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| KDEN wraps up its presentation of Pirates of the Penzance this weekend with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2:20 p.m. on Sunday at the Kilauea Military Camp's Theater in Volcano. See poster below. Photo from KDEN |
EMPLOYMENT FOR A RURAL BROADBAND MAPPING PROJECT is available, according to a letter from West Kaʻū and Kona state Sen. Dru Kanuha. "Over the past year, my office has worked in close collaboration with the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s Broadband Hui to promote digital equity in the State of Hawai’i. Accordingly, to maximize the use of federal funding recently made available for broadband projects. In addition and as an offshoot of this work, efforts are also underway focusing on mapping Hawai'i Island, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaua'i to identify gaps in connectivity to meet the needs of our most vulnerable communities.
"'Auamo Collaborative, in partnership with private funders, has stepped up as a strong partner in this effort, and is actively seeking a Community Outreach Team to assist with data collection for its’ Rural Broadband Mapping Project. Positions are temporary and would entail visiting communities to administer a short online survey about broadband connectivity in rural communities. Participants will be compensated $150 per day, will be contracted to work up to 12 days total, depending on the geographical location, and work schedules are flexible as long as data collection targets are achieved. Interested applicants can send an email to kokua@auamocollaborative.org."
For more information, visit ‘https://www.auamocollaborative.org/rural-broadband.
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Kanuha introduced and shepherded the passage of recent legislation (SB855 SB1 HD1 CD1) to extend the Hawaii Department of Agricultureʻs Coffee Berry Borer Pesticide Subsidy Program and expand it to include control of the industryʻs latest disease challenge, Coffee Leaf Rust. The legislation extends the sunset date of the program to June 2023 and stipulates annual subsidy caps per acre of treated coffee.
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Presenting state Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (center left) with the Hawai'i Coffee Associationʻs first ever Legislator of the Year Award are from left: Brittany Horn, HCA secretary; Tom Greenwell, HCA vice-president; Chris Manfredi, HCA president; Alla Kostenko, HCA event coordinator and Madeleine Longoria Garcia, HCA Cafe Collective Committee chair. Photo from HCA |
Endemic to Central Africa, CBB was discovered in Hawai'i first in Kona in 2010 and it can be difficult to control. Female beetles lay eggs inside the coveted coffee bean to feed its brood. Farmers fight CBB with an integrated pest management program that includes farm sanitation and a biological control material bought commercially.
The HCA statement says, "The Hawai'i Coffee Association's mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawaii coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. The HCA's primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of Hawaiian coffees. A major component of HCA's work is the continuing education of members and consumers. Its annual conference has continued to grow, gaining international attention." Learn more about the HCA at www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org.
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A THIRD DOSE OF MNRA COVID-19 VACCINE for moderately to severely immunocompromised people is recommended by the state Department of Health. DOH issued the medical advisory today, saying the additional dose should be given at least 28 days after a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The recommendation is in line with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Additional doses or booster shots are not recommended for the general public at this time. “Immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, as they may not build sufficient immunity from the initial two-shot series of mRNA vaccines,” said state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “At this time, additional doses are only recommended for this limited segment of the population.”
"Immunocompromised individuals may discuss with their healthcare provider whether receiving an additional dose is appropriate for them," says the DOH statement.
"Immunocompromised individuals may discuss with their healthcare provider whether receiving an additional dose is appropriate for them," says the DOH statement.
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ATTORNEYS FOR MORE THAN 2,000 STATE AND COUNTY WORKERS OPPOSING MANDATORY COVID VACCINES explained their lawsuit this week, saying they are not against the vaccines themselves. It is all about the "right to choose."
Speaking on Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i program Hawai'i Together lawyers Shawn Luiz, Kristin Coccaro and Michael J. Green said that many of their clients are first responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel.
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| Attorneys for more than 2,000 state and county workers say their suit against vaccine mandates are not anti-vaccine. Photo from Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i |
Luiz said the plaintiffs contend that their medical right to make an autonomous decision for their personal health care is being interfered with by government action. He said the whole basis for the emergency authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine is that the program would be be voluntary, since it involves a vaccine that has not been officially approved. Luiz said, "It is just shocking to see the state and county government, acting under the color of law, ... taking state action against the community and saying that the vaccine is now going to be mandated. So the state and county government is doing indirectly what the federal government is forbidden to do, and what the federal government represented in order to get the emergency-use approval of the product."
Federal officials said today that the Pfizer vaccine is likely to receive final FDA approval as early as Monday. The lawsuit, however, could go forward to determine whether state and county government overstepped in issuing the mandate, requiring employees to show proof of vaccines or frequent testing, the testing paid for by the government workers.
See the interview at https://www.grassrootinstitute.org/2021/08/attorneys-explain-challenge-to-state-county-employee-vaccine-mandates/?mc_cid=d265c5eb17&mc_eid=47af6a46e0.
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THE HAWAI'I TEACHERS UNION CONCLUDED THAT THE STATE HAS THE RIGHT TO MANDATE COVID VACCINES OR TESTING. Its opinion, posted on its Hawai'i State Teachers Association website on Thursday, says, "The governor used his legal authority through an emergency
proclamation to require that all state, city, and county employees attest to whether they are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or not vaccinated for COVID-19. It further provides that as an 'alternative,' state and county employees shall be subject to regular COVID-19 testing that shall occur either once or twice per week, at the discretion of the relevant state or county department, office, or agency."
The public school system is requiring all staff to be vaccinated or frequently tested, the staff members paying for the tests, beginning at the end of this month.
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NEW CONFIRMED COVID CASES ON HAWAI'I ISLAND TODAY TOTALED 162, following 163 reported on Thursday. The state total jumped with 845 reported today, following 752 new cases on Thursday. The positivity rate during testing on Hawai'i Island over the last two weeks has been 7.9 percent. The largest number of cases are in Hilo, followed by Kona, Kohala and South Kohala. Kaʻū and Volcano reporting shows less than ten confirmed cases in each zip code. A recent study by University of Hawai'i concludes that Covid is largely underreported, with may people going untested.
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A FLASH FLOOD WATCH BEGINS SUNDAY MORNING, expiring Monday evening. The National 
Weather Service issued the notice today. Hawai'i County Civil Defense issued a bulletin saying, "A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding. Heavy moisture from Post-tropical Cyclone Linda may cause heavy rain for the entire Island beginning Sunday morning. All Residents in flood prone areas are asked to take steps to mitigate flood waters on their property and to remain alert for flooding conditions and be prepared to take action if a Flood Advisory or Warning is issued. Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed without warning due to flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around don't drown. You will be informed of any change in conditions that may affect your safety."
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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.
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 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.
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.biz.
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 panoramiocean 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 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.
