Thursday, January 07, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, January 7, 2021

A growing lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, this morning, beneath the bigger Mauna Loa
Volcano in the distance, as shown in this aerial photo from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Photo by M. Patrick/USGS. See more photos below.

THE DOME FOUNTAIN WAS GONE AT HALEMAʻUMAʻU but the lava lake was still growing this morning, as revealed during a USGS overflight of Kīlauea Caldera. A thermal image taken today, looking northwest, shows the distribution of activity on the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit. The lake is slightly perched and surrounded along its perimeter by a lower ledge of cooler lava. The western fissure, in the wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater, is visible in the upper-left portion of the image, just above the lake, reported USGS scientists.
    Today, the eastern end of the lake was undergoing crustal foundering, in which crustal plates sink and fluid lava resurfaces the lake. The clear skies allowed for a photo of the summit of Kīlauea Volcano with the larger Mauna Loa Volcano in the background. See more photos below. See the history of this eruption, additional photos and videos at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory.

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AVOID ALL SOCIAL GATHERINGS FOR TWO WEEKS, urged Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, today, as he pointed to 322 news cases of COVID-19 around the state. It was the second-highest count since the pandemic began, with the highest last August. Green blamed the current rise on Christmas and News Years gatherings and said the uptick had little to do with travelers coming to Hawaiʻi. He noted that in the last two weeks the hospitalization rate climbed 77 percent. The positivity rate over the last week is 3.48 percent. 
A thermal image from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory this morning shows
 the lava islands in the crater. The vent where lava enters is at the upper left.
USGS image by M. Patrick
    He said the pause in social gatherings does not apply to shopping and dining at services where safe practices are followed. Green told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser: "I understand the need people had at the end of the year to see loved ones and see people from work. But that has created a significant bump up in cases… We need a quiet two weeks to bring our numbers down. If we do that, we'll see our numbers drop quickly."
    The state Department of Health announced today that 2,526 vaccinations have been given on this island and that those 75 and older can take them soon.

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REMOVE OR IMPEACH DONALD TRUMP is the message from U.S. Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele today. He issued the following statement: "I fully support removing President Trump from office, either by invoking the 25th Amendment or bringing forth articles of impeachment against him.
    "We have seen the enormous damage Trump can do just in a short amount of a time since the 2020 presidential election. We cannot have a sitting president in office who incites violence among the people, or who tries to upend the American people's democratic process and right to a just election. His deplorable abuse of power urging Georgia's Secretary of State to find votes, and his remarks in front of an agitated mob of his supporters yesterday that roused civil indignancy at the grounds of the U.S. Capitol are unforgivable. President Trump is a disgrace to the office he holds and to the American people. Every day he remains in the White House is another day America is unsafe. 
Wednesday's view from the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater showing a double rainbow. Numerous islands are
visible floating in the lake, which itself is perched a couple yards above its margin. USGS photo by H. Dietterich 

    "Whether it's the 25th Amendment or impeachment, Donald Trump must be held accountable for his actions. This cannot wait. Congress must take action to impeach President Trump or remove him from office immediately."
    Kahele is a co-sponsor to two resolutions of impeachment authored by fellow U.S. Members of Congress; one resolution sponsored by Representatives David Cicilline, Ted Lieu, and Jamie Raskin, and another by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
    The impeachment resolution by the three members of the House offers a single article of impeachment of abuse of power that covers both inciting violence against the United States as well as Trump's urging of Georgia's Secretary of State to find votes. Rep. Omar's impeachment resolution contains two articles of impeachment: the president's abuse of power and unlawful attempts to overturn the November 2020 Presidential election; and his abuse of power to incite violence and orchestrate a coup against the Country.

The dome fountain was missing this morning as shown by this USGS Hawaiian Volcano
Observatory overflight of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. It was persistent in recent days at
the base of the west vent. Photo by K. Mulliken/USGS
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CONGRESSMAN ED CASE ASKED FOR REMOVAL OF PRES. DONALD TRUMP today: "The President's recent actions, including his flagrant attempted subversion of our election process and his incitement of yesterday's violent attack on our U.S. Capitol, cross any reasonable line into an assault on our very foundations. They demonstrate that the President is an immediate danger to our democracy, our country and our citizens, justifying his removal from office for inability to discharge his duties under our Constitution.
    "That his Administration will end in thirteen days is no reason not to remove him now. The power of the Presidency is immense, and its continued abuse cannot be risked. And the precedent of acceding to such abuse cannot be accepted.
    "I urge Vice President Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to our Constitution, which provides an expedited procedure to remove the President for such disability. I am also reviewing specific impeachment proposals if the 25th Amendment is not invoked."

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REGARDING YESTERDAY'S STORMING OF THE U.S. CAPITOL, Sen. Brian Schatz issued this statement: "Yesterday was rough. It was a stress test for our democratic republic. And we passed. But let's be honest. It was alarming, scary, and maddening to see the United States Capitol under siege. It is the stuff of bad television and far away autocracies, not the shining city on the hill. 
    "The good news is we came through it. The bad news is that the threats to American-style democracy remain. So what can we do? Without your work, we wouldn't have taken the Presidency and the U.S. Senate. Without your help, I wouldn't be able to fight as hard as I do for our most basic and treasured values.
    "I'm not special. I just have this very special job. It is not at all lost on me how fortunate I am to have this obligation, and how much your support helps me to keep the flame of democracy alive. Know hope. Thank you, and may we all have a happy new year."

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JUDGE MERRICK GARLAND IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL nominee of President-elect Joe Biden. He released this statement today: "After an unprecedented assault on our democracy and the certification of the Electoral College votes, I am proud to announce key nominations for the Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney General nominee Merrick
Garland. Photo from Presidential Scholars
    "Our first-rate nominees are eminently qualified, embody character and judgment that is beyond reproach, and have devoted their careers to serving the American people with honor and integrity.
    "They will restore the independence of the Department so it serves the interests of the people, not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system.
    "They will use the full extent of their authority to move us closer to the American ideal of equal justice under law -- de-politicizing and rooting out systemic racism from our laws, restoring voting rights, prosecuting hate crimes, eliminating racial disparities in sentencing, ending mandatory minimums, and restoring trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve through reforms that make our communities safer.
    "This tested slate includes some of the nation’s most accomplished public servants." He described the nominees as follows:
    Judge Merrick Garland as Attorney General: "A Department of Justice veteran and independent jurist on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. A consensus-building voice, Judge Garland has worked under Democratic and Republican administrations. He will restore integrity and the rule of law, boost morale of the dedicated career professionals at DOJ, and build a more equitable justice system that serves all Americans."   
Lisa Monaco, nominee for
Deputy Attorney General.
    Lisa Monaco as Deputy Attorney General: Monaco served in the Department of Justice for 15 years, as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, a senior official in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and as a career prosecutor. She has been a trailblazer for women in national security, and she will help manage the Department effectively and with integrity on day one."
    Vanita Gupta as Associate Attorney General: A former Acting Assistant Attorney General and one of the best-known and most respected civil rights attorneys in America, Gupta has spent her career fighting successfully for greater equity in our justice system and advancing the rights and dignity of every American. Gupta served as Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division -- the chief civil rights prosecutor for the United States. She is a successful consensus builder on tough issues, with years of experience managing complex settlements and advocacy experience. As the Indian-American daughter of immigrants, she would be the first woman of color to serve in this role.

Vanita Gupta, nominee for
Associate Attorney General.
    Kristen Clarke as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights: "Clarke has extensive civil rights experience, starting her career in civil rights as a career attorney in the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice where she handled cases of police misconduct, hate crimes, human trafficking, voting rights, and redistricting cases. She has been a champion of systemic equity and equal justice throughout her career, including in her current role as president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and when she served as the head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General's Office."
    Biden said, "These leaders will work with the dedicated career professionals at DOJ to restore the mission and independence of the Department, always follow facts and the law, and serve and protect the American people with the integrity they deserve. They are among the most accomplished legal minds in our country who also reflect the best of America's full range of talents and background. I am honored they accepted this call to serve at such a critical time in our nation’s history."
Kristen Clark, nominee for Assitant
AttorneyGeneral for Civil Rights.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO PRAISED TODAY'S NOMINATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: "With the nominations of four DOJ veterans with strong records of public service, President-
elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris are demonstrating their commitment to restoring independence, integrity, and the protection of civil rights at the Department of Justice. These nominations make clear that the Biden-Harris administration is dedicated to restoring the rule of law and building a system that truly provides equal justice for all, not just for some.
    "Judge Garland is an outstanding choice for Attorney General. Having had the opportunity to speak with him on multiple occasions and see his longstanding record of serving as an independent jurist, I believe he would bring much-needed integrity and decency to the leadership of the Justice Department.
    "As the nominee to be Deputy Attorney General, Lisa will bring her commitment to serving the American people back to the Justice Department given her experience as a crisis-tested DOJ veteran of 15 years.
Sen. Mazie Hirono and Judge Merrick Garland in 2016
when he was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court but
went unconfirmed by the Republican U.S. Senate.
    "And having worked with Vanita and Kristen over these past few years as advocates for civil rights, I welcome their respective nominations to be Associate Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. Their extensive experience in civil rights issues will be invaluable at the Justice Department and critical to restoring Americans' faith in our justice system.
    "I look forward to confirming these dedicated public servants because I am confident they will be able to do the hard work of rebuilding the Justice Department and restoring the morale of the hardworking career professionals at DOJ."

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MORTGAGE RATES ARE DROPPING TO NEW LOWS. During the first week of the new year, Freddie Mac reported an average rate on 30-year mortgages of 2.65 percent. almost a whole point lower than a year ago. At the same time, the supply of homes across the nation is low and home prices are rising.

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A JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM  for ages 12 - 18 will be held beginning Saturday, Jan. 16 at Pahala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The six sessions, through Feb. 20, will be on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     They are sponsored by University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Office and its junior extension agent Marielle Hampton.
     The six workshops are based on the 4-H Junior Master Gardeners Program's Learn, Grow, Eat & Go curriculum. 
    Those interested can contact Katie Graham at katie.graham@foodcorps.org. Call 808-785-0012

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A COVID-19 DISASTER RECOVERY DISLOCATED WORKER GRANT PROGRAM is available for employers, businesses and nonprofits engaged in humanitarian efforts to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants would help provide employment opportunities. Employers interested in being a worksite and employees seeking work should visit the program website for more information or contact Michele David at mdavid@hi-employment.com.

FARMERS TO FAMILIES FOOD BOX PROGRAM will be continued by the USDA. The fifth round of funding will provide financial support to food distributors and nonprofits purchasing food from farmers and ranchers for distribution to families in need. Organizations interested in applying should visit the program website.

MICRO-GRANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY are available from Hawai`i Dept. of Agriculture.
Eligible applicants will include farmers, ranchers, food producers, hunters, home gardeners, and organizations for small-scale gardening, livestock, and food access projects. The MGFSP request for proposals will be posted this month with the deadline to submit proposals 45 days after the posting. Applicants must obtain a DUNS Number and a Certificate of Good Standing to be eligible for an award. Visit the program website and refer to the press release for more information.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND REPORTS 18 NEW COVID CASES today. The average daily new case rate over the last two weeks for Hawaiʻi Island is ten.

Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days, by zip code. Gray

areas have populations less than 1,000. White is zero cases.

Yellow is one to 10 cases. Light orange is 11-50 cases. Dark

orange is 51-200 cases. Department of Health map

    
New cases reported statewide today total 322, with 212 on Oʻahu, 54 on Maui, one on Kauaʻi, and 34 residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 155 over the last two weeks.
    Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 299 people have died in the state, ten reported today.
    Since the pandemic began, there have been 22,631 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 18,711 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,964, Maui 1,175, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 23, and Kauaʻi 154. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 495. Statewide, 1,521 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
    In the last 14 days, zero active cases have been reported in zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View, and Volcano zip code 96785.
    In the last 14 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi; zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour; Kaʻū zip code 96777, which includes Pāhala; and Volcano zip code 96718.
    In the last 14 days 29 cases have been reported in Kona zip codes 96740, 17 in Hilo zip code 96720.
    See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage, coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
    Cumulative COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 21,574,043. The death toll is more than 365,208. Worldwide, more than 88 million total COVID-19 cases have been reported. The death toll is more than 1,898,530.

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SIGN UP SOON
Directory for farms, ranches, takeout. The Kaʻū Calendar is free,
 7,500 distributed to stands and all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū,
 from Miloliʻi through Volcano. Read online at  kaucalendar.com
 and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

VOLCANO ART CENTER announces the return of its Zentangle workshops. They include Back to the Basics with Valdeane Odachi this  Saturday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m – 1 p.m. Another is Saturday Clay - High Fire with Erik Wold, an eight-class workshop series starting Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for full event details and more.

A BRUSH WITH LIGHT gives the public a chance to "immerse in Hawaiʻi Island’s magnificent landscapes and plants," says the statement from Volcano Art Center. Catherine Robbins’ "evocative oil paintings" will be a solo exhibition, A Brush with Light – Volcanic Island Reflections, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The show runs from Jan. 9 through Feb. 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday. A special virtual opening reception with Robbins will occur via Zoom on Saturday, Jan. 9 beginning at 11a.m. To register for the Zoom link, RSVP by Jan. 6 to gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.

STRATEGIES TO JUMPSTART learning the craft of writing will be taught through Volcano Art Center on Jan. 23 by Jacquolyn McMrray and Kristen Wolfgang from 9 a.m. to noon. "How long has writing been on your bucket list? Are you ready to make 2021 the year you finally get started or restarted?" asks VAC in a statement on the seesion The Strategies to Jump-Start Your Writing livestream Zoom workshop "is perfect for beginning writers seeking new inspiration and strategies. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for full event details and more. 

A SERIES OF CHILDREN'S CLASSES will be offered by Volcano Art Center in January and early February. East African Handbuilding for Keiki with Erik Wold presents six ceramics classes for children ages 8 – 15 on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 5 – Feb. 9. The Kids Drawing Class with Ken Charon is six drawing classes for children ages 8 – 14 on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 6 – Feb. 10. Beginning Bead Embroidery with Cabochons with Rona Smith is a series of six bead embroidery classes for children ages 10 – 14 on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 7 – Feb. 11. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for full event details and more.

Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development at rb.gy/fsrkwg. Find help for small businesses at rb.gy/sxzjt0.

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Ocean View Drive-In will show the original Toy Story movie this Friday, Jan. 8. Movies each Friday screen at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. Once the car park area is full, gates will be closed. There will be refreshments on sale, such as Thai Grindz, popcorn, and candy. No entry or membership fee; donations accepted. Attendees must join Ocean View Theater Club on Facebook. For details, see the Ocean View Community Market and Outdoor Theater Facebook page.  

Golf and Social Memberships for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse. The new 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 clugatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

Hike one of the many open trails, drive to the overlooks in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at Volcano and Kahuku units. See nps.gov/havo.

Take a Guided Nature Walkthrough 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. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222 

KaiLoki's, at the old Mehe's location in Ocean View, offers live music and karaoke on a to-be-determined schedule, along with a locally-sourced menu and bar. See facebook.com/KaiLokis.

Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Details at rb.gy/k3evh6.

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

Purchase The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Fundraising calendars, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. review the calendar at rb.gy/tmxzva. Order the Calendar using this form: rb.gy/ytekoz. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal, paypal.com/paypalme/VolcanoSchool. VSAS is also selling school t-shirts and sweatshirts. Order from here: rb.gy/2a4cim. Send in order forms and payment to the main office: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785. For a printed copy of the order form to be mailed, contact Kaye at 985-9800, knagamine@volcanoschool.net. Contact Kanani at kwylie@volcanoschool.net for more information and assistance with ordering.

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, Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 pm.

Punaluʻu Bake Shop online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Aliʻi  Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

Aikane Coffee Plantation. Order online at aikaneplantationcoffee.com. Call 808-927-2252

Miranda's Farms Coffee. Order online at mirandasfarms.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. 

Kaʻū Art Gallery, in-person in Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gallery is in the process of showcasing everything in the gallery online at kauartgallery.com. If interested in purchasing, contact Kaʻu Art Gallery at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.

Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, and their families and friends costs $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form at hawaiianelectric.com/unitedwaycookbook, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. at USPS Priority Mail rate. Delays may be due to the pandemic. 

CHURCH SERVICES

Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m., with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. Face coverings required when usher comes to vehicle to pass out worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give, or when leaving vehicles for the restroom. Church provides paper fans to stay cool. Bring water. Catch the live-streamed service at 10:10 a.m. and Praise Jam, which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Service is emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing dwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church services and worship are posted online at StJudesHawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, at rb.gy/3jfbzd, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Check the webpage for Christmas services.

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 Pam and Lance Ako at 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

SIGN UP SOON

Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development at rb.gy/fsrkwg. Find help for small businesses at rb.gy/sxzjt0.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

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 Kaʻū 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 Wednesdays, 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.

ʻO 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 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.

HELP FOR HEALTH & COVID TESTING

Kaʻū Hospital offers COVID testing referral from the ER, a physician or a Kaʻū Clinic health provider.

Free Drive-Thru COVID Testing, Saturdays at Kea‘au High School in Puna, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays at Konawaena High School from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Civic Auditorium in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (enter from Kuawa Street entrance). No co-pay, no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at all times. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline is supported by We Are Oceania, weareoceania.org, to help with identifying COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment. Call (808) 913-1364. Watch the video at facebook.com/watch/?v=989579144844697.

Anyone Feeling Depressed or Anxious, or who needs someone to talk to, can 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 How to Practice 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.

Sign Up for Two Women's Health Programs from Kaʻū Women's Collective. 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.

Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub at health.hawaii.gov/camhd/lgbtq-safe-spaces.

Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. on Spectrum Channel 53, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.

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.

FOOD RELIEF

Pick up food weekdays in the parking lot of ACE Hardware in Ocean View from Hope DIA-mend Ministries TLC at 4:45 p.m. About 300 meals available each day, coordinated by pastors Pam and Lance Ako. For help or to donate, call or text Ako at 808-937-6355, or call 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating Fridays. Jan. 8 at Kaʻū District Gym, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food in Volcano. Food items include eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. Each distribution provides enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See volcanoschool.net or call 808-985-9901.

Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800. 

Free food for keiki offered at Resilience Hub, Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon to 4 p.m. The Hub also features drop-in WiFi and laptop access. Location is 95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927, for more.

EDUCATION

Virtual presentation, Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi. Register to watch at rb.gy/rkd2fd

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Read details on Page 7. 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. See story on Page 7.

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 & 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.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, 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

Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration at rb.gy/b53jgn.

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.

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.

Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and the senior class at bit.ly/2YvFxsl

Apply for Utility Assistance to pay for electricity, non-government water, or gas. Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident, at least 18 years old, lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, and not previously received assistance from other COVID-19 federal or state-funded programs. Funded by CARES Act and distributed by Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, required documents for application are government-issued identification, income verification documents for all household members, utility statement with address of services, lease/rental agreement or mortgage document, and proof of hardship. Hardship may include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, or layoff letter. Apply at HCEOC.net or call 808-961-2681.

Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. Contact RMAP partners: Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935- 3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933- 6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808- 934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.

Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits, up to $10,000, support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See rb.gy/v2x2vy

Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from County of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Complete webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.

AGRICULTURE

Contact AskUSDA at (833) ONE-USDA with representatives available 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. The website, ask.usda.gov is available 24/7 and includes live chat agents available 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Inquiries can also be sent via email at any time to askusda@usda.gov.

Women Farmers can Register with Hawaiʻi Women Farmers Directory, a statewide online directory of women-operated farms, ranches, and agribusinesses. Visit the program website to register, rb.gy/87fn9d.

Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/638VWS6.

Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more at rb.gy/exzuk1

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website, ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begin and Ends with Seed, where Education by Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog at rb.gy/ijai3y.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature. Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii.

Learn Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules at rb.gy/4wio2y.

PETS & WILDLIFE

One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

Report Humpback Whales in Trouble at NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline, 1-888- 256-984. Also report distressed sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins.

Apply for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Members by Thursday, Jan. 14. Contact Cindy Among-Serrao via email at Cindy.Among-Serrao@noaa.gov or visit the sanctuary website, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

For free Veterinary Care, Spay & Neuter, visit hihs.org, Services Tab, Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or email petsupport@hihs.org. Call 808-217- 0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy dogs and cats. Two pets per family will be accommodated, each pet with own appointment. Unavailable to animals other than dogs and cats. Unavailable to strays and those with contagious illnesses.

COMMUNITY

Volunteer in the community – find out how at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.

Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org or call 961-8270. 

Ocean View Transfer Station is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org or call 961-8270. 

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at rb.gy/iemgrc for site closures, service hours, and more.