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On Again, Off Again Glow at Halema'uma'u
Glowing resumed at Halema'uma'u lava lake on Wednesday and paused again on Thursday. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park reports that "The active part of the lava lake stands at approximately 17 acres, the size of almost 13 football fields. A hike along Old Crater Rim Drive to the eruption viewing area before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m. provides the best eruption viewing experience within the park. Here you will also find sections of Crater Rim Drive that sustained earthquake damage from the 2018 eruption, and a landscape blanketed from cinders during the 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki." Stay up-to-date with the current status of the eruption on the Kīlauea Eruption Update webpage: https://go.nps.gov/kilaueaupdate. NPS Photo
PUBLIC SCHOOLS REOPEN WITH IN-PERSON LEARNING AFTER WINTER BREAK with teachers returning Monday, Jan. 3 and students returning Tuesday, Jan. 4 at Nāʻālehu and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
Nāʻālehu Principal Darlene Javar sent out the following message:
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| Na'alehu Elementary School Principal Darlene Javar after receiving a Covid booster: "Sometimes Aloha looks like a mask. Sometimes Aloha pinches like a needle.... Just got my booster because there are lots and lots of people and keiki I care about." Photo from facebook |
"Out of an abundance of caution, at Nāʻālehu Elementary School, if you are concerned with 'on campus' learning for the first four days of school, NES will allow excused absences for Jan. 4th to Jan 7th, if work is completed. Work must be picked up on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 1:15 - 3:15 pm at the bus overhang. Please continue to be safe this Winter Break. Aloha!"
Javar also noted the following: "We really want our students back, but the choices we make in our personal lives impact our NES School Ohana. A healthy community increases the likelihood of a healthy school, and vice versa. We need to live with a Sense of Aloha for one another. Sometimes Aloha looks like a mask. Sometimes Aloha pinches like a needle. Sometimes Aloha is measured by a couple of feet . . . even if we love you to the moon and back."
Javar also noted the following: "We really want our students back, but the choices we make in our personal lives impact our NES School Ohana. A healthy community increases the likelihood of a healthy school, and vice versa. We need to live with a Sense of Aloha for one another. Sometimes Aloha looks like a mask. Sometimes Aloha pinches like a needle. Sometimes Aloha is measured by a couple of feet . . . even if we love you to the moon and back."
Javar received a Covid booster in mid December, saying, "Just got my booster because there are lots and lots of people and keiki I care about."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
MANY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I CLASSES ARE GOING ONLINE for the opening of spring semester. The UH system released the following statement this week:
The ten campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi will temporarily move many spring 2022 in-person courses to an online delivery for the first two weeks of the semester because of the record surge of COVID-19 cases in Hawaiʻi due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. The first day of spring semester classes remains Monday, Jan. 10 with a full return to scheduled course delivery on Monday, Jan. 24.
The announcement stated that only courses that can be “effectively taught online” will be impacted. Many lab sections, clinical experiences, Career and Technical Education (CTE) shop courses and studios will continue to be taught safely in-person, which includes physical distancing, wearing masks indoors, daily health screenings and other measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Each campus will determine which courses will be moved online based on considerations including COVID-19 conditions in the area, density of student populations in classrooms, number of students who will be traveling back to campus and instructional needs to keep all students on track to graduate. Students and employees are encouraged to monitor announcements from their campus leaders for campus specific information.
“We are not changing course modalities but merely making this adjustment to maximize the safety of our campuses including those who may be returning from another island or farther,” said Lassner in the announcement. “We are disappointed to take this action but believe it is appropriate to protect the health and safety of our students and employees.”
Lassner also urged everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot as soon as they are eligible, typically six months after the final dose. He said that planning is underway to make booster shots part of the UH vaccination requirement for students and employees.
As of Jan. 3, all UH students and employees are required to be fully vaccinated or have a university approved medical or religious exemption. Those with an approved exemption are required to regularly submit proof of a negative test to the LumiSight UH daily health check app. Students who are 100% online are the only exception to the vaccine requirements.
To be on a UH campus, an all-clear from the LumiSight UH app is required, proven with verified vaccination information, or an approved exemption and a verified negative test result when completing the daily health screening. Everyone is also required to wear face masks when indoors and when outdoors near others.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS WILL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT BREAKING THE SUNSHINE LAW that requires at least one in-person location be made available for public meetings. The measure comes from an emergency COVID proclamation by Gov. David Ige on Thursday that temporarily 
suspends the provision the Hawai'i Sunshine Law. Act 220, SLH 2021, passed by the Hawai'i Legislature and signed by the governor earlier this year, allows meetings to be conducted remotely, while still requiring at least one in-person meeting location.
Ige said he is temporarily suspending that in-person meeting location requirement "in an effort to continue mitigating the spread of COVID-19. This limited suspension ensures that government entities can continue conducting public meetings online, consistent with the important transparency requirements of Hawaiʻi's Sunshine Law. All other provisions of Act 220 will take effect as planned on Jan. 1, 2022."
The proclamation will remain in effect through Feb. 28, 2022, unless terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation. See the Sunshine Law guide at https://oip.hawaii.gov/sunshine-law-guide/
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
JANUARY FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK are announced.
Aerial imagery to detect Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and other invasive species will be captured from helicopter on Jan. 4 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. during a survey. The location will be Kahuku, between 2,000- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
Invasive banana poka survey and control on Mauna Loa will be conducted Jan. 4 and 5 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. between 4,000- and 5,000 feet elevation.
Additional survey and collection of aerial imagery to detect Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and other invasive species, will take place on Jan. 6. between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
A helicopter will transport sling loads and staff Jan. 10 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Jan. 13 between 9 a.m. and noon to for invasive guinea grass control work in the coastal backcountry, between 70- and 2,400-ft. elevation.
On Jan. 20 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. there will be aerial control and mapping of fountain grass from the parkʻs west boundary to Keauhou, between sea level and 3,500-ft. elevation.
In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
"The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather," says the park statement. "Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."
Aerial imagery to detect Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and other invasive species will be captured from helicopter on Jan. 4 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. during a survey. The location will be Kahuku, between 2,000- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
Invasive banana poka survey and control on Mauna Loa will be conducted Jan. 4 and 5 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. between 4,000- and 5,000 feet elevation.
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| Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death shown in aerial survey. USGS photo |
A helicopter will transport sling loads and staff Jan. 10 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Jan. 13 between 9 a.m. and noon to for invasive guinea grass control work in the coastal backcountry, between 70- and 2,400-ft. elevation.
On Jan. 20 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. there will be aerial control and mapping of fountain grass from the parkʻs west boundary to Keauhou, between sea level and 3,500-ft. elevation.
In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
"The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather," says the park statement. "Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
See the December and past issues of The Ka`u Calendar
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.
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. "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 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.
