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Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Masks or face coverings must be worn indoors or while waiting in line outside at all CU Hawaiʻi locations, whether
patron or employee. Read about the credit union's online services. Photo from CU Hawaiʻi

THE EMERGENCY RULE REQUIRING HAND SANITIZER for all customers on the island was clarified this afternoon by Mayor Harry Kim's office. His staff released a statement saying, "Demand for hand sanitizer has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, and establishments that lack supplies of hand sanitizer may offer an alternative to hand sanitizer by providing a place to wash hands. A wash basin or sink with soap and water would be sufficient and be in good faith compliance with the order."
     The county reported that it is "looking at all avenues to acquire supplies of hand sanitizer, including local distilleries that have switched their production lines to produce it." The press release also noted the statewide proclamation for requiring use of hand sanitizer at the entrance to stores, food take-out establishments, and many other places of business.
     The county's COVID-19 Prevention and Education Task Force promises to work with businesses to ensure employee and customer compliance. To request a visit from the task force, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 A hand sanitizing station with a choice of alcohol, bleach, or peroxide spray greeted customers at ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's
Nāʻālehu Market today. Photo by Lora Botanova
MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL CU HAWAIʻI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION LOCATIONS, says a message sent today. A face mask or covering must be worn by anyone entering any CU Hawaiʻi branch or when waiting in line to enter a branch. Social distancing of six feet also remains in force.
     Pāhala's window location, at 96-3208 Maile St., is open Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
     Nāʻālehu's lobby location, 95-5664 Mamalahoa Hwy, is open Mondays thru Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The walk-up ATM is open 24 Hours.
     Ocean View's location, a walk-up ATM inside Ace Hardware at 92-8691 Lotus Blossom Ln., is open Mondays through Saturdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union encourages the use of Online Banking and its Mobile App to make remote deposits, transfers, loan payments, reorder checks, pay bills, view e-statements, and more. See cuhawaii.com.

Masks and social distancing on Fridays at CU Hawaiʻi Federal
Credit Union's window in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal
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MORE SMALL BUSINESSES CAN APPLY FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID. Mayor Harry Kim is urging all eligible small businesses in Hawai‘i County to apply through the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, first established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Congress has passed new legislation that includes $310 billion to replenish the fund.
     The program provides small employers with forgivable loans to maintain their existing workforce and help pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities.
     Kim said, "I urge all small business owners in Hawai‘i County to contact a lender certified by the Small Business Administration for complete information and to apply for a PPP loan. Please take advantage of these programs to save your business and provide for your employees."
     Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, and private non-profits are eligible. The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. At least 75 percent of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll. Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
     Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees, and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease. See sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources for more on who qualifies and how to apply. To find other business resources, visit hawaiicounty.gov/covidbusinesshelp.

 Lynn Steenburg, owner of Happy Thai Food, parked her food truck at the weekly Swap Meet in Ocean View until
the pandemic. She now relies on the OKK Nāʻālehu Market and take-out customers who call her.
 She and many others may be able to receive support from the Paycheck Protection Program, which has eased
 requirements for independent contractors and the self-employed. See Mayor Harry Kim's message above. See how to
order from Happy Thai Food at Fresh Food on The Kaʻū CalendarPhoto by Lora Botanova

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LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS can contact Hawaiʻi Department of Education's School Food Services Branch. The branch is interested in sourcing more local produce and other food items from local food producers for their Grab-and-Go Meals for students during school closures.
     Those interested in supplying are urged to "take action NOW!" Contact Hilo Products at 808-935-1379. Check out the list of requirements for becoming a direct vendor. Contact HIDOE SFSB Farm to School Coordinator, Dexter Kishida, with questions, or for help getting connected with a distributor: dexter.kishida@k12.hi.us, 808-798-8586 (call/text).

Rodney Freitas with fresh vegetables from his farm above Pāhala, during the Wednesday OKK Nāʻālehu Market.
See Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar. Photo by Lora Botanova

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APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND TRACK CLAIMS on the new Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations new portal. DOL installed improved software to apply for and track unemployment claims this week. Click here to for the new application portal. Click here to access the new tracking portal.

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THIS IS EARTH DAY, WITH A MESSAGE FROM the team of Kai Kahele, the state Senator running for the congressional district representing Volcano, Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi:
     "Growing up in Miloliʻi, Hawaiʻi — a native Hawaiian fishing village with a rich, proud history of balanced living between humans, the land, and the sea — Kai personally understands the value of the natural resources and ecosystems we have in our home state." His team promises that Kahele "will work tirelessly to advocate for resource programs that will ensure healthy and sustainable environments for all our communities.
     "As a state Senator, Kai has authored and championed legislation to protect Hawaiʻi's aquatic life and water systems. He will fight just as hard at the federal level for environmental protections and justice for Hawaiʻi's vast natural resources in its landscapes, watershed, aquifers, and its ocean. Kai believes that climate change is a real and dangerous threat to Hawaiʻi and our national security. Through bold initiatives like Hawaiʻi Green Growth and the Aloha+ Challenge, Hawaiʻi can be a leader and a model for the rest of the world. Our children, their children, and every generation after deserve to grow up in the Hawaiʻi we grew up in. Together we can work to preserve that. Let's keep fighting."

Doris Davis, of Pāhala, sewing 30 masks for Pāhala 
senior center members. She has made 60 more
for Maui's Kula Hospital and friends. 
Photo by April Joy Pitcher
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MORE THAN 90 MASKS SEWN by 88 year-old
Doris Davis, of Pāhala, are being distributed. Thirty have gone to 30 local seniors. They usually get together for meals and activities on weekdays at Pāhala Senior Center, but are unable to gather during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 60 masks, created by Davis, have gone to Maui for the Kula Hospital and friends there.
     Davis is an artist, author, and fashion designer, using her sewn sewing machine as one of her many creative tools.
     Her activities in recent years have included the board of the Friends of Kaʻū Libraries, marching in the Nāʻālehu Fourth of July Parade, assisting at the Pāhala Senior Center, and working the reading and book sales booths at numerous community events.

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HAWAIʻI ENERGY OFFERS EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES and tips on saving energy and money. Also included are discounted prices on energy saving bulbs and devices. Hawaiʻi Energy is a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program administered by Leidos Engineering, LLC (formerly SAIC) under contract with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission.
     Its hawaiienergy.com website offers:
     Printable "fun and educational" activities for keiki from preschool through middle school, with high school coming soon. Offerings include mazes, word finds, coloring pages, and more. Request hard copies be sent by post by emailing hawaiienergy@leidos.com. See hawaiienergy.com/education-outreach/students.
     Home Efficiency Kits are $5 plus free shipping. The kit includes four LED bulbs, a Tricklestar power switch, a kitchen aerator, and 2 bathroom aerators. Order up to two kits at techniart.us/hawaiienergy-promo/sorry.php?zip=97006.
See hawaiienergy.com.
     Enter to win an Energy Bill Buster Kit by following instructions at EfficiencyUnlocked.org. The clues to enter give clues on how to save energy in the home.
     Appliance Rebates are available when purchasing new ENERGY STAR® refrigerators or freezers at hawaiienergy.com/for-homes/rebates/appliances. Advice for keeping new or old refrigerators or freezers include: Don't set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 F and 42 F. Set the freezer control between -5 F and +6 F. Clean the unit. Clean dust off the coils or filters. Check the rubber seals on the door. Peeking wastes energy; food cold and fresh by limiting opening the fridge.
     See hawaiienergy.com/118/earth-day-commitments for more.

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TODAY'S CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH EARTH DAY coincides with this week's release of Hawaiian Electric's 2019-20 Sustainability Report. It predicts Hawaiian Electric will obtain at least 30 percent of its electricity sold in Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui counties from renewable sources by the end of 2020.
     Hawaiian Electric sends electricity through most of Volcano Village and many surrounding neighborhoods. It also electrifies Pāhala, Wood Valley, Nāʻālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Kamaoa Road, South Point Road, and part of Ocean View. Alternative energy comes from roof top solar systems that feed back into the Hawaiian Electric system and also from Tawhiri's Pakini Nui Wind Farm at South Point, which generates 20.5 megawatts of renewable electricity. Tawhiri produces two-thirds of the wind energy sold to Hawaiian Electric from Hawaiʻi Island.
See view.hawaiianelectric.com/2019-2020-
sustainability-report/page/1
.
     The report says that on Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiian Electric sourced 34.7 percent of its electricity from renewables in 2019.
     In 2018, renewable energy for Hawaiian Electric on Hawaiʻi Island topped 44 percent, and included the Puna Geothermal plant before it was overrun by lava.
     In 2017, renewable energy used by Hawaiian Electric on Hawaiʻi Island topped 57 percent, with Puna geothermal online for the entire year, providing 31 percent.
     The prediction for Hawaiian Electric power sold on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui County, and Oʻahu through 2020 includes geothermal, though it is not operating yet. It also includes in the Hū Honua biofuel plant, which has yet to produce electricity.
     The sustainability report predicts attaining statewide 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. The report notes that the state saw a 21 percent increase in solar generation in 2019. Nearly 82,000 grid-connected solar installations operate under Hawaiian Electric, generating 902MW, with 3,470 installed in 2019.
     More than 11,000 electric vehicles were registered in the state at the end of 2019 – a jump of 13.2 percent since 2018. Hawaiian Electric has installed electric vehicle charging stations in Kaʻū: one at Punaluʻu Bake Shop in Nāʻālehu and another at the Kaʻū District Gym in Pahala.
     In 2019, Hawaiian Electric's annual use of fossil fuel was down 82 million gallons from 2008, a slight rise from 2018, after geothermal went offline. More than 350 million gallons were still used each year statewide.
See hawaiienergy.com/for-homes/tips-to-save-energy.
     The report states that, by 2022, Hawaiʻi Island will have an additional 70MW from renewable energy and 240 megawatt hours of storage. Also by 2022, more than a dozen wind, solar, and battery storage projects statewide will come online; fossil fuel use in Hawaiʻi will have dropped by 60 percent since 2009, with carbon dioxide emissions down by 1.2 million tons. The utility has an additional 800MW from independent producers in the pipeline, plus more than 80,000 private rooftop solar systems in planning.
     Scott Seu, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, wrote, "As this report was being completed, we were seeing the first effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It's likely this will change the timelines for completion of many renewable projects being planned. Even with this new challenge, we remain fully committed in determining what Hawaiʻi's energy future will be. We will move forward together."
     See the full report at hawaiianelectric.com/clean-energy-hawaii/sustainability-report.

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DRIVE-THRU TESTING FOR COVID-19 was held in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates at St. Jude's Episcopal Church today. The screening was carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
See hawaiienergy.com/for-homes/tips-to-save-energy. 
     The free clinic offered on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualified those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
     To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321.
     Those visit screening clinic show photo ID, and health insurance card – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are  also asked to bring their own pens to fill in forms.
     The next screening will be Wednesday, April 29 at Nāʻālehu Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the same screening protocols. Wearing masks is required for everyone.
     For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

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CALLERS THREATENING TO DISCONNECT ELECTRICITY ARE SCAMMERS, warns Hawaiian Electric. During the pandemic, the utility has suspended disconnection of services for failure to pay bills at least through May 17. Any call, text, email, or other communication claiming to be from Hawaiian Electric that threatens disconnection "is a scam, and customers should hang up or delete the message," states Hawaiian Electric.
     The utility encourages customers to call in, if having trouble paying their bills due to the coronavirus pandemic. Modified schedules or payment arrangements can be made. The quickest way to start the process is to send in a Payment Arrangement Request Form at hawaiianelectric.com/documents/billing_and_payment/payment_arrangement_request.pdf.

No COVID-19 cases so far in the zip code areas of Volcano, 
Pāhala, and Ocean View. White indicates zero cases, light 
yellow indicates one to five cases. The 96772 area in 
Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH
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HAWAIʻI ISLAND HAS THREE NEW CASES OF COVID-19 reported today. Six new cases were reported statewide by Department of Health, three on Hawaiʻi Island and three on Oʻahu, bringing the state's case count for Hawaiʻi Island to 67.     Since the pandemic began, 592 have been confirmed, as of today, with 67 on this island. Thirty-eight have been cleared as recovered, and the remaining 28 are quarantined at home and monitored by DOH. No one on Hawaiʻi Island was hospitalized or died. The state death toll is 12.
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says DOH continues investigating the fast food cluster incident in Kona. So far, the outbreak "does not pose a threat to the general public. In their mission of contact tracing, to ensure speed and thoroughness, several Department of Health personnel from Oʻahu were brought in and if needed, as in all cases, your county police department stands ready to assist on request. 
Civil Defense Director 
Talmadge Magno.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     "Know that effective today stronger policies, related especially to merchants, go into effect. It is well understood that merchants may need assistance during this transitional period and the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, who is the lead agency on prevention programs, will assist you if needed. Thank you for listening, have a beautiful Earth Day.
This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense."
     Magno also thanked the organizations involved in today's drive-thru testing in Ocean View: Ali’i Health, Premier Medical Group, St. Jude's Church, and the County Task Force.
     In the United States, 855,255 cases have been confirmed. Recovery is about nine percent, with 78,340 recovered. The death toll is at 47,973.
     Worldwide, more than 2.63 million have contracted COVID-19. Recovery is about 27 percent, with 713,268 recovered. The death toll is 183,470.

Read online at kaucalendar.comSee our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, 
ranches, takeoutPrint edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and 
to all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. 
Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or
your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of April.

MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.

ONGOING
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through at least the end of April. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered to Ocean View.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.


The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
     The Ocean View location for May is to be announced.
     The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
     The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.
     The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, April 29 from 11 a.m. until food runs out. Call Kehau at 443-4130.

On Call Emergency Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 808-933-6030.

The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
     Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.
     Distribution in the Nāʻālehu area is at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center. Distribution in Ocean View is at the county's Kahuku Park, the area in front of Malama Market, and Ocean ViewCommunity Center.
     At Nāʻālehu Elementary, campus pick-up will be from 9 a.m - 9:20 a.m. for A-H; 9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. for I-P, and 9:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. for Q-Z.
     The Waiʻōhinu pick-up: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     The Discovery Harbour Community Center pick-up: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Morning distribution at Kahuku Park8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Evening distribution at Kahuku Park5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.
     Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Times for distribution at Ocean View Community Center are 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.

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 Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.

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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Masks are the rule not only at the entrance to Kaʻū Hospital's clinic, lab, ER and wards. The rule requires the
public to wear masks and sanitize hands at food and hardware stores, pharmacies, gas stations, take-out
 restaurants,and otherplaces of essential business. Penalties are up to $5,000 in fines and a year in jail.
Photo by Lora Botanova
See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

STRICTER RULES REGARDING FACE MASKS, SANITIZATION, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING were clarified today by Mayor Harry Kim. Kim Issued Emergency Rule No. 3, which mandates face masks or coverings for all customers of essential businesses age 5 and older, and all employees who have contact with others, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
     The Mayor's COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 3 stipulates that a business shall disallow entry to anyone who refuses to wear a face mask or covering. Exemptions from wearing face masks are persons with health or medical conditions that prohibit the use of face masks or coverings.
     Rule 3 also calls for all customers to sanitize their hands at entry, and hand sanitizing stations must be set up in the customers' path at the entrance.
     Kim said the County's COVID-19 Prevention and Education Task Force will work with businesses to ensure compliance from employees and customers.
"No mask, no entry," states a sign outside Mizuno
Superette in Pāhala, complying with Rule 3
handed down by Mayor Harry Kim.
Photo by Julia Neal
     "These are stricter than the Governor's rules, because we want to make sure that our community stays healthy and safe," the mayor said. Rule 3 was prompted in part after the recent outbreak of the virus among fast food workers and their families in Kona.
     "We want these rules to be in place, while focusing on being reasonable so that people can make a living," said the Mayor.
     The Rule strongly recommends that one customer per 250 square feet be allowed into an establishment to ensure the six-foot distancing requirement, and to increase social distancing.
     Rule 3 calls for businesses to discourage hoarding of essential supplies, and mandates that businesses post signage and communicate special hours for high-risk populations.
     Businesses that handle food production and consumption are to have employees use gloves while handling food, and employees who handle any payment transaction by cash or credit card must sanitize or change gloves before serving the next customer.
     All businesses are required to assign, train, and schedule employees to sanitize carts, conveyors, counters, handles, knobs, and other common touch areas, the Rule says.
     Employees must do a self-check prior to starting their shift to monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. If an employee feels ill, they must immediately notify their supervisor and leave the premises. Rule 3 stipulates that the employee must seek medical attention if symptoms persist, and shall not return to work until symptom-free a minimum of 72 hours. If an employee tests positive for the virus, they shall not return to work until they have stayed home and been symptom-free for 14 days.
     On the County's Mass Transit buses, riders five years old and older must wear face coverings or masks to prevent the spread of the virus, with exemptions for people with health or medical conditions that prohibit their use. Riders who refuse to wear a mask will not be allowed to board or enter the bus.
     Violators of Rule 3 may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or one year imprisonment, or both. The Rule remains effective throughout the pandemic emergency, or until terminated sooner by order of the Mayor. For further information, contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.


Even this morning's venue for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou to gift fish to kūpuna and
the needy required the wearing of face masks. Photo by Julia Neal
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STAY AT HOME UNTIL MAY 31 is the recommendation of West Kaʻū's member of the state House of Representatives, Dr. Richard Creagan. "We should clamp down more so we can get rid of it," said the physician. "Who wants to live in a place where you are looking over your shoulder?"
     He said people shouldn't have to worry that they could still catch COVID-19. He said Hawaiʻi is in a special place unlike the other states. "We have a natural barrier, the ocean around us." With Hawaiʻi's isolation, the disease can be traced through the entire community. He recommended isolating everyone who tests positive until the new coronavirus is entirely gone.
     Creagan also said that he is pleased that the state Department of Health has more help to trace cases, with some 70 workers and volunteers starting to track down each case, and all of the victims' contacts. He said it is easy to do but takes a lot of time, talking to people. Creagan recommended that once people are found to be positive for COVID-19, they should be taken out of their environments and quarantined to protect their family and friends. He said he supports putting those testing positive into empty hotel rooms for their recovery. He is unsupportive of putting those quarantined into gyms with cots or other crowded situations. "We shouldn't be punishing the people who are positive for the virus. We should be taking care of them."

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THE DEATH TOLL FROM CORONAVIRUS ACROSS THE STATE ROSE TO TWELVE TODAY. The state Department of Health identified two elderly men who passed away Monday night. The victims were older than 65, with one on Oʻahu and the other on Maui, both with underlying health challenges. Deaths during the pandemic total five on Maui and seven on Oʻahu. There were no new cases reported on Hawaiʻi Island today, leaving the total number at 63. The two new cases statewide brought the caseload to 586.
No COVID-19 cases so far in the zip code areas of Volcano, Pāhala,
 and Ocean View. White indicates zero cases, light yellow one to five
cases. The 96772 area in Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH
     Gov. David Ige said, "We are saddened by these additional deaths and the toll the pandemic is taking on the families and friends of those affected. This is a serious disease especially for those with pre-existing health conditions and older adults. It is critical that we all comply with the stay at home order, practice social distancing, and continue to wear a mask whenever we go out to protect others."
     Talmadge Magno, director of Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, issued his daily message focusing on the spread of the virus from three McDonald's restaurants in Kona: "The Department of Health is continuing the investigation of this McDonald's cluster and based on their findings thus far, believes this outbreak does not pose a threat to the general public. It is noted that 32 of Hawaiʻi Islands' total cases of 63 stem from this one cluster incident. The very hard lessons learned, and we should all learn, is that critical importance of following the health advisories of stay at home if you are sick, physical distancing, face coverings, and social gatherings.
Civil Defense director 
Talmadge Magno.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     "The testing of non-symptomatic family members, associated with the fast-food restaurant cluster, resulted in two positive cases. Clearly illustrates that anyone can be a carrier without knowing it. All are strongly recommended to wear a face covering. This is a community issue and we all need to do our part. Thank you very much for listening and please be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
     In the U.S., more than 824,700 people have been reported to have COVID-19. Of those, 45,297 have died and 75,050 have recovered.
     Worldwide, 2,564,190 cases have been reported. More than 177,400 have died. Nearly 681,840 have recovered.

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PEOPLE WITH  INCOME SO LOW THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PAY TAXES CAN APPLY TO RECEIVE $1,200 PLUS $500 PER CHILD PANDEMIC ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS. The deadline to apply to the federal government is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time. Also required to apply are those who receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and do not file taxes. For those who do not meet the deadline, the $500 per qualifying child will be paid with their 2020 tax year return filing.
     Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "As we continue working to make sure all those eligible for direct payments receive this assistance, I urge those with qualifying dependent children to apply for these payments as soon as possible. Hawaiʻi residents and families who need economic relief from the financial toll of coronavirus can provide their information online." 
     U.S. taxpayers who will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments are those who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019; or those who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits.
     Apply at freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment. See more information at irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.

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HAWAIʻI IS THE NUMBER ONE STATE FOR SLOWING DOWN THE MOST during the pandemic, in terms of people going places and interacting with others, according to a study released by WalletHub today. New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and Nevada followed Hawaiʻi in the ranking. WalletHub reports that its statisticians used Google data to compare the 50 states across six key metrics. Each metric measures the percentage point increase or decrease in visits to various types of places due to coronavirus.
     Hawaiʻi slowed the most in Residential Mobility Changes, Grocery & Pharmacy Mobility Changes, Parks Mobility changes, and Transit Stations Mobility Changes. It ranked third for slowing the most in Workplaces Mobility Changes and fourth in slowing the most in Retail & Recreation Mobility Changes. The state that has slowed down the least is Nebraska, with Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa, and Alabama right behind it. See more at WalletHub.

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ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU NĀʻĀLEHU MARKET will be open tomorrow, Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon. The focus at the outdoor venue is fresh food. All vendors and customers must wear face masks and use sanitation stations to clean hands. Vendor locations are set up with distancing. The location is mauka of Hwy 11, in Nāʻālehu.

ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU WILL GIVE OUT FOOD IN OCEAN VIEW THURSDAY AT NOON near the bus stop makai of
Wayne Kawachi hands out Ehu to seniors and
the needy in Pāhala today. Also contributing to the
catch was Evan Enriques. Photo by Julia Neal
Hwy 11. The offerings will include kalua pig cooked by Nāʻālehu Schoool, kalbi beef, and other food packaged to refrigerate or freeze, including spam, sausage, and jello fruit cups.  OKK President Wayne Kawachi gave out fish today in Pāhala near the bus stop. Jana Kaniho delivered fish to kūpuna homes in the Nāʻālehu area. OKK accepts donations of money and foods. Call Kawachi at 808-937-4773.

THE COUNTY NUTRITION PROGRAM IS PROVIDING FIVE MEALS A WEEK TO SENIORS IN KAʻŪ. Instead of the seniors gathering at their senior centers, county staff members deliver five frozen meals once a week to their homes. About 37 bundles of prepackaged meals are going to Pāhala seniors, 22 to Nāʻālehu seniors, and 42 to Ocean View seniors.

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FIRST RESPONDERS AND LOCAL HOSPITALS are receiving assistance from Hawaiʻi Island Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experts during the COVID-19 crisis. The coalition – Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care – responds to needs raised by healthcare workers and fire/emergency response crews. The coalition is supported by staff and volunteers from across the Big Island, spanning the business, high tech, and educational sectors.
     Christian Wong, Hawaiʻi Island firefighter and executive director of Hawaiʻi Science & Technology Museum, is one of the organizers. He said, "Working as a first responder, I know the critical need for PPE in our community. Connecting the needs of our first responders with our Big Island STEM community allows Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care to design and produce PPE that fits the specific needs of our health care community."
A no-hands door opener developed by
Hawaiʻi Stem Community Care.
     The Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care team is working to provide: face shields, mask sterilizers, mask tension relief bands, and door openers. "A committee for each project is working with members of the medical community to ensure these developed products meet the needs of the Big Island health care community," said Wong.
     Dr. Craig Burger, a consultant for the group. said, "I appreciate the speed of these efforts. Iterating directly with local PPE designers and manufacturers allows us to meet an ever-changing need. Any reduction in anxiety or an increase in comfort we can provide, is so crucial for the physical heath and mental well-being of our frontline providers."
     All the donations, to date, were designed and produced on Hawaiʻi Island. The face shields were designed to allow for rapid production of close to 50 per hour. Three hundred mask tension relief bands that were delivered to Hilo Medical Center through efforts in East and West Hawaiʻi, rallying 3D printer owners islandwide, including local schools. The first prototype mask sterilizer is undergoing testing at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's biology department, with plans to build units for local fire departments to extend the life of their current N95 masks if needed.
     The door opener design is the result of a request from the local medical community for a simple device that minimizes the need for health care professionals to touch door handles in a hospital. A prototype just completed testing and is now beginning larger production for local healthcare facilities and first responders.
     According to Wong, the group is dedicated to creating 'learning moments' – opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island students to contribute directly or indirectly to the solution design efforts. Local students brainstormed the design of the face masks and helped print the mask tension relief bands.
     Gail Takaki, of NexTech Hawaiʻi, said, "We plan to share stories of how the team arrived at solutions with our NexTech students as a real world example of problem solving as well as the importance of giving back to our community in times of crisis. All our efforts are possible through the generous volunteer organizations and donors providing all items free of charge."
A face mask tension relief band to take the stress
away from it hanging on the ears.
     Hawaiʻi STEM Care is represented by leaders from Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, NexTech Hawaiʻi, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative, and the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care recently received a $5,000 grant from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation to continue producing and distributing their PPE donations.
     "There are a lot of people who are passionate about the problem," said Kean Wong, co-coordinator of Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative. "We're finding, as we're able to coordinate with people and provide them resources they may not have, we're able to help out and have a larger impact than any single individual can."
     For more information about Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care and to obtain plans for some of the above items, visit histemcare.org. Healthcare providers and first responders who would like more information about these items, or have a need for PPE, should email histemcare@gmail.com.
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A REPORT ON COVID-19 IMPACTS ON HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS was produced by a working group of farmers and ranchers, including members of Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. The working group submitted findings and recommendations to the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness on Monday.
     The report states that, after urgent health issues, "feeding our community is the most critical challenge we face in the continuing coronavirus pandemic. With no clear end to the crisis within sight, we are already seeing the attention of leaders from around the world shift as food producer markets contract and transportation networks are shaken to their core. Hawaiʻi's tenuous dependence on just-in-time delivery and importing 90 percent of our food has left our communities exposed to another heightened threat."
Their report on COVID-19 Impacts on Hawaiʻi Agricultural Producers recommends more locally grown food for the
schools. Above, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary cafeteria staff members sanitize a table as they bring out food
to give to anyone 18 years and under during  the pandemic. Photo by Lora Botanova
     The report suggests there is a second curve to flatten: food insecurity. Food banks and non-profits are struggling to feed Hawaiʻi families on a massive scale, states the report. Food banks' usual sources of funds and donations are diminished. In a typical month, states the report, the Hawaiʻi Foodbank purchases roughly $33,000 in food. "Over the last four weeks, it has had to make $640,000 in purchases to keep up with demand. It is also encountering other challenges unique to these times, such as having to outbid other food banks and grocers across the country due to demand for long shelf-life goods and consumer hoarding."
     With unemployment in Hawaiʻi at nearly a quarter million since March 1, the reports states the public has "intensifying fears" and "uncertainty" about access to "the basic necessity of food. Adding to this perfect storm is the threat of a literal one, as hurricane season nears. We would be gambling with lives to assume a pandemic is the only crisis Hawaiʻi may face in the coming months. Local farmers serve as a lifeline. They are our greatest defense against food insecurity and our greatest hope for future resiliency. They need our support as much as we need theirs."
Food insecurity in Hawaiʻi is addressed in the
Hawaiʻi Agricultural Producers Report.
Photo by Lora Botanova
     The report notes the short term food needs will be partially funded by about $4 billion in COVID-19 funding through the CARES Act. The report suggests establishing a Food Security Subsidy Fund and Program, to directly provide funds to local food producers that provide free or discounted fresh produce or prepared meals. The report recommends direct funding to local food producers for farm inputs and other production costs.
     The report recommends appointing a local farmer or rancher to the House Select COVID-19 Committee on Economic and Financial Preparedness.
     The report also recommends expansion of programs like SNAP, the Paycheck Protection Program, and USDA programs such as small producer grants, grants to organizations facilitating direct farm to consumer delivery, loan forgiveness/forbearance, technical assistance to navigate the federal opportunity process, reimbursement of transportation cost payment program, and microgrants.
     The report suggests requiring state food programs to purchase a minimum of local food. For example, increase Department of Education meals to have at least 25 percent be local food within five years.
     The report also suggests the state issue an official statement supporting and re-opening farmers' markets that comply with health restrictions to protect vendors and customers across the state. The report suggests a "certification" classification for these markets.
     For long-term needs, the report recommends shovel-ready agricultural projects, especially in irrigation, food hub and aggregation site development, and future harvesting facilities.
     Read the report here.

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Highway 137 will be rebuilt with FEMA funds appropriated
to Hawaiʻi County, after destruction by lava in 2018.
Photo from USGS. Road ID by Extreme Exposures
SIXTY ONE MILLION IN FEMA DOLLARS will go toward fixing county roads damaged by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced today that a portion of  Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will help to repair Highway 137, Pohoiki Road, Leilani Avenue, Hinalo Street, Lauone Street, Honuaula Street, and Lighthouse Road. FEMA and the County of Hawaiʻi are engaged in additional discussions with the community to determine which other roads will be repaired using these funds.
     "As we approach the two year anniversary of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, this federal funding will support ongoing recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island," Hirono said. "Even as we confront the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, I will continue to advocate for federal assistance that will help those impacted by the eruption work to rebuild their lives and communities."
     Hirono advocated to support Hawaiʻi Island's recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. In March 2019, she pressed then-Acting Secretary Bernhardt for a commitment to rebuild Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaiʻi Island. Two months later, Hirono secured $72.3 million in the 2019 Disaster Supplemental Bill to fund both the continuation of U.S. Geological Survey operations in a temporary space as well as money to construct the new HVO facility. That same month, she announced that USGS Director Jim Reilly committed to rebuilding HVO on Hawaiʻi Island. Hirono also secured $21 million in additional funding to build a separate HVO field station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

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COMPOSER OF THE EARTH PATRIOT SONG for Earth Day has provided a link for readers of The Kaʻū Calendar. The Volcano resident, well known for his world peace, environmental, and sustainability work, sent this message for Wednesday's annual Earth Day:
     "I hope that you are safe and well. I know that with what our country and the world is facing with the corona virus, that the 50th anniversary of Earth Day may not be receiving the attention it deserves. However, the work of protecting our Earth and all life that exists on our planet continues. In 1990, for the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, I wrote the song Earth Patriot, and in 2007, I recorded the album Earth Patriot with my group Kumanu. Please feel free to share with others." Hear the song on YouTube.

Read online at kaucalendar.comSee our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, 
ranches, takeoutPrint edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and 
to all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. 
Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or
your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
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Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of April.

MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.

ONGOING
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through at least the end of April. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered to Ocean View.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.


The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
     The Ocean View location for May is to be announced.
     The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
     The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.
     The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, April 29 from 11 a.m. until food runs out. Call Kehau at 443-4130.

On Call Emergency Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 808-933-6030.

The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
     Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.
     Distribution in the Nāʻālehu area is at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center. Distribution in Ocean View is at the county's Kahuku Park, the area in front of Malama Market, and Ocean ViewCommunity Center.
     At Nāʻālehu Elementary, campus pick-up will be from 9 a.m - 9:20 a.m. for A-H; 9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. for I-P, and 9:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. for Q-Z.
     The Waiʻōhinu pick-up: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     The Discovery Harbour Community Center pick-up: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Morning distribution at Kahuku Park8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Evening distribution at Kahuku Park5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.
     Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Times for distribution at Ocean View Community Center are 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.

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 Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.

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