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| Dr. Frank Bonacorso inspects a Hawaiian hoary bat. It's Bat Week. See more below USGS photo |
CHILD-CARE PROVIDERS HAVE AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY, according to the latest newsletter from East Kaʻū's state Senator. Joy San Buenaventura notes that the state Department of Human Services will administer some $80 million in "stabilization grants to support child care providers and help to stabilize and increase the capacity of the child care sector." The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act through U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The funding is aimed at providing rapid financial relief to child care providers and business owners in Hawai'i.
Those eligible to apply include qualified licensed and registered fmily child care home providers, center-base providers and A+ program providers. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 15.
Buenaventura's newsletter says, "The COVID-1 pandemic has significantly challenged the child care system, emphasizing challenges with hiring and retaining staff, affordability and and accessibility to high quality child care to name a few. As an essential service for working families, child care plays a vital role in our state's economic recovery and DHS is committed to work together with child care providers and the child care community to rebuilding the child care system."
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| A nēnē couple has nested at Uēkahuna, near the former Jaggar Museum, leading Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to close off the area to visitors. NPS photo by Janice Wei |
HVNP explains the closure:
"Nēnē breeding and nesting season starts in October. The female builds a simple ground nest and incubates one to four eggs for a month while her devoted mate acts as a sentry. Shortly after they hatch, goslings leave the nest and follow their parents to their traditional foraging grounds which can be more than a mile away. At 14 weeks, nēnē can fly, and along with their parents, they join other flocks where they meet their relatives and potential mates. They usually mate for life.
"Unfortunately, three nēnē were recently run over and killed by speeding or inattentive drivers, including a mated pair. Please drive carefully everywhere in the park and especially in areas where there are nēnē signs. Never feed nēnē – itʻs unhealthy for the birds and it gets them comfortable around humans and cars which has deadly consequences. It takes everyone to work together to save nēnē, the rarest goose in the world and the state bird of Hawaiʻi!"
"Nēnē breeding and nesting season starts in October. The female builds a simple ground nest and incubates one to four eggs for a month while her devoted mate acts as a sentry. Shortly after they hatch, goslings leave the nest and follow their parents to their traditional foraging grounds which can be more than a mile away. At 14 weeks, nēnē can fly, and along with their parents, they join other flocks where they meet their relatives and potential mates. They usually mate for life.
"Unfortunately, three nēnē were recently run over and killed by speeding or inattentive drivers, including a mated pair. Please drive carefully everywhere in the park and especially in areas where there are nēnē signs. Never feed nēnē – itʻs unhealthy for the birds and it gets them comfortable around humans and cars which has deadly consequences. It takes everyone to work together to save nēnē, the rarest goose in the world and the state bird of Hawaiʻi!"
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
SMALL SCALE SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS can apply for the USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program for funding to help them through the reset of the pandemic. Those eligible include other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets. The aim is to help them recover costs incurred by responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including for measures to protect workers. This program is authorized and funded under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
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| Small producers are eligible for assistance from USDA to help get through the rest of the pandemic. Photo from Hawai'i Farm Bureau |
All applications submitted before the deadline will be considered for funding. Applications will not be reviewed on a first come first served basis. Application Period Opened on Oct. 6. It closes 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time Nov. 22. The minimum grant amount is $1,500. The maximum is $20,000.
Grants will cover activities associated with:
Workplace Safety: Implementing workplace safety measures to protect against COVID-19; purchase of personal protective equipment, thermometers, cleaning supplies, sanitizer or hand washing stations; installation and purchase of air filters or new signage.
Market Pivots: Implementing market pivots to protect against COVID–19, including development and implementation of online platforms; creation of online or print materials to communicate market pivots. Retrofitting Facilities: Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID–19, such as installation and purchase of protective barriers made of plexiglass or plastic sheeting, walk up windows, heat lamps/heaters, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables, chairs and lighting.
Transportation: Providing additional transportation options to maintain social distancing and worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID-19. This could include additional transportation services for workers; new delivery routes or distribution services.
Worker Housing: Providing worker housing that protects against COVID-19 Additional housing resources/services to maintain social distancing or to allow for quarantining of new or exposed employees Medical: Providing health services to protect workers against COVID-19 Vaccinations, testing or healthcare treatment of infected employees, including any paid leave due to COVID-19 infection
For questions about this program, email usda.ams.prs@grantsolutions.gov or call (301) 238-5550. Help desk hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. To apply, go to https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda
Grants will cover activities associated with:
Workplace Safety: Implementing workplace safety measures to protect against COVID-19; purchase of personal protective equipment, thermometers, cleaning supplies, sanitizer or hand washing stations; installation and purchase of air filters or new signage.
Market Pivots: Implementing market pivots to protect against COVID–19, including development and implementation of online platforms; creation of online or print materials to communicate market pivots. Retrofitting Facilities: Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID–19, such as installation and purchase of protective barriers made of plexiglass or plastic sheeting, walk up windows, heat lamps/heaters, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables, chairs and lighting.
Transportation: Providing additional transportation options to maintain social distancing and worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID-19. This could include additional transportation services for workers; new delivery routes or distribution services.
Worker Housing: Providing worker housing that protects against COVID-19 Additional housing resources/services to maintain social distancing or to allow for quarantining of new or exposed employees Medical: Providing health services to protect workers against COVID-19 Vaccinations, testing or healthcare treatment of infected employees, including any paid leave due to COVID-19 infection
For questions about this program, email usda.ams.prs@grantsolutions.gov or call (301) 238-5550. Help desk hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. To apply, go to https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Hawaiʻi is the most isolated island chain in the world. Before the settlement of the islands by humans, all species of plants and animals arrived either on the wind, waves, or their own wings. The only native terrestrial mammal in the islands is no exception.
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| Bat Week is celebrated around the world with the focus here on the Hawaiian hoary species. USGS photo |
The bat is the only remaining native land mammal in Hawaiʻi, and is now listed as an endangered species. ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a in Hawaiian means “half-leaf", referring to the resemblance of the bat's open wing to part of the taro leaf. This wingspan can grow to be about one foot (30 cm) wide.
Contrary to popular belief, these bats do not often dwell in caves or the island’s many lava tubes. These nocturnal creatures instead roost in trees. At or around sunset, the bats leave the tree to forage on insects, primarily moths.
Threats to the endangered species include destruction of habitat, and collisions with wind turbines, barbed wire fences, and other structures.
The Hawaiian hoary bat, Lasiurus semotus, is found only in Hawai’i and first arrived to the islands 1.35 million years ago, before the island of Hawai’i was formed.
During Bat Week, Hawai'i Volcanoes "solutes our nocturnal navigators" and urges sharing stories of bats seen around the island at #BatWeek.
See the state Department of Land & Natural Resources description of the Hawaiian hoary bat and its population throughout the islands at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2019/03/SWAP-2015-Hawaiian-hoary-bat-Final.pdf. Read numerous stories and papers written about the Hawaiian hoary bat at https://www.usgs.gov/science-explorer-results?es=Hawaiian+hoary+bat.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
For any fourth grader in the family, park entrance is free for everyone in the vehicle. Complete the online activity on www.everykidoutdoors.gov
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
O KAʻŪ KAKOU will host a Halloween trick or treat event at its farmers market grounds in Nāʻālehu this Saturday, Oct 30. from 8 a.m. to noon. Face painting, trick or treat, and games with prizes for the children will be offered along with the regular Saturday farmer and vendors market.
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND Bands will perform at the Lava Lounge at Kilauea Military Camp. Friday, Oct. 29 will feature Mikioi Street Band and Saturday, Oct. 30 will feature Lucky Tongue. State and County COVID-19 rules must be followed. Social distancing requirements are in place. Open to authorized patrons.
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND Bands will perform at the Lava Lounge at Kilauea Military Camp. Friday, Oct. 29 will feature Mikioi Street Band and Saturday, Oct. 30 will feature Lucky Tongue. State and County COVID-19 rules must be followed. Social distancing requirements are in place. Open to authorized patrons.
A SPOOKY TRAIL & HALLOWEEN VOLCANO VILLAGE TOUR await keiki and adults wearing a favorite costume.
Enter Volcano Art Center' s Spooky Trail at Volcano Art Center’s Haunted Forest on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4 p .m. to 6 p.m. The adventure begins with a tour of the Halloween Village, followed by a Tour Ghoul luring participants into the Haunted Forest.
This Halloween experience includes a keiki costume contest and the best decorated or carved pumpkin, which can be brought from home.
Goodie bags will be distributed to each keiki (while supplies last). Drawings for prizes will happen throughout the event. Costume and pumpkin judging will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The cost is $4.00 per person; at least one adult per family, with a maximum of six in a group, will be welcomed. Bring flashlights.
Due to COVID restrictions, a limited number of participants at a time will be allowed on the Spooky Trail. Masks and sign-in will be required.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Read the entire Kaʻū Calendar and back issues at
www.kaucalendar.com. Find it in the mail from Volcano
through Pāhala, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer 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.
