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Tuesday, December 07, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

Flags on the Kilauea Military Camp parade ground were set this morning to remember the attack on Pearl
Harbor 80 years ago. Photo by Jana Kaniho

PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY was acknowledged at Kilauea Military Camp today, Dec. 7, with flags around the parade ground. Pearl Harbor was the site of the sneak attack from Japan, which took more than 2,400 lives on Dec. 7, 1941. 
    Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted: "Today, we mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, give sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that solemn day, and recommit ourselves to peace and a better future for our world."
    Congressman Kai Kahele tweeted: "Sons. Brothers. Husbands. Fathers. Sailors. Marines. They were our nation's best & they gave their lives to their country & future generations of Americans. 80 years later let us never forget their valor, courage, honor & sacrifice."
     
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Ka'u Coffee farmer families are hoping to qualify to buy their land and Congressman Kai Kahele's
staff met with them on Monday for this and other issues. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

CONGRESSMAN KAI KAHELE SENT A TEAM TO MEET WITH KA`U COFFEE FARMERS on Monday. Dave Chun and Hanale Lee Loy discussed three major issues with members of coffee cooperatives, land security, disease and labor.
     Land security was a top issue, reviewing progress toward farmers receiving U.S. Department of
Agriculture low-interest state and private loans. Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba reported that many of the 51 farmers at Moa'ula and Pear Tree, above Pahala, have applied for land loans. They hope to buy their farms which are going up for sale with the farmers having first option before, before the real estate investment company that owns them sells them on the open market. While many farmers hope to purchase with cash or through a loan, a number of farmers may be left out. Some new farmers do not have a long record for successfully growing coffee. Some others have reached their credit limit, with mortgages and money going for educating their children and the extra expenses on their farms for equipment and for supplies to stave off disease and pests.
    Chun discussed the possibility of coffee farmer cooperatives attempting to purchase the lands that individual farmers can't afford and continuing to rent the coffee orchards to them.
    Lee Loy and Chun promised to help with funding for disease control with Coffee Leaf Rust one of the major threats to the coffee farmers, along with Coffee Berry Borer.
     Another issue, according to Camba, is labor for the coffee orchards. She said the farmers discussed the possibility of the U.S. government welcoming more workers from the Philippines to help pick and care for coffee farms. Camba noted that Filipinos are a major component of the coffee farming community and are in touch with others who would come here to work.

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FEDERAL CONTRACTORS WILL NOT HAVE TO REQUIRE COVID VACCINATIONS FOR THEIR WORKERS, for now. The mandate, to begin Jan. 4, was blocked nationwide today by legal proceedings in which seven states are challenging the administrations directive as overstepping its authority. The attempt to reverse the mandate is led by the state of Georgia where its Southern District U.S. District Court Judge predicted that the seven states will win their lawsuits against mandatory vaccination. About one fourth of the U.S. workforce would have been subject to the vaccine requirement. A number of other mandates to require vaccinations are being challenged in courts around the country.
Hawai'i Attorney General Clare
Connors will be the U.S.
Attorney for Hawai'i

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VOTING TO CONFIRM THE HAWAI'I ATTORNEY GENERAL today to become the new U.S. Attorney for Hawai'i District were U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Brian Schatz. They released a statement noting that the vote was unanimous. Hawai"i Attorney General Clare Connors has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii. 
     The statement says, “Clare Connors is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, and her unanimous confirmation by the Senate is proof of that. With her strong background in public service and her proven commitment to justice, we were proud to support her nomination, and are confident she will serve the people of Hawaii well.”

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MOTORISTS ARRESTED FOR DUI from Nov. 29 - through Dec. 5 totaled 13 across this island. Hawai`i
Island police reported today that four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 992 DUI arrests compared with 927 during the same period last year. This is an increase of 7.0 percent.
   There have been 748 major accidents so far this year compared with 726 during the same period last year, an increase of 3.0 percent.
    To date, there were 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 25 fatalities, compared with 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 66.7 percent for fatal crashes, and 66.7 percent for fatalities.
    HPD promised that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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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. "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 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.