundant in native flora are now covered with concrete, condos, and private houses. Due to its isolation and surrounding lava flows, this region which includes the embayment and historic fishpond at Ka‘alu‘alu, has become a haven for native plants and animals alike, amidst a tapestry of archeological sites that reveal a long storied history and deep cultural significance.
"We have worked to help our community understand the process of land protection and management when lands are purchased through the State’s Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP) and the County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Conservation (PONC) funds. ATA has worked very hard to secure County funding for our community to develop a Community Management Plan for Waikapuna. An unbiased third party consultant will be hired to create a comprehensive (and costly) management plan based on our community’s mana‘o. In this sense, it will absolutely not be the Ala Kahakai Trail Association leading the management of Kiolakaʻa, but the management will be in the hands of our community. |
| A pre-pandemic visit to the Kaʻū Coast to assess the valuation of preservation. Photo from ATA |
"Since the initial Board meeting on January 22nd, 2021, the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (in close partnership with our Hui) has done extensive community outreach. They have hosted well-attended community outreach meetings via zoom to share updates, get feedback, and address concerns. They have reached out and offered to have socially distanced in-person meetings. They have met with others who are opposed. They have apologized and asked for forgiveness for any offense they may have caused. They have listened to our community and learned from these experiences. When community members began to spread rumors and misinformation about ATA, ATA worked with us to draft a frequently asked questions document and distribute it to our community so people could be empowered with factual information.
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| Exploring the Ala Kahakai Trail in Kaʻū. Photo from Big Island Video News |
"When further concerns were raised regarding some community members’ wishes that it be a Kaʻū-based nonprofit that own these lands, ATA agreed that once an able nonprofit organization was ready to fulfill the State and County requirements of the grant agreement and the conservation easement, ATA would work with them to request State and County approval to transfer the deed and title to that nonprofit.
"They have shown through their actions and openness that they are content with being a temporary placeholder, and have proven that it is not about ATA, it is not about any one person, it is about the ʻāina and our community’s vision to protect and mālama it."
The statement says, "The opportunity for our Kaʻū community to determine the future of this ʻāina is before us now. Our kūpuna set this path long before us. And it is our kuleana to continue their legacy for the generations coming after."
The statement says, "The opportunity for our Kaʻū community to determine the future of this ʻāina is before us now. Our kūpuna set this path long before us. And it is our kuleana to continue their legacy for the generations coming after."
The Trail Association Stewardship Committee asked the Board of Land & Natural Resources "to put the ʻāina first, approve the grant award, and help us share this precious gift with those who will follow in our footsteps. He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka. (The land is Chief, man is its servant.) -- ‘Ōlelo No‘eau from Mary Kawena Pukui."
See more on the subject in Saturday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
HIGHWAY 11 WAS SHUT DOWN TONIGHT due to a fire on the Kawā side of Honuʻapo, makai of the highway. Hwy 11 was blocked by police from Punaluʻu to the police station in Nāʻālehu.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
A NIGHT DIVER AT KAMILO DIED. The report from Hawaiʻi Fire Department this morning said the 59-year old man was found, unresponsive on the beach, Dead on Arrival. The Fire Department reported using Brush Truck 11 to reach the site on the Kaʻū Coast. Fire units from Pāhala and Nāʻālehu and Hawaiʻi Police Department responded to the remote shoreline. "Utilized smaller off-road capable vehicle to access 5.5 miles of dirt and rocky road." The report says the "male party was night diving in a group and lost contact with others. Found later in tide pool and brought to shore prior to HFD arrival. Patient assessed at scene, turned over to HPD." HFD reported the conditions were a sandy beach front with tidal pools and exposed reef with two to three foot height of constant, choppy wave action."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY IS OPEN TO IN-PERSON TRAFFIC, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Should anyone have an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz
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.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
FOOD RELIEF
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.
COMMUNITY
Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and the senior class at bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
PETS & WILDLIFE
One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
For free Veterinary Care, Spay & Neuter, visit hihs.org, Services Tab, Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or email petsupport@hihs.org. Call 808-217- 0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy dogs and cats. Two pets per family will be accommodated, each pet with own appointment. Unavailable to animals other than dogs and cats. Unavailable to strays and those with contagious illnesses.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: A KAPA JOURNEY & RITUAL DRUMS is the exhibit at Volcano Art Center through May 16, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily. A Kapa Journey features Dalani Tanahy. Pahūpahū: Ritual Drums features Kapua Kaʻauʻa. Volcano Art Center Gallery is within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. While the exhibit is free, park entrance fees apply. During the exhibition, Dalani Tanahy will be holding a Hawaiian Kapa workshop at VACʻs Niaulani Campus in
Volcano Village on April 17th. Kapua Kaʻauʻa will also be holding a live demonstration of kaula pā hā/ pā walu at the VAC gallery on April 24th. See more at volcanoartcenter.org/events.
Volcano Village on April 17th. Kapua Kaʻauʻa will also be holding a live demonstration of kaula pā hā/ pā walu at the VAC gallery on April 24th. See more at volcanoartcenter.org/events.
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. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
GOLF & 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 clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com.
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 available at the entry gate.
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| See the newspaper at www.kaucalendar.com |
OUTDOOR MARKETS
A NEW ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Nāʻālehu Main Street, is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church in Waiʻohinu. "It's a Farmer's Market, Swap Meet, Food Court, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Entertainment and more sharing our Manao and Aloha," says a statement from Nāʻālehu Main Street. "Our intention and mission is to increase economic viability in Kaʻū by providing additional opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to share their products and services with the community. We welcome you to participate and help create a vibrant community!" Email AlohaFridayMarket@
gmail.com for vendor inquiries, availability and application.
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 Hawai‘i 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.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 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 Council. 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 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.
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES CALENDARS, t-shirts, and sweatshirts sales raise money for the school. Review the calendar at rb.gy/tmxzva. Order the Calendar using this form: rb.gy/ytekoz. Send payment or donations to VSAS through 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, Monday through Friday, 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 in Nāʻālehu.
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 mirandafarms.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.
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. ovecchurch@gmail.com
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, at rb.gy/3jfbzd, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Check the webpage for Christmas services.
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
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.
HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR KUPUNA at 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.
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-mendMinistries 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.
EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.
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
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
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. Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads 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 Kaʻū High & Ka'ū 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.
The next mass vaccination in Pāhala will be this Saturday, April 17 at the Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium & Shelter, Kaʻū District Gym, next to the Pahala school campus from noon to 5 p.m. and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are 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., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. 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. See 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.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
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.
ECONOMIC RELIEF
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
Applicants must not have actively operated and managed a farm or ranch anywhere, with an insurable interest in any crop or livestock for more than five crop years (ten years for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection). This includes an insurable interest as an individual or as a substantial beneficial interest holder (ten percent or more) in another person who has an insurable interest in any crop or livestock. Applicants may exclude a crop year's insurable interest if they were under the age of 18, enrolled in post-secondary studies (not to exceed five crop years) or on active duty in the U.S. military.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
