About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021

Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network opens The Pirates of the Penzance musical this weekend
with an offer from KMC of dinners before the show. See more below. Photo from KDEN

A KAʻŪ STUDENT COMPLETED FIRST SEMESTER OF COLLEGE BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL. About 200 students participated in summer school programs at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School (KHPES) this year. Although many students were working to recover credits due to challenges, a few students were enrolled in the schoolʻs Early College program. Early College allows high school students to take college courses for dual credit, earning both high school and college credits. 
Laci AhYee and Kaʻū Global Learning Lab
Director 'Aina Akamu. Photo/ Global Learning Lab
       Since summer 2019, Early College classes in Hawaiian Studies and Success Skills have been offered, and this summer four students participated. They were Kamalani Tuifagu and Erica Tabilin, both seniors from Nāʻālehu, Danny Eder, a sophomore from Pāhala, and Laci AhYee, an incoming 9th grader from Na`alehu.
    "This summer we didnʻt have as many students as previous semesters, and I think many students who didnʻt need to take classes this summer just wanted a brea,” says Jennfer Makuakāne, the new Early College Coordinator for KHPES.
    However, there was one standout student. Laci AhYee has not yet begun high school and will officially start her 9th grade year on Aug. 4. AhYee was enrolled in both Early College courses, and passed both courses, earning six college credits and two high school credits. 
    "I am extremely proud of Laci for coming to school every day, sitting through five hours of online instruction, and doing it every day with a smile and a quiet determination," says ʻĀina Akamu, Global Learning Lab Director, and Laciʻs summer support teacher. Also providing support this summer for Early College were Education Assistants Katie Graham and Jacob Davenport, who are both starting their first year as teachers at KHPES, with students coming back to campus, tomorrow, Aug. 4.
    Students took Early College classes online with the other Kaʻū students as well as students from Waiākea High School. It was a unique opportunity for Kaʻū students to learn together with other high school students, as they were both in the same college course section. Typically, Early College students take the class with others from just their high school. As part of the college courses, students had to give presentations, complete a career interview, and recite stories from each district of the Big Island.
    "I really liked learning the stories from all around the island," says AhYee when asked about her favorite part of the summer. When asked about the hardest challenge she had, she replies, "nothing, except knowing my cousins went beach and I was at school." If students and parents are interested in the Early College program at KHPES, contact Jennifer.Makuakane@k12.hi.us for more information.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

HAWAI'I ISLAND POSTED 64 NEW COVID CASES TODAY, WITH 21 PERSONS HOSPITALIZED, up from 16 the day before. The trend over the last two weeks is following statewide numbers which rose from 365 Monday to 389 on Tuesday, with one new death. According to the state Department of Health, there are 789 known active cases of Covid on this island, which has the highest positivity rate in the islands, with 7.7 percent over the last two weeks.

    Covid is infecting more people in Kona, which reported 207 new cases in the last 14 days. Hilo reported 192, Puna 70, Kohala 58 and 39 in North Kohala.
     Covid has been seeping its way into Kaʻū and Volcano. On Aug. 1, Pahala was shown as the last inhabited place the island to be without Covid infections. On Aug. 2, the state Department of Health reported there are from one to ten cases in Pahala, Naalehu, Ocean View and Volcano. Those numbers remained steady today.
    The next scheduled community vaccination clinic  in the Kaʻū area will be this Saturday, Gug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Herkes Gymnasim MultiPurpose room at 96-3150 Pikake St.
     In Hilo there will be free testing and vaccinations on Wednesday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

BAY CLINIC WILL GIVE OUT GIFT CARDS TO PEOPLE GETTING VACCINATED. Its CEO, Dr. Kimo Alameda, said today that at it will take more than just information to sway the hesitant to get vaccinated. He cited a recent randomized survey by U.C.L.A. that found a third of the unvaccinated population said a cash payment would make them more likely to get a shot. The benefits were largest for those in the group getting $100, which increased willingness (34 percent said they would get vaccinated) by six points over the $25 group.
    Alameda declared, "We have to do more to encourage Hawai'i Island residents to get the vaccine and perhaps a monetary incentive through the use of gift cards might do it for some."
Dr. Kimo Alameda and Bay Clinic will give out $100 gift
cards to those who take the Covid vaccines.
Photo from Bay Clinic

    Bay Clinic is the first health entity in the state to encourage the unvaccinated with at least $50 worth in gift cards for the first dose and $50 for the 2nd dose, or $100 to those taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. At the visit, patients will receive a mahalo mystery gift bag with gift cards from a random selection of over 20 local supermarkets, restaurants, and other food eateries, as well as gas cards.
    Alameda said, "Stopping the spread will take more than pleas from politicians, friends or medical professionals. Delivering real rewards beyond the vaccine's health benefitmay be required. This incentive program is also a way to address the increasing food insecurity in East Hawai'i and support local businesses. Truly, a win-win. We will see how it goes."
    Bay Clinic offers all three vaccinations at its COVID Clinic at 305 Wailuku Drive in Hilo and at many of outreach events. Appointments are available from 8-5pm, Monday-Friday. Call 808-965-3047 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. Bay Clinic provides services in Na'alehu and in nine other locations from Hilo to Ka'ū. Alameda said that Bay Clinic is the only health entity on the island that also offers Dental, Behavioral Health, Women's Health, Pharmaceutical, Pediatric, Tobacco Cessation, Diabetes Prevention, and the WIC Program. It serves more than 21,000 patients with approximately 70,000 patient visits a year, and employs over 200 people.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP OFFERS DINNERS BEFORE KDEN PLAYS. Before attending KDEN's production of The Pirates of Penzance, a dinner stop is Crater Rim Café, located in Hawai'i National Park. A casual dinner on Friday or Saturday night are offered before performances at the KMC Theater. The play runs Aug. 6-22. For more information/tickets call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.





ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 14 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.

REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.



REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi

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 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 clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.


Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,

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.








KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.

ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.

CHURCH SERVICES

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com

ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
      St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
     Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12  p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel. 
    Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
    St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.

HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.

LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg


KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.

CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.

EDUCATION

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. 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.

Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.


Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

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

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.ECONOMIC RELIEF

Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.


COMMUNITY

Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.