 |
| New moorings are planned for manta ray dive and snorkeling boats. See more below. Photo from TripAdvisor |
MIRANDA’S FARMS, RUSTY'S HAWAIIAN, KA`U MOUNTAIN AND ALOHA STAR ranked one through three in Hawai'i Coffee Association's annual cupping competition for the Kaʻū District. The results
Maria Miranda submitted natural processed Red Catuai from her family's Miranda Farms, taking first and tying statewide with the top scoring coffee from other districts.
Lorie Obra submitted natural processed Red Bourbon for her family's Rusty's Hawaiian, taking second.
Alla Kostenko submitted natural processed Typica and Caturra for Dennis Albert's Kaʻū Mountain Farm, tying for third.
Armando and Karina Rodrigues submitted washed Typica for their Aloha Star Coffee Farms, tying for third.
HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCED its new board of directors today as it wrapped up its two-day virtual annual conference. The newly elected board members for 2021-2022 are 2020-2021 President Chris Manfredi of Ka`u Farm & Ranch; Kelleigh Stewart of Big Island Coffee Roasters; Tom Greenwell of Greenwell Farms; Juli Burden of Hawai`i Agricultural Research Center;
Abby Munoz of Monarch Coffee; Brittany Horn of Pacific Coffee Research; and Ross Uehara-Tilton of the Curb Kaimuki.
See presentations from the two day annual conference at www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
A TIE VOTE ON AN EIS FOR AQUARIUM COLLECTING in Hawaiian waters stalled the state Board of Land & Natural Resources action today. The three-to-three vote by BLNR members created an impasse on whether to accept a Revised Final Environmental Impact Statement submitted by seven aquarium fish collectors seeking permits for the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area. The collection area would be from Ka Lae up the west Kaʻū and Kona Coast.
According to a BLNR statement, the law provides a 30-day time-period in which the board must reach a decision. The clock started on June 8, when the EIS was published and ends on July 8, though the |
| Aquarium fish collection permits could be stalled by a tie vote by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources today. The permits would be granted for the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management Area. Map from the EIS |
In May 2020 the board declined to accept the Final Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council for the aquarium fish collectors.
Aquarium fishers revised the EIS over the past year. The revision, which incorporated many of the findings and reasons for denial by the land board, had been opened to public comment for 45-days.
The BLNR statement noted that today’s board decision was limited to the acceptability of the revised final EIS and was not a decision on aquarium fishing permits for waters of Kona and west Kaʻū. The seven aquarium fishers who undertook the EIS are expected to apply for permits. Their EIS outlines seven alternative possible courses of action including:
No action – no aquarium fish permits would be issued for the entire island of Hawai‘i and no commercial aquarium collection would occur anywhere in State waters.
CML-Only – no aquarium fish permits would be issued for the entire island of Hawai‘i; however, CMLs would be issued for East Hawai‘i fishers using legal gear other than fine-mesh nets.
Pre-Aquarium Collection Ban – DLNR would issue an unlimited number of aquarium fish permits as was done prior to 9-16-17 Supreme Court filing, allowing fish collection using fine mesh nets to resume.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE STATE IS COMING UP WITH ITS OWN MOORINGS TO PROTECT REEFS IN POPULAR BOATING AREAS. Public input is requested from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources for two sites - both of them popular manta ray viewing areas where boats hook up at night and snorkelers and divers enter the water to watch mantas.
The state plans to establish up to 13 moorings at Makako Bay near the Kona airport, and 12 at Kaukalaelae Point at Keauhou. DLNR's Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation has published a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Comments are due July 23.
The BLNR statement noted that today’s board decision was limited to the acceptability of the revised final EIS and was not a decision on aquarium fishing permits for waters of Kona and west Kaʻū. The seven aquarium fishers who undertook the EIS are expected to apply for permits. Their EIS outlines seven alternative possible courses of action including:
No action – no aquarium fish permits would be issued for the entire island of Hawai‘i and no commercial aquarium collection would occur anywhere in State waters.
CML-Only – no aquarium fish permits would be issued for the entire island of Hawai‘i; however, CMLs would be issued for East Hawai‘i fishers using legal gear other than fine-mesh nets.
Pre-Aquarium Collection Ban – DLNR would issue an unlimited number of aquarium fish permits as was done prior to 9-16-17 Supreme Court filing, allowing fish collection using fine mesh nets to resume.
West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management Area – Only Programmatic Issuance of Aquarium Permits – DLNR would issue an unlimited number of aquarium fish permits for the WHRFMA, but no permits for Hawai‘i Island outside the WHRFMA and an unlimited number of CMLs for fishers elsewhere in the state.
Achilles Tang Conservation – The preferred alternative in the Final Environmental Assessment (FEA), allows the issuance of an unlimited number of aquarium fish permits and CMLs on Hawai‘i Island. Collection in the WHRFMA restricted to 40 White List species only and reduces commercial aquarium
collection of Achilles Tang within the WHRFMA from 10 fish per day to 5 fish per day.
Limited Permit Issuance – The preferred alternative in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), allows the issuance of aquarium fish permits and CMLs to 10 fishers covered by the FEIS, only in the WHRFMA. No commercial aquarium collection allowed elsewhere in the state.
Revised White List and Limited Permit Issuance – The applicants preferred alternative would allow the issuance of aquarium fish permits and CMLs to the seven fishers covered by the Revised Final Environmental Impact Statement, for collection in the WHRFMA. No commercial aquarium collection allowed elsewhere in the state.
In its submittal to the land board, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources recommended board acceptance of the RFEIS, but also noted several concerns raised by the RFEIS, including potential impacts on coral. The board can address these matters and others raised in today’s hearing, by
establishing terms and conditions through the permitting process, said the statement from BLNR. See the Revised Final EIS from the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and the aquarium fishers at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2021/06/25/nr21-118/.
Achilles Tang Conservation – The preferred alternative in the Final Environmental Assessment (FEA), allows the issuance of an unlimited number of aquarium fish permits and CMLs on Hawai‘i Island. Collection in the WHRFMA restricted to 40 White List species only and reduces commercial aquarium
Limited Permit Issuance – The preferred alternative in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), allows the issuance of aquarium fish permits and CMLs to 10 fishers covered by the FEIS, only in the WHRFMA. No commercial aquarium collection allowed elsewhere in the state.
Revised White List and Limited Permit Issuance – The applicants preferred alternative would allow the issuance of aquarium fish permits and CMLs to the seven fishers covered by the Revised Final Environmental Impact Statement, for collection in the WHRFMA. No commercial aquarium collection allowed elsewhere in the state.
In its submittal to the land board, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources recommended board acceptance of the RFEIS, but also noted several concerns raised by the RFEIS, including potential impacts on coral. The board can address these matters and others raised in today’s hearing, by
establishing terms and conditions through the permitting process, said the statement from BLNR. See the Revised Final EIS from the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and the aquarium fishers at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2021/06/25/nr21-118/.
 |
| The state plans to install moorings in Keauhou to protect the reef at manta viewing sites. Image from draft EIS |
The state plans to establish up to 13 moorings at Makako Bay near the Kona airport, and 12 at Kaukalaelae Point at Keauhou. DLNR's Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation has published a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Comments are due July 23.
The draft EIS says, “The sites presently have no permitted moorings maintained or managed by the State, and the new configuration will accommodate more of the boats utilizing these sites on a nightly basis to conduct the highly popular manta ray viewing tours. Moorings will furthermore reduce overcrowding and offset anchoring on sensitive benthic habitat at the sites. The configuration of all moorings would maintain clearance from the US Coast Guard navigation channel, provide recreational opportunity for motorized vessels, and ensure continued use of the areas by non-motorized recreational users such as swimmers, paddlers, and other traditional uses of the site.”
The EA says that project will remove moorings that are "unpermitted and non-compliant with engineering and/or safety standards set by DOBOR Best Management Practices.” The plan is also to rearrange moorings “to optimize vessel usage and safety.”
The EA says that project will remove moorings that are "unpermitted and non-compliant with engineering and/or safety standards set by DOBOR Best Management Practices.” The plan is also to rearrange moorings “to optimize vessel usage and safety.”
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement can be found at 2021-06-23-HA-DEA-Kaukalaelae-Point-and-Makako-Bay-Installation-of-Day-Use-Mooring-Buoys.pdf
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
| Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers will host its 31st conference this October. Image from HTFG |
MANGO MAKERS & FOOD PRESERVERS is the title of the 31st Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference Oct. 8-9. The 2021 conference will be both in-person and virtual and continue with mini-sessions and tours in Hilo and on Moloka'i, O'ahu, Kaua'i, with larger in-person sessions on Maui.
Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the multi-day conference is presented by the statewide Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public. Videos for 2021 presentations will be posted at htfg.org.
The 2021 conference offers a lineup of visiting researchers and agro experts sharing information and leading engaging breakout sessions on a variety of fruit-related topics. Attendees will be able to log into discussions on the Tatura trellis system, avocados, advanced dehydration and canning methods, propagation techniques and unusual fruits with future economic potential.
Steve Brady will give the keynote, The World of Mangos with Jane Tai and HTFG Executive Director Ken Love offering a presentation on Processing and Utilizing Your Fruit to Develop Award-Winning, Value-Added Products.
A tour with farmer Jordan Longman at the HTFG Repository will cover fruit fly trap making and pruning techniques utilized in Australia and Japan.
A retired internist, Brady has been collecting and growing all sorts of tropical and exotic fruit for over six decades. He helped found the Naples Botanical Garden and was curator of its Tropical Fruit and Edible Plants Collection. A resident of the Sunshine State, Brady teaches an annual class on mangos for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Science as well as training classes for master gardeners. The conference is made possible with the support of the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, County of Kaua'i and Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers members from across the state.
Registration forms and fee schedule are available at www.HTFG.org or by contacting Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at mark.suiso@gmail.com.
Marking its 32nd year, HTFG was incorporated in 1989 to promote tropical fruit grown in Hawai'i. It is a statewide association of tropical fruit growers, packers, distributors and hobbyists dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion; www.HTFG.org.
Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the multi-day conference is presented by the statewide Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public. Videos for 2021 presentations will be posted at htfg.org.
The 2021 conference offers a lineup of visiting researchers and agro experts sharing information and leading engaging breakout sessions on a variety of fruit-related topics. Attendees will be able to log into discussions on the Tatura trellis system, avocados, advanced dehydration and canning methods, propagation techniques and unusual fruits with future economic potential.
Steve Brady will give the keynote, The World of Mangos with Jane Tai and HTFG Executive Director Ken Love offering a presentation on Processing and Utilizing Your Fruit to Develop Award-Winning, Value-Added Products.
A retired internist, Brady has been collecting and growing all sorts of tropical and exotic fruit for over six decades. He helped found the Naples Botanical Garden and was curator of its Tropical Fruit and Edible Plants Collection. A resident of the Sunshine State, Brady teaches an annual class on mangos for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Science as well as training classes for master gardeners. The conference is made possible with the support of the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, County of Kaua'i and Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers members from across the state.
Registration forms and fee schedule are available at www.HTFG.org or by contacting Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at mark.suiso@gmail.com.
Marking its 32nd year, HTFG was incorporated in 1989 to promote tropical fruit grown in Hawai'i. It is a statewide association of tropical fruit growers, packers, distributors and hobbyists dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion; www.HTFG.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
VETERANS & FAMILY INFORMATION ACT has been introduced to the U.S. Senate by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to make critical information it provides veterans and their families more accessible for non-English language speakers. An estimated 4.2 million veterans in the U.S. are foreign-born or the children of immigrants, a share of the veteran population that has been steadily increasing.
“America’s veterans come from diverse communities across our country. The Veterans and Family Information Act celebrates that diversity and helps make sure veterans, their families, and their caregivers better understand veterans’ benefits and programs and how to access them,” said Hirono. “Congress should always work to find new ways to support veterans—who already gave so much to our country. I urge swift passage of this bill in the Senate, so we can deliver on this promise.”
Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives, where it passed unanimously on June 15.
 |
| The families of many U.S. military veterans who live in the Philippines and elsewhere where English is not the first language, would benefit from the Veterans & FamilyInformation Act. |
Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives, where it passed unanimously on June 15.
The Veterans and Family Information Act would require the VA to provide the Department’s fact sheets in the ten most commonly spoken non-English languages in the United States, specifying that Tagalog and Spanish must be among the languages to make sure that veterans using VA facilities in the Philippines and Puerto Rico are able to access fact sheets in their first languages. It would also direct the VA to establish a website that links to all the fact sheets of the Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR PASTOR LANCE AKO of Hope DIA-mend Ministries will be held
this Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m., at the Ocean View church location at 92-8988 Ginger Blossom Lane.
Regarding the vehicular accident in Ocean View that left Lance Ako critically injured, Pastor Pam Ako said, "God raised him from the dead on the side of the road Feb. 17 and gave use 75 days of miracles after miracles. He was living testimony of God's love and power when we all came together praying in one accord."
Lance and Pam Ako are known for their ministry, providing food and shelter to many people and counseling and prayer for many more, as well as youth camps and other services in this community.
They also participated in many community activities, including playing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at venues across Kaʻū and collecting and delivering free food for holiday dinners.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
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 statementfrom 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.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
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
Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.
EDUCATION
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.
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. Pahala 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
this Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m., at the Ocean View church location at 92-8988 Ginger Blossom Lane.
Regarding the vehicular accident in Ocean View that left Lance Ako critically injured, Pastor Pam Ako said, "God raised him from the dead on the side of the road Feb. 17 and gave use 75 days of miracles after miracles. He was living testimony of God's love and power when we all came together praying in one accord."
Lance and Pam Ako are known for their ministry, providing food and shelter to many people and counseling and prayer for many more, as well as youth camps and other services in this community.
They also participated in many community activities, including playing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at venues across Kaʻū and collecting and delivering free food for holiday dinners.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open 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. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The 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. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
FREE LIFETIME ENTRY for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks available at the entry gate.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
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 statementfrom 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.
O 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 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, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.
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 CELEBRATES WORSHIP INSIDE THE BUILDING, after a 15-month suspension due to Covid-19. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. For those unable to meet in person, here is the zoom link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09
Meeting ID: 857 9865 5114; Passcode: Aloha
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel. Shower participants must be signed up by 12:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 857 9865 5114; Passcode: Aloha
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel. Shower participants must be signed up by 12:30 p.m.
 |
| Free showers and lunches are available for anyone at St. Judes on Saturdays. Photo from St. Jude's |
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.
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 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Pahala 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.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
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 RELIEFOnline 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.