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Saturday, September 11, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021

A 9/11 COVID testing and vaccination event was held at the Robert Herkes Gym in Pāhala
today. See COVID updates below. Photo by Julia Neal

TODAY, MANY REMEMBERED the tragedy of 9/11 and the sense of unity between neighbors that followed. Hawai'i's late Sen. Dan Inouye was key to legislation that provides funding for the memorial at the former site of the World Trade Center and ten years ago he visited the site with then New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg. 
    Here are the words read into the Congressional Record, penned by Inouye: “On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people who would lose their lives in the most horrific attack on America since the bombing of Pearl Harbor began their day like it was any other. Many got dressed and headed for work. Others packed their bags and went to the airport. All would leave their loved ones that morning believing they would be home soon to continue the lives they worked so hard to create. Instead, these innocents were murdered by terrorists at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This despicable act forever changed our great nation and the world. Families were shattered, a war began, and the relative peace and security we enjoyed was ripped away.”
Ten years ago, the late Sen. Dan Inouye visited the 9/11 Memorial with then New York Mayor
 Mike Bloomberg. Inouye introduced  funding for the museum into the U.S. Senate. 
Photo from 9/11 Memorial
   Inouye wrote about his visit to the memorial site a decade ago, saying: “Although the rubble has been cleared and great structures are rising from the earth, there is a solemn air that permeates the place. Despite the bustling crews and the towering cranes stacking metal and shaping the new towers, it is still the spot where husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers died in fiery fashion."
    Said Inouye, “Being there reminded me of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the formative years that  followed."
    The senator was a boy of 17 when he heard the announcer shout over the radio that “Japanese planes were attacking Pearl Harbor. I remember running outside with my father to see the bright red suns painted on the wings of the Zeroes as they raced toward their target amid black puffs of anti-aircraft fire,” he recalled.
    “I knew at that moment that my country and my life would never be the same. Six decades later that moment came again when I watched passenger jets crash into the side of the World Trade Center.
      Inouye recalled: “After Pearl Harbor I put on the uniform and went off to fight for this country as did thousands of my brave brothers from the Greatest Generation. Our nation was shocked into action by the events of Dec. 7, 1941 and a generation of Americans fought and died to shape the new world that came after the bombs fell.
    “America was awakened in similar fashion on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 and ten years later we are still fighting and dying to create a future better than the one we lost that day,” the senator wrote.
      To honor Sept. 11 victims and heroes, around foot prints of the fallen tower that sat side by side, the  names of the fallen were engraved in panels that form a railing around each pool.
      “It is a fitting memorial for those who died but we must honor their memory by telling their story and educating the world about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001,” wrote Inouye.
      “Yes, it was America that was attacked, but the world changed forever that day and this memorial and museum is much more than a collection of artifacts, it is a symbol of America reborn and a reminder that the world order is always changing,” wrote Inouye.
       To support this effort, Inouye introduced a bill to allow the United States, through the Secretary of the Interior, to take ownership of the lands, the Memorial and the Museum.

The faces of heroes and victims of the attack on the World Trade Center.
Photo from 9/11 Memorial
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LT. GOV. JOSH GREEN REMEMBERS 9/11 WHEN HE LIVED IN KAʻŪ: "Twenty years ago today I was fast asleep in Kaʻū, where I was serving in the National Health Corps. Before dawn my phone began to ring off the hook. It was my younger brother and high school friends calling frantically from the east coast to tell me our country was under attack. I woke my mom who was visiting me from Pittsburgh, to tell her we had to turn on CNN.
    "As the second plane crashed into the second tower it occurred to me my college roommate had an office to ward the top of the building for several years. I remember saying a prayer for him and the rest of the souls who worked there, and thought to myself America wouldn’t ever be the same. #neverforget
https://apnews.com/.../september-11-photos...

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THE 9/11 MESSAGE TODAY FROM CONGRESSMAN KAI KAHELE: "Today, 20 years after the harrowing attacks on our nation, we remember the 2,977 American lives lost, the heroism of our courageous first responders who ran toward danger and the bravery of ordinary people who helped their fellow Americans. Let us also remember the families who lost their loved ones, and the men and women who were deployed to war following that attack. Our nation's resilience is strengthened on this day as we come together to remember. We will never forget."
    Kahele also recalled that fateful day, 20 years ago: "On the morning of September 11, 2001, I remember surrounding the television at the 50th Flying Training Squadron ops desk with my pilot classmates, watching in shock and horror, live footage of the terrorist attacks on our country. At the time, I was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi attending Air Force Pilot Training and had just received my commission seven months prior as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard. That day set the narrative for the rest of my now 20-year military career, and led to my first combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2005 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism."

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THE 9/11 MESSAGE TODAY FROM SEN. MAZIE HIRONO: "Today we mark 20 years since 9/11, a dark day for our nation. As we mourn the tragic loss that so many families and communities experienced, we will never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who rushed to respond."

THE 9/11 MESSAGE TODAY FROM SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ: "Today, we remember the lives taken in the 9/11 attacks. We honor the courage & sacrifice of our first responders & so many everyday heroes on that fateful day. And we remain inspired by the unity & love that brought our country together in the face of unspeakable tragedy."

THE 9/11 MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MITCH ROTH: "I ask that we all take a moment of silence to reflect on the horrendous acts of terror that took place on American soil just 20 memorable years ago.
Let us remember all of those who lost their lives on that day and the subsequent days and years to follow.
Volcano resident and composer Howard Shapiro wrote
the  song We Remember Them to honor  9/11 victims
 and those who helped. It is included on his album.
    "The firefighters, police officers, pilots, passengers, soldiers, business people, and other innocent bystanders. Let us celebrate them, their families, their loved ones. Let us be thankful for our freedoms while paying homage to those who have fought and continue to fight for them."

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SONGWRITER AND VOLCANO RESIDENT Howard Shapiro was moved to write his song We Remember Them following the Sept 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center and Sept 14 memorial service at Washington National Cathedral.         
    The song was recorded at Lava Tracks Studio in Kamuela and copies were shared with the families who lost loved ones. It is included in his album Ka 'Aina.
    "Twenty years later, the song also honors all who have lost their lives across the world during the Covid-19 pandemic and other crisis-disaster related events. Thank you for allowing me to share this song with you. I hope it brings you some comfort and solace." said Shapiro. Listen to it at https://www.amazon.com/We-Rememberthem/dp/B0015M79O2

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THE NUMBER OF COVID CASES that are new in the last 14 days are under ten in Volcano and Pāhala. The state Department of Health reports 15 news cases in Ocean View and 11 new cases in Nāʻālehu in the last two weeks.

THIRTY CLINICIANS TO ADMINISTER MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT FOR COVID will arrive in the Islands on Sept. 19, according to the state Department of Health. On this island, one of the clinics will be at Kaʻū Hospital's sister facility, Hilo Medical Center.
     The DOH statement says, "A federal team of 30 civilians is being deployed to Hawaiʻi to administer monoclonal antibody therapy to treat COVID-19 patients. Increasing access to monoclonal antibody therapy will decrease severe illness in individuals recently infected with COVID-19, providing relief to Hawaii’s hospitals. Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a substitute for vaccination."
    Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system temporarily respond to the immediate infection. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued Emergency Use Authorization for a number of monoclonal antibody therapies that serve as early treatment after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
 
Ka`u Hospital's sister facility Hilo Medical Center will
offer Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, with help from FEMA.
  State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP, said, “Targeted use of monoclonal antibodies could keep Hawaiʻi COVID-19 patients from developing severe illness that requires hospitalization. However, COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective way to create long-lasting immunity and prevent severe illness and death. Increasing access to monoclonal antibody therapy will reduce strain on our hospitals. We thank our state and federal partners for their assistance.”
    President and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawai'i, Hilton Raethel, said, “We are taking yet another strategic step to preserve hospital capacity during a time of unprecedented demand. Increasing the number of COVID positive residents who receive this therapy will result in a reduction of symptoms, and reduce demand on our hospitals.”
    Six teams will be stationed at hospitals and federally qualified health centers across the state, administering treatments seven days a week. The teams will administer monoclonal antibodies by injection. Treatment requires monitoring and the ability to respond to reactions or other medical events.
    "Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a substitute for vaccination. Monoclonal antibodies provide a short burst of immunity, compared to the longer-lasting immunity created by vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death," says the DOH statement.
   "Treatment with monoclonal antibodies within the first ten days of symptom onset could reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death. This treatment is authorized for individuals 12 and older with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for severe illness, not hospitalized and do not require supplemental oxygen. Patients must be referred by a physician. While not everyone will be eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy, all people 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated."

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Read the entire Kaʻū Calendar and back issues at 
www.kaucalendar.com. Find it in the mail from Volcano
through Nāʻālehu, Ocean View to Miloli'i.
Pick it up from newsstands.

















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 x.

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.  See latest print edition at kaucalendar.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.




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

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
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 https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory High & Pāhala 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. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
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.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. 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.