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Stay 50 yards, half a football field away from spinner dolphins in waters off South Point and other nearshore Hawaiian waters starting today or be subject to some serious fines. Photo from NOAA |
HAWAI'I VACATION ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES ARE LIKELY TO BE HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY, with counties around the state hiking them. Mayor Mitch Roth joined in on Wednesday calling the TAT hike a "necessary evil," pointing to a $19 million budget "hole right now that we need to fill." He said that county income and the needs of the county "are miles apart."
The bill was introduced last week to the County Council Finance Committee by council member Heather Kimball from Hamakua. Maui County, Kaua'i County and City & County of Honolulu are expected to hike their local Transient Accommodations Tax as well. The $19 million referred to by the mayor is the amount of money that Hawai'i County would have likely received if the Hawai'i Legislature had refrained from voting to put each county's share of the 10.25 percent Transient Accommodations Tax charged statewide into its own coffers to pay down its own debt.
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| Image from Hawai'i Tourism Association |
Roth noted that the tax could impact staycations and local families visiting each other around the state by making accommodations more expensive. He said he hopes the legislature will come up with a kama'aina exemption to lessen the burden for local inter-island and on-island travel.
Collecting the additional 3 percent in TAT will become another duty of the county, said the mayor, possibly requiring the hiring of additional employees.
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SPINNER DOLPHINS, CALLED NAI'A IN HAWAIIAN, ARE EXPECTED TO REST MORE EASILY during the day when they sleep. Tougher rules went into effect today regarding people trying to approach them by watercraft and swimmers trying to interact with them.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife, the Coast Guard, and state Department of Land & Natural Resources are teaming up to enforce the 50 year distancing rule between humans and spinner dolphins. Breaking the new rule can carry fines of $100 to $500 for first violation and up to $10,000 for repeated violations. See story at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2021_10_02_archive.html.
An additional rule, not yet finalized, would prohibit humans from entering dolphin resting areas at Ho'okena's Kahako Bay, Makako Bay, Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. The rule would affect tour boat companies taking snorkelers to Kealakekua Bay, kayakers and swimmers, banning them during most of the day from waters beneath the pali.
See more on spinner dolphins at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2019/03/SWAP-2015-Spinner-dolphin-Final.pdf
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| Infrastructure going in for Kaʻū Dream at Ka`u High. Photo from www.kaudream.org |
Kaʻū Dream, launched by the Hawai'i Executive Collaborative, involves supporting the Kaʻū Global Learning Lab, helping to restructure the school to include a farm, product development and other student and community initiatives with connectivity to higher education for high school students. See www.kaudream.org and the Tuesday Kaʻū News Briefs at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2021_10_26_archive.html.
PBN reported that First Lady Dawn Amano Ige, chair of Kaʻū Dream’s Community Advisory Committee, said Tuesday that the Ka`u Dream is driven by the community, "and all we're doing is helping and providing the support.
PBN reported that First Lady Dawn Amano Ige, chair of Kaʻū Dream’s Community Advisory Committee, said Tuesday that the Ka`u Dream is driven by the community, "and all we're doing is helping and providing the support.
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| Teacher 'Aina Akamu, Kaʻū Principal Sharon Beck and First Lady Dawn Ige. Photo from www.kaudream.org |
"When it's a program that's driven by the community ... it becomes a much stronger and more sustainable program," she said. "So what excites me is I see that here. I see the heart, the minds, the commitment from the students in making this program happen. Their creativity and their willingness to take the risk to try new ideas is just so refreshing and that can be a role model for not only other schools in Hawai'i but schools beyond our state," said the First Lady.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
For any fourth grader in the family, park entrance is free for everyone in the vehicle. Complete the online activity on www.everykidoutdoors.gov
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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.
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.
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.
