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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, March 21, 2020

Kahinaliʻi Tayamen's Saving the Monk Seal is one of several works of art by Kaʻū youth displayed at the
Young At Art show in Hilo. See more of the art, and read about the inspiration for the pieces, below.
Photo by Darlene Javar




















EVERYONE COMING TO HAWAIʻI WILL BE QUARANTINED starting Thursday, March 26. Gov. David Ige made the announcement today at the state Capitol. The mandate for a 14-day quarantine is aimed at preventing the spread of novel coronavirus in the islands. Residents returning home would be asked to self-quarantine. Visitors would be quarantined in place of lodging. Neither would be allowed to leave their quarantined residence except for medical care. Fines will be $5,000 and up to a year in prison - a misdemeanor.
     Ige said, "We need to come together as a community to fight this virus. This mandate is the first of its kind in the nation. We want this action to send the message to visitors and residents alike that we appreciate their love for Hawaiʻi but we are asking them to postpone their visit."
Lifeguard at Punaluʻu directs visitors to leave the beach today.
Photo by Julia Neal
     The governor was accompanied by leaders in the visitor industry, government, and a labor union for hotel, restaurant, and bar employees,  Local 5 financial secretary Eric Gill , said thousands of workers are laid off and they are afraid of not being able to retain their health insurane orb pay their mortgages and vehicle loans. "We have to attend to the health aspects because people are scared. We have to attend to the economic aspects because people are worried." He said the union supports stringent actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 so workers can get back to work soon. "Let's cap this thing and get moving again," he said.
     Mufi Hannemann, President of the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, said that the longer Hawaiʻi delays to enact stringent actions, "the more we're going to pay in human suffering, possibly human lives" and the economic downturn.
     Ige said that the quarantine was delayed until next Thursday so those who may have scheduled trips to Hawaiʻi have the opportunity to cancel and those who are here have a chance to go home ahead of the quarantine.
     State Department of Health chief Bruce Anderson said that random testing shows there is little if any community spread of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. "We want to keep it that way." He said that at least 48 of the 49 confirmed cases are travelers. Eighty percent of them are people from Hawaiʻi who traveled outside the islands.
     The governor said that county mayors would enforce the 14 days of quarantine.
A mostly empty Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, which is usually swarmed with visitors,
who can be seen today on the point in the distance, having walked past barriers
that say the beach park is closed.  Photo by Julia Neal
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A MANDATORY SELF-QUARANTINE FOR ANYONE COMING TO HAWAIʻI was the call from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard earlier today "in response to the unprecedented global coronavirus pandemic."
     Gabbard said, "The governor of California is predicting that they'll have 25 million cases of coronavirus in the state of California alone within the next eight weeks. That's over 60 percent of California's population. As we look at how to prevent visitors from bringing the coronavirus to Hawaiʻi, it's not enough to just encourage people not to come to Hawaiʻi. It also doesn't do much good to take people's temperatures when they get here because people can be asymptomatic and be spreading the disease."
     She noted that quarantines have been established in "countries around the world — like Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and China's capital city Beijing. Visitors will be monitored to make sure that they are adhering to the quarantine. If they are residents, then they will be in house quarantine, separate from their relatives or others who are in the home. And if they are visitors, they'll be quarantined in their hotel room. This is an absolute necessity, and it will be a tremendous help in saving lives here in Hawaiʻi."

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Services at St. Jude's are available online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Images from stjudeshawaii.org
ST. JUDE'S IS HOLDING ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE TOMORROW. Go to stjudeshawaii.org/worship.html, review the page to see where the lessons and prayers are located, then click on the arrow of the first video. A Facebook account is not required to view the service. No sound? Click on the volume icon at the bottom of the video screen and it will remove the line through it, and sound will play. Turn up the volume to high. When the first video is complete, click on the second video. The bottom of the page has some musical selections.
     St. Jude's thanks Rev. Mary, Teri and Karen (our readers), and Richard who provided technical support. Cindy Cutts said, "Tomorrow's on-line service is a rough draft, first run attempt to continue our St. Jude's worship during the COVID-19 crisis. Please be kind, if you have any issues with this broadcast. Good luck! See ya in (on-line) church!"

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KALAE COFFEE on South Point Road is open for take-out only, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

LINN'S THAI FOOD TRUCK will set up on the corner of Coconut and Treefern Lane in Ocean View from noon to 6 p.m., daily, until further notice. Orders must be called in  advance to 808-937-0029.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT in Nāʻālehu will be serving take-out only beginning Monday, March 23.

COSTCO will hold special hours for kūpuna over 60 and the physically disabled starting Tuesday, March 24, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The pharmacy will also open at 8 a.m.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS CLOSED as of midnight Saturday, until further notice, in response to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and actions outlined by Gov. David Ige. To slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Park will offer no services except those that support visitor or resource protection.
     All public areas, including trails, roads, campgrounds, the backcountry, and public restrooms are closed to visitors. All commercial tours and special use permits are suspended. The Kahuku Unit is closed. 
Lines like this won't be seen for a while: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
National Park,including the Kahuku Unit, is closed until further
notice to help stop the spread of COVID-19. NPS photo
     The announcement from the Park states: "The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor COVID-19."
     The public will be notified when full operations resume. Updates will be placed on nps.gov/coronavirus and social media channels. NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and U.S. Geological Survey webcams at nps.gov/havo/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm. The NPS education team has also created curriculum resources for families at home with children in kindergarten through high school that highlight the geology, biology and Hawaiian culture that define the park at nps.gov/havo/learn/education/curriculummaterials.htm.

Some of the only visitors allowed in the Park until
further notice. Photo by Julia Neal
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STATE-PERMITTED COMMERCIAL OCEAN TOURS ARE CANCELLED with commercial operator permits suspended until further notice. The suspension covers tour operators, surf schools, sight-seeing, whale-watching, dinner cruises, and any commercial operation in state waters.
     Board of Land & Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case made the announcement, saying, "Many people are not practicing the recommended social distancing protocols, so it's become necessary for us to take these extraordinary steps to help encourage the six-foot separation between people recommended by Gov. Ige, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and our experts at the Department of Health."
     Case said, "We are all in this together. It is an enormous inconvenience and upsetting to the kind of lifestyle we enjoy in Hawaiʻi. The faster we stop the spread of COVID-19 by everyone praciticing social distancing, the quicker we’re likely to see our lives return to normal."
     In addition to closing some state parks four days ago, the Department of Land & Natural Resources shut down all state parks today. Curt Cottrell, State Parks Administrator, said, "Many, many people are simply ignoring gates and signs and choosing to put themselves and many others close-by at risk of contracting COVID-19.
     This week, DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife closed commercial tours on state trails and in wildlife sanctuaries.

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FRIENDS AND FAMILIES OF INMATES CAN'T VISIT PRISONS AND JAILS. Only attorneys are allowed and all probation hearings have been delayed past April 3. The state Department of Corrections reports no suspicion of any COVID-19 symptoms among inmates. Work furloughs are put on hold.
     The Arizona facility under contract to care for a portion of Hawaiʻi's prison population also reports no cases and that prisoner visits are prohibited.
     State courthouses were shut down to the public late Friday by Hawaiʻi Chief Justice Mark Rectenwald, who announced, "The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the Judiciary is taking appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our community. We join Hawaiʻi's leaders in doing everything possible to slow the spread of this virus."
     Most proceedings, including traffic and criminal cases, are postponed. The courts will only hear
criminal arraignment, plea and extradition hearings, initial appearances for felony cases, preliminary hearings for in-custody defendants, bail hearings, and hearings deemed urgent by the presiding judge.

Vince Mina
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HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED Pres. Vince Mina is encouraging farmers to consider applying for state Department of Agriculture help "during this period of heightened awareness and economic uncertainty." The application to the state COVID-19 Emergency Farmer Relief application is online. See Word docx download and the PDF download. Completing the application helps the Department of Agriculture to quantify the needs of the local farmers to gauge the level of funding needed and to determine where the funding will be most impactful.
     "The goal is to support local farmers by purchasing the supply of food produced until the demand resumes and/or by facilitating food distribution," said Mina. "The goal is to minimize the need to import food. Funding will depend on the availability and release of funds." He noted that applying for funding doesn't guarantee it. "Mahalo nui to the farmers, gardeners, ranchers, and food growers in Hawaiʻi. This is our time to shine."

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THE NEXT KAʻŪ CHAPTER MEETING OF HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNITED IS POSTPONED. Chapter President Matt Drayer said he and other like minded farmers "will be focusing on growing as much food as possible to at least keep the Kaʻū region fed." He said he has some housing for those who might want to stay on his farm and help to grow food. Call 808-339-8737.

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KAʻŪ STUDENT ARTISTS WERE HONORED at the 32nd Annual Young at Art Exhibition opening reception in early March. Each year, the juried art show, held at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, selects works of art from students of all ages around the island attending public, charter, private, and home schools. All selected participants received a certificate and a letter from Mayor Harry Kim.
Jeysiah Camba-Penera of Pāhala, with his work Deeper
Photo by Darlene Javar
     Kamehameha Schools of Hawaiʻi senior, Jeysiah Camba-Penera of Pāhala, under the tutelage of teacher Carl Pao, won a coveted Judges' Choice Award for his art work entitled Deeper. Camba-Penera described his graphite on bristol drawing as depicting "a deep sea underwater landscape with a lot of stylized components. I wanted to do this because I was really focusing on my shading techniques at the time." He added that he spent a month planning and completing his drawing, making sure to base the parts of his drawing on real aquatic flora and fauna. Camba-Penera's prize package included a $20 gift certificate to Big Island Candies and a $40 cash prize from Puna Geothermal Venture.
Third-grader Lia Wilkey shows her Judges' Choice Award and a second art 
piece she created using the techniques she learned in ʻIke Hawaiʻi class. 
Wilkey was so inspired the day she finished her winning art piece in
 school, she went home and made the art piece shown here, left. She said 
she added olivine and bits of rubbish she found 
in her back yard. Photo by Darlene Javar
     Last year, Camba-Penera's Photoshop pop art received an honorable mention at the Young at Art exhibit. Next year, he will attend University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, studying fine arts with a focus on illustration or 2D animation. He hopes to eventually transfer to a traditional art school.
     Third-grader Lia Wilkey, of Nāʻālehu Elementary, also won a Judges' Choice Award for her mixed media piece entitled Saving the Monk Seal. Wilkey created the art piece as a culmination of her unit of study on marine debris in her ʻIke Hawaiʻi Specials class. The class is a collaborative program between Kamehameha Schools Kealapono teachers Sheilah Okimoto and Nālani Parlin, and Nāʻālehu Elmentary specials teachers Linda Morgan and John Derry. Wilkey said she hoped people would learn from her art that marine debris is "trash that is killing the animals." Wilkey won a $25 KTA gift certificate and $40 from Puna Geothermal Venture.
Koko Davis' Marine Debris Hawaiian Monk Seal. Photo by Darlene Javar
      Wilkey's classmates in Kumu Amber Keohuloa's room – Koko Davis, Lokahi Kaupu, Melissa Saldana, and Kahinaliʻi Tayamen – were also selected for display at the exhibit. After learning about the detrimental effects of marine debris, students channeled their frustrated emotions onto paper via oil pastels and frenetic lines. After applying a watercolor wash, students tore the paper into pieces, symbolizing their stance against marine debris. Students used the resulting paper shreds as a collage for the base of their art work. Choosing from among honu (sea turtle), mōlī (Lasayan albatross) and Hawaiian monk seal, students painted the face of the animal they most identified with, adding marine debris that they collected in an ʻIke Hawaiʻi science experiment. Davis' piece is entitled Marine Debris Hawaiian Monk Seal, Kaupu's work is Save the Mōlī, Saldana's art is Hawaiian Monk Seal, and Tayamen's piece is called Saving the Monk Seal.
Lokahi Kaupu's Save the Mōl. Photo by Darlene Javar
     An ʻIke Hawaiʻi Specials class second-grade group piece entitled Nā Leo O Puʻu Kaiholena (The Voices of Kaiholena), received an Award of Recognition. This art piece incorporated several individual tinfoil relief art pieces from students in Janine Kawazoe's and Janice McRoberts' homerooms at Nāʻālehu Elementary. Inspired by class field trips, led by Nohea Kaʻawa of The Nature Conservancy, to Kaiholena to learn about the ma uka environment, students used creative lines and symbols to represent plants and animals found there. They include the uluhe fern, ʻōhiʻa lehua, kōpiko plant, and iʻo, Hawaiian Hawk. The art piece won a $10 KTA gift certificate and $20 cash, which ʻIke Hawaiʻi teachers will put toward a celebration for these student artists.
Melissa Saldana's Hawaiian Monk Sea. Photo by Darlene Javar
     Other pieces created in the ʻIke Hawaiʻi Specials class selected for the Young at Art Exhibit were made by Nāʻālehu fourth graders Caton Blanco, from Kuʻulei Pablo's homeroom, and Deijah Cabanilla-Nogales, from Michelle Buck's homeroom. In this program, students used their ʻohana and cultural origins as inspiration for an artwork of their choice. Blanco's painting, Sit Back, Relax, represents the fun times he has with his family watching sunsets. Cabanilla-Nogales' tissue paper collage, Reflection of My Life, pays homage to her Filipino and Mexican heritage. Both flags are represented on her piece, but in mirror image.
     The final art piece with ties to Kaʻū selected for display is a group work created by students in Ryan Holderbaum's second-grade class at Nāʻālehu Elementary in the ʻIke Hawaiʻi Specials program. After learning about and experiencing the strong Kūehulepo, kick up the dirt, wind of Nāʻālehu, students used oil pastels and watercolor to draw their impressions of this strong force of nature.
Nā Leo O Puʻu Kaiholena, or the voices of Kaiholena, depicts second-graders' representations of plants and animals 
found at Kaiholena. After sketching out their design, the artists glued string and yarn over their drawing, and applied 
tinfoil to create a relief. Then, students boldly colored their art with permanent markers. Photo by Darlene Javar
     Principal Darlene Javar represented Nāʻālehu Elementary at the opening reception, along with Deijah and family, fourth-grade teacher Michelle Buck, third-grade teacher Amber Keohuloa, third-grader Koko Davis, and coach Nellie Davis.
Sit Back, Relax by Caton Blanco. Photo by Darlene Javar
     Young at Art coordinator, Judith Hara, wrote, "Our world needs creative, inventive minds that may foster peaceful ways to coexist with each other. We hope you will continue to support the arts in our schools and in our community and in your lives."
     Although the EHCC is closed this month due to concerns over COVID-19, the exhibit can still be viewed by visiting ehcc.org/content/young-art-2020 and scrolling down to the image gallery.

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NO IN-PERSON VOTING for the Hawaiʻi Democratic Party-run presidential primary on April 4. Over COVID-19 concerns, officials for the Party said on Friday they will add another round of mailed ballots to allow members who register to vote by April 4 to cast a ballot.
Deijah Cabanilla-Nogales and family at the Young At Art show
in early March. Photo from Michelle Buck
     Party officials are encouraging "everyone with a ballot now to mail it back as soon as possible in case there are further disruptions."
     Hawaiʻi Republicans canceled their presidential caucus because President Donald Trump is the only Republican candidate.

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HOW IMPORTANT GEOLOGICAL SAMPLES ARE to a volcanologists' work is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     HVO's geological sample collections are an important resource.
     In the past, HVO would occasionally post images of people collecting lava samples on our website. These photos usually featured a person (with little-exposed skin) holding a rock hammer, with a metal bucket nearby. The bucket contained water to "quench" the sample, solidifying the hot lava into a cold glass. Natural-fiber or heat-resistant gloves, and sometimes a face mask, protected the sample collector from heat radiating off the 1150-degrees-Celsius (2100-degrees-Fahrenheit) lava. The hammer was used to scoop some of the molten material into the bucket, which would hiss and steam in reaction; more water would be added to cool down the sample so it could be placed in a cloth bag. 
On December 30, 2015, an HVO geologist wore protective gear during 
collection of a fresh lava sample for chemical analysis from a pāhoehoe 
breakout along scattered Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava flows. Inset photo caption: Metadata 
is written on a bag that holds a sample taken from pāhoehoe that was 
collected on August 18, 2006. The front of the bag notes the date and time 
the sample was collected, sample-collector initials, a description of the 
sample, and ID; the coordinates of the sample collection location 
are written on the back of the sample bag. HVO photos
     HVO carefully archives or curates these precious geological samples collected by current and past HVO geologists, collaborators, visiting scientists, and volunteers. Most of the HVO samples were collected from around the Island of Hawai‘i over the past several decades as part of HVO's mission to monitor eruptive activity (sampling active lava flows) or to characterize previous volcanic activity (sampling prehistoric lava flows on or beneath the surface). For samples collected within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, HVO works closely with National Park Service archivists to ensure appropriate record keeping and tracking.
     When a sample is collected, it's important to document the sample's "metadata." This includes the name of the sample collector, coordinates marking the sample location, and the collection date. If the sample was taken from molten lava, it's labeled as a "quenched" sample, and the time of sample collection is also noted.
     As part of metadata, geologists generally describe the sample location (such as the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea) and characterize the sample itself (a grey-colored, discontinuous, fine ash, for example). Usually, the sample is given a unique identifier, often a combination of numbers and letters, which is written on the sample bag. This ID connects the sample to its metadata, which is entered into a searchable database.
     Much preparation and forethought go into sample collection, with prior project planning, permitting, and gaining permission from landowners.  For every geologist, it's important to ask: "What question(s) will this sample help me to answer?" Samples are collected sometimes because their specific chemistry or physical characteristics can reveal important information that helps scientists to understand the past, or on-going, or potential future volcanic activity and hazards.
     For example, a sample of ash from the Ka‘ū Desert indicates that ash was deposited in that location at some point in the past and could, therefore, be deposited there in the future. Particle size and chemical analyses of the ash can provide information about the eruption magnitude (size) and character (was the eruption driven by steam or magmatic gas?).
An HVO geologist in protective gear, collecting 
of a fresh lava sample. HVO photo
     Such information improves understanding of the range of behaviors Hawaiian volcanoes exhibited in the past and could exhibit in the future. Likewise, rapid analyses of molten lava samples during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption allowed HVO to detect changes in magma chemistry that foretold a change in eruptive behavior—the arrival of increasingly hot and fluid lava—and associated hazards.
     Several sample collections are currently being curated at HVO. The youngest consists of lava and ejecta from Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit-collapse events. Other collections include lava samples from historical eruptions of Kīlauea (including products of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and ejecta collected downwind of Halema‘uma‘u when there was an active lava lake); geological samples that aided in creating the Geologic map of the Island of Hawaii; and ash and other ejecta collected as part of research to understand older explosive events in Kīlauea's history. The Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō collection in particular is perhaps unique in the world for its completeness and longevity covering a single eruptive event and is thus extremely valuable.
     Each sample collection and resulting analytical data informs HVO and the wider volcanological community a little more about the behavior and hazards of Hawaiian volcanoes. These collections will continue to be an important resource for researchers, especially because some samples are from areas that are no longer accessible, having been covered by more recent lava flows or within the area of Kīlauea's summit that collapsed in 2018.
     Eventually, one of Hawaiʻi's volcanoes will erupt again, and HVO will have another sample collection to curate and care for, and to help us understand Hawaiian volcanoes and their hazards a little more.
Comparison of the water pond in Halema‘uma‘u on Nov. 20 and March 1. In that time, the pond deepened 10 m (33 ft) 
and widened more than 50 m (164 ft) east-west and 30 m (98 ft) north-south. Circled clusters of rocks did not move 
between photos, evidence of slope stability. The water's color browned with time, though the photos probably exaggerate 
the color difference. The blue-green water at the far and near ends of the pond is interpreted as groundwater entering 
the pond. Camera and lens same for both photos.  USGS photos by D. Swanson
     Volcano Activity Updates
     Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. The USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL:  volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.htmlKīlauea monitoring data over the past month showed no significant changes in seismicity, sulfur dioxide emission rates, or deformation. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continued to slowly expand and deepen. A plot of depth is visible at the bottom of this web page: volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/monitoring_data3.html
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. The USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
     This past week, about 87 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa; the strongest was a M3.9 event on March 19 in the Ninole Hills area. Monitoring data showed that slow summit inflation continued and fumarole temperature and gas concentrations on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable.
     There were 3 events with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian islands during the past week. A magnitude-1.7 earthquake 3 km (2 mi) WSW of Pāhala at 5 km (3 mi) depth occurred on March 19 at 06:53 a.m. A magnitude-3.2 earthquake 21 km (13 mi) SW of Leilani Estates at 6 km (4 mi) depth occurred on March 17 at 06:20 p.m. A magnitude-3.2earthquake 6 km (4 mi) W of Volcano at -1 km (-1 mi) depth occurred on March 15 at 09:16 p.m.
     Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE:
     Department of Health reports that there are 48 positive cases of novel coronavirus throughout the state, with three cases on Hawaiʻi Island. According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. has 15,219 cases, including 4,777 reported today, with 201 deaths, 51 reported today. Worldwide, there are more than 266,000 cases, including 32,000 reported today, and 11,184 deaths, including 1,344 reported today.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

All Kaʻū High School and other public school sporting events are canceled until further notice, including:
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball Cancelled
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m., host Hilo
Wednesday, April 8, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Boys Baseball Cancelled
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m., host Hilo
Tuesday. April 7, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Boys Volleyball Cancelled
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m., host Keaʻau
Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Judo Cancelled
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m., @Keaʻau
Track Cancelled
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m., @HPA

Spring Break for Public Schools is extended through Monday, April 6 for COVID-19 spread mitigation.

UPCOMING
MONDAY, MARCH 23
CANCELLED: OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

CANCELLED: Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Monday, March 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24
CANCELLED: Registration for Charades, open Monday-Friday, March 23-27, for program at Kahuku Park in HOVE on Tuesday, March 31, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. Teresa Anderson, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113

CANCELLED: Paper Straw Tulip Craft Registration Deadline, Tuesday, March 24. Program Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. Ages 5 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

CANCELLED: The Third Voyage of Captain James Cook, Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Captain James Cook once wrote that he intended to go not only "farther than any man has been before me, but as far as I think it is possible for a man to go." Join local guide and historian Rob Kitsell as he looks closer at the man who was Captain James Cook, and the fateful third voyage when Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay, February 14, 1779. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
CANCELLED: OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

CANCELLED: Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. The pū‘ohe is a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet with a deep sound somewhat like a conch shell. Like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū‘ohe. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. nps.gov/havo

CANCELLED: Gone Country Band Live Country Music, Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Line dancers will accompany the performance. $5 cover charge. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8365

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
CANCELLED: Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, March 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

CANCELLED: The Lake at Halemaʻumaʻu Monthly Kahuku Coffee Talk, Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., HVNP Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
CANCELLED: Final 2020 Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 28, 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., orientation included. Register at oceancount.org. Locations in Kaʻū are: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.

POSTPONED: Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa, Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Nāʻālehu County Park. Event features Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. Drug- and alcohol-free. Live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day. Organized by local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū. Membership $10 per year. Contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.

CANCELLED: Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.

CANCELLED: Forest Work Day, Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn some native plants, help restore a beautiful rainforest, and get some exercise. Tim Tunison leads. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222


ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840

AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
     See ohialehuahalf.com.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The visitor center is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. Park films, including Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, will not be shown. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will continue to be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the center reopens, and is available online for free download.

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, March 20, 2020

This group hauled more than two tons of debris off a Kaʻū beach in one weekend. Beach cleanups have been
postponed due to the COVID-19 threat. See more below. Photo from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
PUNALUʻU, KĀWĀ, HONUʻAPO, WHITTINGTON, AND MILOLIʻI BEACH close Saturday, March 21 until further notice. Mayor Harry Kim made the announcement late Friday. Camping and pavilion permits are cancelled at all county beach parks and county owned coastal lands are off limits, as the county takes another step in staving off the threat of COVID-19 spreading on this island. County coastal lands are closed to all access and uses. For more information, call the county Department of Parks & Recreation at 961-8311.

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HEALTHY OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN OPEN IN HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, including all previously open trails and overlooks. All entrance fees, including commercial tour fees, are temporarily suspended until further notice.
     The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Most of the backcountry is open for hiking and camping. Backcountry permits are processed by phone, 808-985-6178. Retrieve the permit in person through a slot in the Backcountry Office door.
     Commercial tours in the Park are limited to ten people or less and guides must enforce social distancing procedures.
     Visit the park website for the latest information, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.
     Although a community talk-story event scheduled for Thursday, March 19 to discuss potential future uses of Kīlauea volcano's Great Crack area was postponed, the public is encouraged to submit comments via email to havo_planning@nps.gov, or in writing to Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718.
Backcountry hiking and camping are open at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This spot is at Halape.
Photo by Jacob W. Frank
     A statement from the Park says, "The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus  situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels."
     NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases "by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick."
Retrieve permits for backcountry hiking in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National
Park through the slot in the Back Country Office door, shown on the
map above. Map from HVNP
     For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, "we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness."
     Updates about NPS operations will be posted on nps.gov/coronavirus.

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VOLCANO HOUSE HOTEL, THE RIM RESTAURANT, AND UNCLE GEORGE'S LOUNGE are shuttered, according to the National Park Service, which owns the historic building that is leased to a concessioner. Also closed is Nāmakanipaio Campground.
     Kīlauea Military Camp and its accommodations, also located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, remain open with reduced services for authorized patrons, including take-out food at its Crater Rim Café and retail at its store. Its Lava Lounge bar and bowling alley are closed, its luʻau cancelled. Events at Kīlauea Theatre on the grounds of KMC are postponed. Check the KMC website for details.
     Within the Park, all events and guided programs, including hikes, walks and talks, are canceled.
Kīlauea Visitor Center and the outdoor lānai are closed, but restrooms are open. The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store is closed; online shopping is open. Mauna Loa Summit Cabin and Red Hill Cabin are closed. Volcano Art Center Gallery is closed.

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POSTPONED IS THE PRINCE KUHIO DAY HOʻOLAULEʻA, scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at Nāʻālehu County Park. Terry Lee Shibuya, president of the sponsoring group Hana Laulima Lahui O Kaʻū, made the announcement today. "The Hoʻolauleʻa will be postponed due to concerns over COVID-19. Our main kuleana is to make sure everyone is safe and healthy. Mahalo to all of our partners and participants. We will keep everyone informed when we are able to set a new date. E malama pono kakou. Imua Kaʻū!"
     The event is the revival of an annual celebration last held in 2000. It is designed as a visit to a mini version of the non-profit's proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, a goal for the last 20 years. Hawaiian culture demos and activities are planned, to showcase the cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area. Also planned are Hawaiian music, hula, crafts, food, and more. The event is to be drug- and alcohol-free.
     For more information, contact Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.

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HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE FUND is canceling all of its upcoming beach cleanings and other volunteers conservation activities. The community events included a Kamilo Beach Debris Survey #35 on Thursday.
     Here is the message: "Like many of you, our Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund team members have been following the global COVID-19 pandemic and keeping an eye out for CDC and Hawaiʻi Department of Health updates. While there are thankfully few confirmed cases in the state, we realize that people are contagious before they are symptomatic and for this reason and to protect our team, our volunteers, and our community, we've decided to cancel all of our scheduled in-person volunteer events for the next couple weeks through at least March 31st, 2020. Our Board and staff will re-evaluate this decision in late March and will be in touch as things develop. Please check out our website and social pages for weekly updates."
A group of volunteers removes one of many tangle of derelict nets from the shores of Kaʻū. HWF photo
     The following Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund events on Hawaiʻi Island have been cancelled and will be rescheduled asap: Thursday, March 19 - Kamilo Debris Survey #35; Saturday, March 21 - Kaʻū Community Cleanup; March 23 through 30 - Kaʻū Net (recovery) Patrols.
     Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund also put events on standby: Monday, April 6 - HWF mentors @ Mt. View Public Library (Visit #1); Friday, April 10 - Kaʻū Net (recovery) Patrol; Saturday, April 25 - 11th annual Manukā NARS Collaborative Cleanup; and  Monday, April 27 - HWF mentors @ Mt. View Public Library (Visit #2).
     Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund's message says, "In the meantime, we suggest that this may well be a good opportunity to get outside (away from crowds!) and enjoy our natural world. Take a walk along a beach or on a hiking trail, go for a surf or swim, and pick up any trash you find along the way. Sending much love and aloha and in the words of auntie Nadine, 'Wash yo hands - no touch your face! Shaka and no handshakes.'
     "Thinking positively, here are some silver linings in this crazy time: The global decline in travel may lead to a decrease in carbon emissions (think of the #fridaysforfuture movement): youtube.com/watch?v=fLfd4UpC3Fs. Our HWF education mentors will now have time to focus creating our virtual cleanup huakaʻi (fieldtrip) video, and other electronic conservation lessons and activities: wildhawaii.org/education.html."
     For more see Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund website, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

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Breaching whales will have to show off for themselves, as the final Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary
Ocean Count of 2020 is cancelled for tomorrow. NOAA photo
THE LAST OF THREE 2020 HAWAIIAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNTS IS CANCELLED. The volunteer event, sponsored by Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, is called off due to coronavirus concern.
      Ocean Count promotes public awareness of humpback whales, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. Volunteer participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whales activity from the shorelines of Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi islands.
     The counts normally take place three times during peak whale season: the last Saturdays in January, February, and March.
     Despite challenging sighting conditions, the count on Feb. 29, where volunteers collected data from 51 sites across all the main Hawaiian Islands, recorded 191 whale sightings during the 8:30-8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period in the day's count. Volunteers were also able to educate 647 members of the public who stopped by for more information during the count. The count in January 550 volunteers collected data from 53 sites across all the main Hawaiian Islands. A total of 279 whale sightings were seen during the 8:30-8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
     The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources, protects thousands of humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters, where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young. An "abundance" of humpback cows and their calves have been spotted this season, according to the sanctuary.
Humpback cows' newborn calves are especially vulnerable to human craft collisions. NOAA photo
     There have also been at least nine instances of vessel/whale collisions reported since December within the sanctuary and nearby waters. Ocean users are asked to use caution when navigating shared waters. Humpback whale season in Hawai‛i generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. According to the sanctuary, most of the whales reported with injuries this season are young, including calves and sub-adults.
     Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times when moving through the water, not just during humpback season. Humpback whales are protected in Hawaiʻi. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers, and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     Anyone coming across an injured or entangled marine mammal is asked to maintain the required safe and legal distance, and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports national marine sanctuaries by protecting species, conserving ecosystems and preserving America's maritime heritage through on-the-water conservation projects, public education, and outreach programs and scientific research and exploration.

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FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR KŪPUNA AND CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL is planned.
The Food Basket welcomes volunteers on Tuesdays at 10 a.m at Pāhlala Community Center for emergency food distribution, with recipients driving up to pick up.
     Kaʻū High and Pāhlala Elementary School is one of the Grab-and-Go meal school sites in the public school system, which has shut down classes into April due to the novel coronavirus situation. Co-sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition programs, the initiative will provide free food to students 18 years and younger. Parents can pick up the food when accompanied by the students.
     Breakfast will be served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Meals will be packaged and placed outside the cafeteria for pickup. The service is Monday through Friday, except for the upcoming Prince Kuho Day on Thursday, March 26.

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THE BIG SISTER OF KAʻŪ HOSPITAL IS ASKING FOR HELP. Hilo Medical Center is ramping up for the possibility of caring for many COVD-19 patients. Hilo Hospital will announce a community donation drive for people and businesses with extra N95 and surgical masks. It is taking on emergency hires for Hilo Medical Center and Hale Hoʻala Hamakua in Honokaʻa, and plans for a two-thirds growth in capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. Volunteers can also sign up to help at Hilo Medical Center.
Surgical masks are needed at Hawaiʻi
Island hospitals.
     A new Screening & Testing Site at the Puna Community Medical Center in Pāhoa will open on Monday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, with no physician lab order required. Screening will take place at the site. Testing continues at Hilo Medical Center, physician lab order required.
     Spokesperson Elena Cabatu said that an inventory of Hilo Hospital needs is underway.

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STATE LEGISLATORS URGE MAYOR HARRY KIM TO ORDER SHELTER-IN-PLACE. Hawaiʻi Island's state Senators and members of the House of Representatives sent the mayor a letter this week entitled Request for Immediate Action in Response to the Public Health Concerns Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
     "To protect the residents of the County of Hawaiʻi and the long-term stability of our island economy, we implore you to immediately order the shut-down of non-essential county government operations and the sheltering-in-place of all people throughout the County of Hawai‘i.
     "As Mayor of the County of Hawai’i, we strongly urge you to take the following immediate actions through an Emergency Proclamation and Emergency Rule(s): Institute an immediate countywide shut down for the next 15 days. Order all people in the County of Hawai‘i to shelter-in-place for the next 15 days and coordinate with the Joint Incident Center under the command of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Director/Adjutant General Kenneth Hara to immediately use his authority under the March 16, 2020, Emergency Supplementary Proclamation by Governor Ige to take all necessary steps and required means to ensure that the supply chain for basic necessities — such as food, medicine, water, communications, gasoline, cargo, and public safety throughout the County of Hawaiʻi — is secure.
     "Request Director/Adjutant General Hara to secure and requisition any needed hospital and medical supplies that are necessary to assist with the coming need to treat individuals due to COVID-19, at all available Hawaiʻi Island medical facilities. In coordination with Governor Ige, order the quarantine of all travelers arriving from outside Hawaiʻi at the Hilo and Kona International Airports for a minimum of 15 days. Prohibit all non-essential inter-island and out-of-state travel from Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Island state legislators urge Mayor Harry Kim to
quarantine all travelers arriving from outside the state
for 15 days, among other measures.
     "In coordination with Governor Ige, require the immediate closure of all public and private schools, daycare centers, preschools, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, and Hawaiʻi Community College Pālamanui. Require the immediate closure of all County facilities and workspaces, and send home all non-essential County of Hawaiʻi personnel for the duration of the shut down.
     Limit County of Hawai‘i work to only essential personnel, provided they are equipped with the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adhere to spatial distancing guidelines and preventive measures as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
     The legislators, who include Kaʻū Senators Russell Ruderman and Dru Kanuha, as well as Rep. Richard Onishi and Rep. Richard Creagan, say "As Mayor, you are the only person who has the direct authority to institute these actions. As state legislators, we passed and continue to support the delegated authority provided to the counties under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 127, which grants you, as Mayor, the power to act in emergency situations such as the unprecedented one we face today. The entire Hawaiʻi Island delegation is speaking with one collective voice, and we implore you to take immediate action for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County of Hawai‘i."

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GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY APPLAUDED COUNTY MAYORS' "TAILORED ACTIONS" in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I want to thank mayors Caldwell, Kawakami, Kim, and Victorino for their swift actions in implementing the directives. These are hard decisions. We all understand the dire nature of the challenges facing our state due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are moving together in our response."
     Ige said each mayor understands "the unique needs of their communities" and are putting in place restrictions and guidance that best meet those needs, and that align with CDC guidelines, the direction provided by the state Department of Health, and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.
     "They have my full support and commitment to continue to work cooperatively as we move forward in our efforts to fight COVID-19," said Ige. "We know these actions are extreme, but we know they will help flatten the curve and lay the groundwork for a quicker recovery. The community needs to anticipate that more stringent measures may need to be introduced but we want to ensure everyone that any direction or mandates made will be based on facts and what's best for our communities. This is a community effort. Each of us has a part to play. And I know that the best way to get through this crisis is by working together for the sake of our entire state," added Ige.

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THE 91ST RECRUITMENT CLASS for Hawaiʻi Police Department held their Recognition Ceremony on Friday, March 13 in Hilo. Family and friends celebrated eighteen police recruits, all of whom just completed six months of intensive training. They will now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.
     During the ceremony friends or family members pinned the new police badges on each police recruit.
Photo from HPD
     Members of the graduating class, above, are: Class President Curry McFadden, Kyle Murray, Chelsey Santos, Noah Serrao, Dorian Travers, Bradley Waiki, Calvin Furtado, Alysa Gamache, Christopher L. Hasegawa, Rodney N. Kekaualua Jr., Blane K. Kenolio, Meredeth L. Matsushima, Robert Bright, Rebecca P. Carruthers, Chezvis Carveiro, Eli Dominic M. Cayetano, Edward Costa, and Byron Freitas Jr.

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TŪTŪ & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL AND HOME VISITING PROGRAMS ARE CLOSED until at least April 6, to help prevent the COVID-19 cases on this island. The Home Visiting Program is a free service to Kaʻū families with keiki, birth to five years old, offering caregiver support, "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources." See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE:
     Department of Health reports that there are 37 positive cases of novel coronavirus throughout the state, with one case on Hawaiʻi Island - a visitor. Two new presumptive cases were identified in Kona today, according to West Hawaiʻi Today, which quoted Lt. Gov. and physician Josh Green as saying both cases are travelers, not from community spread. According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. has 10,442 cases, including 3,355 reported today, with 150 deaths, 50 reported today. Worldwide, there are more than 234,000 cases, including 24,247 reported today, and 9,840 deaths, including 1,061 reported today.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

All Kaʻū High School and other public school sporting events are canceled until further notice, including:
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m., host Hilo
Wednesday, April 8, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Boys Baseball Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m., host Hilo
Tuesday. April 7, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Boys Volleyball Cancelled
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m., host Keaʻau
Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Friday, April 10, 6 p.m., @Ehunui
Judo Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m., @Keaʻau
Track Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m., @HPA

Spring Break for Public Schools is extended through Monday, April 6 as COVID-19 spread mitigation.

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
CANCELLED: Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Kaʻū Clean-Up, Saturday, March 21. Volunteer spaces are limited; RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

CANCELLED: Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Mamālahoa Hwy, Kamaʻoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Other vendors will offer more items. For more information, call 928-8039.

CANCELLED: Sign Up for and Attend Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 share their talents by selling handmade items and services. Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).

RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 20: Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection Workshop with Tom Peek, Saturday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 16: Improv Comedy Show, Saturday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. Headlined by Keli Semelsberger and Matt Kaye. A Big Island Comedy Theater showcase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, MARCH 23
CANCELLED: OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

CANCELLED: Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24
CANCELLED: Registration for Charades, open Monday-Friday, March 23-27, for program at Kahuku Park in HOVE on Tuesday, March 31, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. Teresa Anderson, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113

CANCELLED: Paper Straw Tulip Craft Registration Deadline, Tuesday, March 24. Program Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. Ages 5 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

CANCELLED: The Third Voyage of Captain James Cook, Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Captain James Cook once wrote that he intended to go not only "farther than any man has been before me, but as far as I think it is possible for a man to go." Join local guide and historian Rob Kitsell as he looks closer at the man who was Captain James Cook, and the fateful third voyage when Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay, February 14, 1779. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
CANCELLED: OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

CANCELLED: Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. The pū‘ohe is a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet with a deep sound somewhat like a conch shell. Like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū‘ohe. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. nps.gov/havo

CANCELLED: Gone Country Band Live Country Music, Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Line dancers will accompany the performance. $5 cover charge. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8365

THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The visitor center is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. Park films, including Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, will not be shown. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will continue to be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the center reopens, and is available online for free download.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
CANCELLED: Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, March 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

CANCELLED: The Lake at Halemaʻumaʻu Monthly Kahuku Coffee Talk, Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., HVNP Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840

AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
     See ohialehuahalf.com.

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