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Thursday, September 02, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, Sept.2, 2021

On Queen Lili'uokalani's 183rd birthday, Thursday, Congressman Kai Kahele reminded the public of her message during the smallpox pandemic of 1881. Photo from Kai Kahele

QUEEN LILI'UOKALANI LED PEOPLE THROUGH THE SMALL POX PANDEMIC when it reached the Hawaiian Islands in 1881. Today, Congressman Kai Kahele urged everyone to take note on her 183rd birthday. Said Kahele, "Today, as the the delta variant of COVID-19 surges throughout our community, we also reflect on the 183rd birthday of our beloved Queen Liliʻuokalani, who led Hawaiʻi's people through the smallpox pandemic when it reached the Hawaiian Islands."
    Here is the then-Princess's guidance to the Hawaiian people at the time: "Know that my heart is filled with sadness, and that I am hopeful that this disease will not spread amongst us. I am doing, and will continue to do, everything within my power to prevent its spread, and I am strongly asking everyone to assist me in doing everything to defend against this disease by obeying the directives of those in power along with the medical doctors, and I am strongly urging that people go in large numbers to vaccination sites and to stop gathering in places where there are large amounts of people, and to report those infected with the disease to government officials."
    Kahele concluded, "While we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken the lives of far too many of our community members and loved ones, let's heed the wisdom of the Queen and the current advice of our medical professionals. It is our kūleana to protect our ʻohana and keep them safe from harm."
 Liliu'okalani shut down Honolulu and banned interisland travel. She urged everyone to get the smallpox vaccine.
Gov. David Ige calls for caution over the Labor Day
holiday to prevent and even a bigger surge of COVID.
Photo from the governor's office.


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GOV. DAVID IGE ISSUED A PLEA TO CHILL THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND. Today, Ige reached out to residents across the State of Hawaiʻi to urge responsible behavior more than ever before over the upcoming three-day Labor Day weekend. State employees and business leaders received email messages from the governor asking that they do their individual and collective part to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the state experiences a disastrous surge in cases. The governor also released an urgent video message on social media.
    "Because of COVID, our hospital system across the state is in danger of moving toward a worst-case scenario. If that happens, healthcare leaders warn that choices will have to be made, people may not receive the care they need, and some will die," said the governor.
    The governor continued to urge residents to get vaccinated, but also encouraged additional steps:
    Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation; avoid crowded places with many people nearby and
avoid close-contact settings, such as close-range conversations.,
    He said, "You can also reduce your risk of getting sick by setting your own curfews; avoiding activities that could lead to exposure and illness -- or increase your risk of trauma; and getting tested a few days after you arrive in Hawaiʻi if you've traveled."
    He said, "Your choices can help our community prevent the worst-case scenario in our hospital system. Please act responsibly this holiday weekend and moving forward – as we battle this highly transmissible and deadly virus. Do it – for the sake of your family, our community, and our state." 

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Teens, their moms and friends built a tiny home to give to Habitat of Humanity for a small
family in need. Applications will be accepted soon. 
Photo from Habitat for Humanity Hawai`i Island

A TINY HOUSE FOR A FAMILY OF ONE OR TWO could be available on a lot owned by Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i' Island in Ocean View or the 201 sq. ft. home could be placed on land owned by the applicants. The tiny house was donated by two families whose teenagers decided to build a tiny home for a small family in need. On Wednesday, released the qualifications for those interested:
This 201 sq. ft. tiny house, built by three teens with 
support from their moms and Mockingbird Tiny Homes,
is gifted to Habitat for Humanity, which it taking
applications to become its owner.

Photo from Habitat for Humanity
    Applicant must be a Hawai'i Island resident in need of a permanent home for up to a two-person household. Applicant must have a stable income and a reasonable credit history, with no outstanding judgments. the applicant must also have adequate income to cover taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance expenses as well as the mortgage payment. Gross earnings must be between 30 percent and 80 percent of current US Department of Housing and Urban Development median income. That income for this island, for a household of one, must be between  $18,000-$47,950. For a household of two the  income must be $20,600-$54,800. 
    Habitat will request verification of financial information in the next phase of the application process. Habitat will take into consideration income for everyone in the household.​
     The applicant must have land or agree to live on a lot in Ocean View currently owned by Habitat.
      The partnership that would make the applicant a homeowner includes completing approved pre and post sweat equity of at least 250 hours.
​    Interested residents of Hawai'i Island will have an opportunity to view the tiny home at an open house at Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i Island Kona ReStore location on Friday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Applications will be available online on Sept. 17 and must be submitted to Habitat no later than Oct. 31.
Interior of the tiny home, built and donated by teens to Habitat.
Photo from Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i Island

    Teens JC and Nikki Littlefield, and Caleb Jernigan took on the tiny home build after learning how many homeless people are on the island. They encouraged their families to help build and donate the tiny house to Habitat  which pointed out that it was a major undertaking. "With the guidance from Stephen Goss and Chad Unrein, co-owners of Mockingbird Tiny Homes, and after hundreds of hours of sweat equity by the teens, their friends and family, the 208 sf home is completed and will soon help a family realize their own dream of owning a home."  
    A statement from their moms, Sandy Littlefield and Tanya Jernigan, said, “We couldn’t be prouder of our kids and all the people that assisted them. The build project helped put our lives into perspective coming out of Covid. They definitely gained practical life skills, but more importantly a whole new level of appreciation for having a good roof over their heads.”
     For more details on the offering, visit the Habitat For Humanity Hawaii Island website at habitathawaiiisland.org.

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

ILLEGAL FISHING, DIVING, SAILING AND OTHER UNLICENSED BOAT CHARTERS may be boarded by the Coast Guard during September. The U.S. Coast Guard in Hawai'i has announced Operation Kapena Kohole, which will work with NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement. A statement from the Coast Guard says it "is dedicated to the prevention of loss of life, injuries and damage to property and the environment on U.S. waterways; in order to ensure passenger safety, there are laws and regulations that the Coast Guard enforces on commercial vessels and their operations."
     Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Omar Parez, the command security officer in Hawai'i, said the mission will "target and prevent recent cases of sea turtle, monk seal, and dolphin harassment reported from beachgoers and waterborne tours.”
Operation Kapena Kohole partners NOAAA law enforcement
with the Coast Guard to bust illegal charter boats.
Photo from U.S. Coast Guard
     The Coast Guard said state harbors and marinas in Hawai'i house a large commercial charter boat fleet. Within these legitimate operators, illegal charters disguise themselves as alternatives for hire, threatening the safety of an unaware public.
    "Not possessing proper merchant mariner credentials or operating vessels not properly outfitted for commercial use poses significant risk to public safety and significant impact to the local economy. The Hawaiian Islands average 9.4 million annual visitors contributing over 16 billion dollars, accounting for 21% of the state’s economy."
     The Coast Guard statement notes that "the master of the vessel must have appropriate merchant mariners credentials in order to legally operate a vessel with passengers for hire. These credentials show that the operator has met certain proficiency requirements in navigation, seamanship, as well as steering and sailing rules.
    Parez said “Passengers should refrain from employing charters and tours from captains who do not advertise Coast Guard certification or possess valid merchant mariner credentials. The credentials must be present at all times on all voyages; the dangers from engaging with unlicensed captains can be life threatening.”
Coast Guard cutters can pull up to charter boats and make sure
they and their crew are licensed. Photo from U.S. Coast Guard
    The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify that their captain has a safety plan and their merchant mariner credentials are up to date. For larger charter boats, or those with more than six passengers, ask for a Coast Guard issued certificate of inspection.
Charter vessels must have a sufficient number of personal flotation devices and other required life saving equipment onboard at all times for all passengers and crew. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials or equipment, passengers should not get on the boat.
    Owners and operators of illegal charter boats can face up to $27,500 in fines for illegal passenger for hire operations.
    To report an alleged illegal charter operation, contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2603 or scchonolulu@uscg.mil.
   For additional recreational boating safety information, visit the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division (CG-BSX-2) at www.uscgboating.org.

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

A LANDLORD TENANT EVICTION MEDIATION PROGRAM will be on zoom, sponsored by the non-profit Ku'ikahi Mediation Center. It's free and will be held Sept. 16 in the Finding Solutions, Growing Peace Brown Bag Lunch Series. Talks are Third Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm via Zoom.
    This month's speakers are Julie Mitchell, Kate Sims, Jeff Gilbreath, David Chee, and Scott Shishido on the topic FREE Landlord Tenant Eviction Mediation Program: Helping Renters & Owners Work it Out!
    "Are eviction moratoriums over? What is Act 57? How does mediation help in landlord-tenant situations? These are all questions we're hearing," says Mitchell. "Mediators facilitate discussions to address unpaid back rent and negotiate ways to move forward."
    In this talk, learn how eviction mediation benefits both landlords and tenants, what your rights and responsibilities are, and how rental assistance can be part of the solution.
    Julie Mitchell is the Executive Director of Ku'ikahi Mediation Center. Kate Sims is the landlord-tenant case manager at West Hawai'i Mediation Center. Jeff Gilbreath is the Executive Director of Hawai'i Community Lending. David Chee is an Attorney at Law, often representing landlords. Scott Shishido is the Hilo Managing Attorney of Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i., often representing tenants. Together, they will share a combined wealth of knowledge.
    Ku'ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others interested in Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.
    To get the Zoom link, register online at https://freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit www.hawaiimediation.org. This lunch-and-learn series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the County of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Island United Way.
















 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, 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.




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

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access. Free meals. 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 https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory High & Pāhala Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.

Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

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

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

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

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

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

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.




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

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

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.

GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.

O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.