Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021

The farm at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary is the site of the Kaʻū Dream launch event on Tuesday. See more at
www.kaudream.orgPhoto from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative

HAWAI'I EXECUTIVE COLLABORATIVE CAME TO KAʻŪ on Tuesday to launch Kaʻū Dream, "a community-driven organization dedicated to the rediscovery and regeneration of Kaʻū." The group released a statement saying Kaʻū Dream is "committed to transforming Kaʻū into a vibrant place to live, work, and play while keeping the authenticity of its people and its culture." See www.kaudream.org.
    Hawai'i Executive Collaborative notes in its statement that "Kaʻū District on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the most remote areas in the state with a median household income 43% lower than that of the rest of the state. While economic challenges in Kaʻū are great, the community is rich in natural resources, dedicated people and a deep sense of responsibility to take care of one another."
    The statement from the sponsoring organization says that Hawai'i Executive Collaborative "serves as a backbone organization that provides energy and resources to help leaders from cross-sector partnerships develop a common agenda and create collective impact. HEC is rooted in Hawaiʻiʻs soul and aims to mobilize local, national and global leaders to commit toward the safety, wellness and prosperity of Hawaiʻi and elevate its central place in the world." Learn more at www.hec.org where a slogan is given as ‘A‘ohe hananui ke alu ‘ia, which means "No task is too big when done together by all."
    The organization's board members are Duane Kurisu, Chairman of the Collaborative and founder of aio Group; Michal Kane, CEO & President of Hawai'i Community Foundation; John Dean, Chairman Emeritus of Central Pacific Financial Corp.; and Ray Vara, CEO of Hawai'i Pacific Health.
    On the campus of Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School, during the event attended by First Lady of State of Hawai'i Dawn Amano Ige, Mayor Mitch Roth and other community leaders, Kaʻū Dream representatives explained that Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative is in partnership with students, teachers, community volunteers, business leaders, lawmakers and global entities. The statement from the group states that "Kaʻū Dream is a community resiliency model – developed by and for the community – that aims to build a vibrant, thriving and sustainable Kaʻū through education and economic development."
Kalo at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School Farm. See more at
www.kaudream.orgPhoto from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative
    The initiative has attracted such partners as aio Foundation, Strada Education Network, Freeman Foundation, MyFarm Japan, Claremont McKenna’s Global Learning Lab, InterGlobe India, Hawaiʻi Community College, County of Hawaiʻi, KTA Superstores, ACE Hardware and a number of small businesses in the region. 
    "They have come together with community leaders to launch an effort they hope will improve educational outcomes, spur economic development, strengthen community engagement, and serve as a model for building resilient learning communities in other areas," says the statement.
    Hawai'i's First Lady said, “Kaʻū is a strong community, and through this program, community members are further strengthening its economy, transforming its local assets, and improving the quality of life for its residents in a sustainable, long-term way.” The First Lady chairs Kaʻū Dream’s community advisory committee. “The community is creating an exciting and hopeful path forward, one that is inspiring the entire state of Hawaiʻi,” she said.
Kaʻū students Joseph Akiu, Ameilia Uribe-Bounos, Kelson Gallano, Cyrus Eder, Kamalani Tuifagu, Cody Ahyee and Collin
Hanshew with banners representing the new 
Kaʻū Dream initiative. 
See more at www.kaudream.org.
Photo from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative

    The initiative consists of four phases:
    Phase I is creating accessible learning and education spaces for the entire community, such as enabling high school students and adults the opportunity to earn credits towards an associate degree from Hawaiʻi Community College.
    Phase II is creating opportunities and infrastructure that will keep young talent in Kaʻū by working with businesses to create broader economic opportunities and integrating arts and music into the program.
    Phase III is developing global agriculture partnerships to create jobs and investment in the local workforce.
    Phase IV will focus on building the infrastructure necessary for a resilient community, such as reliable high-speed internet service.
   Phases I, II, and III are being implemented concurrently while plans for Phase IV are in development.
Students Cody Ahyee, Cyrus Eder, First Lady Dawn Ige, ʻĀina Akamu and Principal Sharon Beck.
See more at www.kaudream.orgPhoto from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative
    "Ultimately, the program aims to nurture a culture of socially responsible entrepreneurism, serving not only Kaʻū, but also the rest of Hawaiʻi and Asia Pacific. This community-led initiative will be a model for revitalization of rural communities nationwide," says the statement from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative.
    Kurisu, who also attended today's launch, said, “We have already started connecting Kaʻū students with global organizations, including MyFarm Japan which is reviving abandoned farmland and developing future ag-tech entrepreneurs" in Japan.
    “When we met with students, teachers and community leaders in Kaʻū, they shared with us a bold vision. Together, I believe we can make their dream a reality and, in turn, inspire other communities to use this as a model for their own community revitalization plans,” said Kurisu.
Principal Sharon Beck, First Lady Dawn Ige, Mayor Mitch Roth,
 Duane Kurisu and ʻĀina
 Akamu. 
See more at www.kaudream.org.
Photo from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative
    
    The statement from Hawai'i Executive Collaborative says, "Kaʻū Dream will also emphasize humanity and the arts to elevate the community’s overall well-being. It will honor the region's cultural heritage through art installations, music and food events, and expand on the region’s identity as a center for creativity and innovation."
   The statement notes that ʻĀina Akamu, "a teacher and community leader, is working to transform Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School into an educational hub for the entire community." 
    Akamu who hosted the event with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary principal Sharon Beck and other education, business and political leaders, said, “People from Kaʻū are driving this effort. Too often, Kaʻū has seen well-intentioned outsiders trying to help, but the efforts have fallen short. We are excited to have partners who listen to what we want for our community are and are willing to provide assistance to get us there.”

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

O KAʻŪ KAKOU will host a Halloween trick or treat event at its farmers market grounds in Nāʻālehu this  Saturday, Oct 30. from 8 a.m. to noon. Face painting, trick or treat, and games with prizes for the children will be offered along with the regular Saturday farmer and vendors market.

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


HALLOWEEN WEEKEND Bands will perform at the Lava Lounge at Kilauea Military Camp. Friday, Oct. 29 will feature Mikioi Street Band and Saturday, Oct. 30 will feature Lucky Tongue. State and County COVID-19 rules must be followed. Social distancing requirements are in place. Open to authorized patrons.

A SPOOKY TRAIL & HALLOWEEN VOLCANO VILLAGE TOUR await keiki and adults wearing a favorite costume. 
    Enter  Volcano Art Center' s Spooky Trail at Volcano Art Center’s Haunted Forest on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4 p .m. to 6 p.m. The adventure begins with a tour of the Halloween Village, followed by a Tour Ghoul luring participants into the Haunted Forest.
   This Halloween experience includes a keiki costume contest and the best decorated or carved pumpkin, which can be brought from home.
    Goodie bags will be distributed to each keiki (while supplies last). Drawings for prizes will happen throughout the event. Costume and pumpkin judging will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    The cost is $4.00 per person; at least one adult per family, with a maximum of six in a group, will be welcomed. Bring flashlights.
Due to COVID restrictions, a limited number of participants at a time will be allowed on the Spooky Trail. Masks and sign-in will be required. 

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


















Read the entire Kaʻū Calendar and back issues at
www.kaucalendar.com. Find it in the mail from Volcano
through Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, Ocean View to Miloli'i.
Pick it up from newsstands.










































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

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

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

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

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

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