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| The County pulled 56 junk vehicles out of Ocean View in its first Rural Area Junk Vehicle Event. See more below. Photo from County of Hawai'i |
COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE ISSUED ANOTHER COVID ALERT TODAY, reporting some of the highest numbers of new cases since the pandemic began. "For the County of Hawai'i, the Department of Health reports 101 new cases with 604 active cases, and 12 persons hospitalized. Now more than ever during this Coronavirus pandemic we need to come together as a community and accept our kuleana to do all we can to suppress this current spike in cases. Community spread is being observed island wide and we must continue to practice the preventive measures of face coverings, physical distancing, and limiting gatherings. Please do your part to help keep our family, friends and community safe. A free Coronavirus test clinic will be held tomorrow, Sunday Aug. 1 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo from 9 in the morning 'til 1 in the afternoon. You are encouraged to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus. Please visit the County of Hawai'i website for additional information on clinics and pharmacies offering vaccination and testing." Civil Defense: www.hawaiicounty.gov.
The state Department of Health reported 485 new cases across the islands today. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, Md., recommended mask wearing, social distancing and, for the unvaccinated, to take the jab. He said that with schools reopening next week and the abundant community spread, the possibility of returning to some restrictions will have to be evaluated.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| People line up today for COVID vaccines outdoors at St. Jude's in Ocean View, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic. Photo by Teri Martindale |
KA‘Ū HOSPITAL'S SISTER FACILITY, HILO MEDICAL CENTER, IS NEARING CAPACITY. Over Friday night it experienced an influx of COVID victims, increasing the number of COVID in-patients from six to 12, all unvaccinated. The facility, which includes Hilo hospital, has been very busy the past few months and "is nearing full capacity with limited beds available," says a message from spokesperson Elena Cabatu. "Our Emergency Department is also is extremely busy. We are seeing a large spike of patients needing testing, examination and treatment for COVID. Given this situation, our Hilo Medical Center Emergency Department, has implemented a No Visitor Policy for the Emergency Department until further notice."
Exceptions include pediatric patients 18 years and below, and for highly critical, end-of-life situations. Regular visiting hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for inpatient visitors remains in place for now, "but we are assessing the need to modify our polices over the next few days as we manage the current COVID outbreak among our unvaccinated population. Please continue to encourage your loved one to get vaccinated," says Cabatu.
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| Outdoor COVID clinic set up at St. Jude's in Ocean View today. Photo by Teri Martindale |
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| Kaʻū Auto Repair's towing subsidiary helped haul junk vehicles out of Ocean View. Photo from County of Hawai'i |
A statement from the County says these events are intended to make disposal of unwanted vehicles from private properties more accessible and convenient to the community by reducing the distance residents need to travel for disposal of their junk vehicles.
County Department of Environmental Management Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses said she believes "the key to making a bigger impact in the beautification of our island is to partner with community organizations. It is amazing how many people are willing to help to get these derelict and abandoned vehicles out of their community. There is limited funds so we need to figure a way to partner with others to defray towing so we get more vehicles disposed."
People interested in doing a project in their communities can email Brenda.iokepa-moses@hawaiicounty.gov. "We need to do a better job of educating our community as to the proper way to dispose of their vehicle at the end of its life to avoid having this problem continue," said Iokepa-Moses.
All vehicles collected at HOVE were transported to the County's contracted recycling/disposal facility with a temporary drop-off site within the HOVE subdivision.
The Abandoned Vehicles Section teamed up with the County's Vehicle Registration and Licensing Section at the HOVE Community Center for residents to pre-register at two pop-up events and "junk their titles" for disposal. These two events spared residents from traveling to Hilo or Kailua-Kona to junk their vehicle titles.
The County stated that it would like to thank the residents of HOVE, the Ocean View Community Association, County Council Chair Maile David, all the County employees involved in this event, and towing companies for making this a positive and successful event.
THE MONTHLY CIVIL DEFENSE, all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, coordinated with the test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 2 at 11:45 a.m.
All vehicles collected at HOVE were transported to the County's contracted recycling/disposal facility with a temporary drop-off site within the HOVE subdivision.
The Abandoned Vehicles Section teamed up with the County's Vehicle Registration and Licensing Section at the HOVE Community Center for residents to pre-register at two pop-up events and "junk their titles" for disposal. These two events spared residents from traveling to Hilo or Kailua-Kona to junk their vehicle titles.
The County stated that it would like to thank the residents of HOVE, the Ocean View Community Association, County Council Chair Maile David, all the County employees involved in this event, and towing companies for making this a positive and successful event.
Visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org website and register for Solid Waste Notifications (via email or text).
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| A temporary staging location in Ocean View before pulling the junkers out of Ocean View. Photo from County of Hawai'i |
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| Diamond Auto towing assisted with bringing junk cars out of Ocean View Photo from County of Hawai'i |
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TROPICAL DISTURBANCES ARE MOVING WEST but remain far from the Hawaiian Islands.
Hurricane Hilda, at 75 kt is expected to strengthen, but track north of the path to the Hawaiian Islands, reaching cool water and dissipating before coming near here. Some global models show erratic motion, even a path to the south.
Tropical Depression Nine-E is closer to Hawai'i but expected to weaken to a remnant low. It could interact with Hurricane Hilda, according to reports of the National Hurricane Center.
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THE FIRE AT NINOLE LOOP AT PUNALU'U YESTERDAY is over but fire crews are checking it for hotspots. Up north, Waiki'i Ranch and Pu'ukapu Hawaiian Homestead have been evacuated with a huge range fire raging. The mayor's office reported this evening: "County and Department of Forestry and Wildlife firefighters are on scene and continue to battle the blaze. The fire has engulfed roughly 14,000 acres and continues to shift direction based on wind conditions. Residents who are close enough to see the fire should evacuate the area promptly. A shelter is available to displaced residents at the Waimea District Park in Kamuela."
As a result of the fire, Hwy 190 between the Lalamilo Farm Road and Old Saddle Road, as well as Old Saddle Road between Hwy 190 and Daniel K. Inoyue Hwy, are closed. Drivers are asked to remain cautious of an increase of animals on the roadways. For up-to-date information, visit Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Hazard Map.
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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.
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 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. 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.
