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| The 1,800 acres at Kiolaka'a, including the east side of Ka'alu'alu Bay, is the subject of a County Council Finance Committee meeting this Tuesday, regarding purchase for preservation. Photo from Trust for Public Land |
PRESERVATION OF KIOLAKA'A, with its 1,800 acres including the east side of Ka'alu'alu Bay, will be
considered by the County Council's Finance Committee this coming Tuesday, July 20.
If the measure is approved it will go before the full County Council on Wednesday, Aug. 4. The resolution would authorize the County of Hawai'i's Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the purchase of Kiolakaʻa, using state and county funding. The meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and can be attended online.
The measure follows the unanimous approval by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources earlier this year to help fund the purchase of Kiolaka'a with up to $1.475 million in state Legacy Land funds.
Those interested in County of Hawai'i's proposed participation in funding the Kiolaka'a acquisition can submit written testimony and register to provide live oral testimony regarding Resolution 161. It would allow the County to use PONC funds, from property tax revenues, toward the purchase and preservation of the Kiolaka'a property. See RES 161 Draft 01 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink
(hawaiicounty.gov)
A statement from the non-profit Ala Kahakai Trail Association, which would steward the land, says, "Protection of the Ka'ū coastline has been a long-standing goal of the community. With only a handful of
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| Kiolaka'a, in red, is up for more funding for its preservation, to include the east shore of Ka'alu'alu Bay. The stewardship group would be Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Image from State of Hawai'i Legacy Lands |
privately owned properties at risk of development, this vision of protecting the entire Ka'ū coast can be achieved. A preservation purchase would protect this beautiful stretch of coastline which has been threatened by development interests for many years. The Kiolaka'a property has been targeted for a large scale subdivision. This development would impact numerous cultural sites throughout the landscape as well as sensitive native plant habitat, open space and public access.
"As part of Ala Kahakai's commitment to community based stewardship and management, Ala Kahakai will work with the community to create a management plan for the land. The management plan will address elements such as public access, education and resource protection. The landowner has expressed interest in selling for preservation. However, if we are unable to raise the funds, the owner could put the property back on the market or continue with development plans."
To register to give up to three minutes of live testimony, send email to: relley.araceley@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961- 8255 to receive a response with instructions on how to testify via zoom. Those who want to testify live must submit the request no later than Monday, July 19 by noon. Written Testimony can be submitted via email to: counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov no later than Monday, July 19 by noon.
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THE NUMBER OF COVID VICTIMS HOSPITALIZED AT KAʻŪ HOSPITAL'S SISTER FACILITY HILO MEDICAL CENTER MORE THAN DOUBLED in the past week. Spokesperson Elena Cabatu reported yesterday that there were four hospitalized victims a week ago, and nine this Wednesday, marking the highest number of hospitalized cases since October of 2020.
She noted that the state Department of Health concludes there is an undercount of the highly contagious Delta variant, which is spreading rapidly throughout Hawai'i, the numbers likely to grow.
"The difference between last October and the recent cases is that infections are occurring in younger ages ranging from 30-50 year-olds," said Cabatu. "Vast majority of hospitalized patients for COVID are still unvaccinated. Statewide, we are 58 percent fully vaccinated with Hawai'i County lagging at 55 percent. Please continue to encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated."
As of Thursday there were seven COVID-positive patients hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center. Six of them were unvaccinated, one vaccinated. Two were in ICU, with one on a ventilator, two others in the COVID Unit and three in a Medical Unit.
Cabatu noted that the Moderna Covid vaccine is available by appointment at Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic in Pāhala. Schedule by calling 808-932-4205 for appointments Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-noon and 1p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A free Covid vaccine clinic will be held tomorrow, Saturday, July 17 at Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium & Shelter, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 93-3150 Pikake St. in Pāhala.
CHURCH SERVICE
She noted that the state Department of Health concludes there is an undercount of the highly contagious Delta variant, which is spreading rapidly throughout Hawai'i, the numbers likely to grow.
"The difference between last October and the recent cases is that infections are occurring in younger ages ranging from 30-50 year-olds," said Cabatu. "Vast majority of hospitalized patients for COVID are still unvaccinated. Statewide, we are 58 percent fully vaccinated with Hawai'i County lagging at 55 percent. Please continue to encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated."
As of Thursday there were seven COVID-positive patients hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center. Six of them were unvaccinated, one vaccinated. Two were in ICU, with one on a ventilator, two others in the COVID Unit and three in a Medical Unit.
Cabatu noted that the Moderna Covid vaccine is available by appointment at Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic in Pāhala. Schedule by calling 808-932-4205 for appointments Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-noon and 1p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
There is no charge, no co-pay. Bring ID and medical insurance card. Uninsured persons are welcome. Walk-in's are welcome. Students 12-17 years of age must have parental consent. Pfizer and J&J vaccinations will be given. A $50 KTA gift certificate will go to the first 50 participants. The event is sponsored by Kaiser, KTA, Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic and National Association of Community Health Workers.
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VOLCANO WOOD SHOW IS OPEN AT VOLCANO ART CENTER. The inaugural biennial juried wood show went on public display today, Friday, and continues through Aug. 8, Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
The exhibition in the Dietrich Varez Hall at Hale Ho‘omana at Niaulani features furniture, sculptures, and wood art by local island professional and amateur artisans. Funds generated from the show contribute to development of Volcano Art Center’s Art Van Go project, a mobile classroom, and a woodshop.
During the show, the wood artists will be on hand to share their work and stories. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and artists showcasing the many talents within our community,” said Volcano Art Center CEO, Mike Nelson. For more information, contact Nelson at (808) 967-8222 or email mnelson@volcanoartcenter.org.
During the show, the wood artists will be on hand to share their work and stories. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and artists showcasing the many talents within our community,” said Volcano Art Center CEO, Mike Nelson. For more information, contact Nelson at (808) 967-8222 or email mnelson@volcanoartcenter.org.
Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.
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ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER TO GET RID OF JUNK VEHICLES with a pickup on July 17 and 18. See more on Page 11 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
GET PFIZER OR J&J COVID VACCINATIONS at Pāhala on July 17. See more on Page 13 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
VOLUNTEER AT KA‘Ū SCHOOL GARDEN on Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m. as part of the Hawai`i Island Community Food Summit. See more on Page 5 of the July Kaʻū Calendar newspaper.
SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 15 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.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.
Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
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.
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 SERVICE
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. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is 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 12 p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
