Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021

David Cox of Kane Plantation, the avocado farm and former home of the late artist Herb Kane, will give the outlook
 on the future of avocado growing at the Hawai'i Avocado Association's annual meeting next Monday, Aug. 9 by zoom.
See more below. Photo from Kane Plantation

MANDATORY COVID VACCINATIONS OR PAY FOR WEEKLY TESTING may soon be the requirement for state and county workers to keep their jobs. Multiple news outlets reported today that Gov. David Ige may announce the mandate as soon as Thursday. Health care delivery systems in the state have already announced requirements for employees to be vaccinated. Athletes going to Hawai'i public schools will need vaccinations to try out for sports.

     The mandates are apparently allowable under state law, even when unions are involved, since the pandemic is considered an emergency.

    Hawai'i State Teachers Association, the union for instructors and administrative staff in public schools, headlined a statement by saying Hawai'i Department of Education "continues reckless plans despite COVID-19 transmission surge." 

    The new HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. wrote to teacher union members: "The majority of you have been back to work for several days now, and the reports coming in are pretty dismal. Staff meetings have happened either in libraries with little to no fresh air ventilation, or with staff having to sit shoulder to shoulder in cafeterias without enough space to adequately maintain social distancing. Some administrators have turned a blind eye to those who refuse to mask or mask properly, or do not mask properly themselves. Many schools have already had letters go out due to COVID-19 cases being discovered and we know that some meetings last week included those cases."

     Results of a teacher and staff questionnaire last Friday, according to the union, showed: "The vast majority felt somewhat or very unsafe for themselves and for students....With the Delta variant spreading COVID-19 in our communities like never before, this head-in-the-sand mentality jeopardizes all of us." 

    The union leader pointed to the state Department of Health Director Elizabeth Char, who said increases in cases would inevitably occur no matter when students returned to school and that no hard number regarding COVID-19 transmission would trigger the closure of a school or schools. Tui also noted that

See the August edition of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper
at www.kaucalendar.com

more cases are occurring among children.

    Tui did conclude that "Much of this would be avoidable if more people who can get vaccinated do get vaccinated. To date, more than 1.7 million doses have been administered with over 850,000 Hawai'i residents completing their vaccination. Certainly, that is not enough to reach herd immunity. If you are still hesitant, please be encouraged by the fact that almost all of your friends, family members, and colleagues who have gotten vaccinated have done so with little to no side effects."

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THE COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVED NEGOTIATIONS FOR PURCHASING KIOLAKA'A TODAY. All eight members in attendance, including Maile David, who represents Kaʻū and chairs the Council, voted in favor. One testifier said the county should keep ownership of any of the properties bought with PONC money. Another six testified in favor of this 1,800 acres being held and stewarded by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association.
    The vote directs the county to begin negotiations to purchase the property, which is one of the few properties between Punalu'u and South Point that, with acquisition, would complete the conservation of a good portion of the Kaʻū Coast. Kiolaka'a includes portions of Ka'alu'alu Bay.

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See and purchase the poster showing all of the kinds of avocados growing on Hawai'i Island
at www.hawaiifruit.net.

AVOCADO GROWERS AND ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED to join Hawai'i Avocado Association's general meeting next Monday, Aug. 9. via Zoom at 1:30 pm. In addition to attending live, the public is invited to see the recording of the meeting on the Avo Association website following the event. 

    During the meeting, there will be a summary of 2020-2021 Sharwil exports and outlook for the coming season by David Cox, of Kane Plantation Avocados. USDA Malama suitability testing will be discussed by Dr Peter Follet.

Impact of the Avocado Lace Bug and potential treatments will be the presentation by Andrea Kawabata and Jensen Uyeda of CTAHR. There will be a discussion led by India Clark and Annabel Bruch of Hawai'i Farmers Union United on a grant, marketing and grower outreach. Avocado Association President John App will wrap up the meeting. Link to the Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92926223108pwd=YXlrRTVWRFAya2tHMWsyNk91ajF1UT09#success , with Meeting ID: 929 2622 3108 and Passcode: HAA. One tap mobile is available through +13462487799,,92926223108# US (Houston) and +16699006833,,92926223108# US (San Jose).

    See more at https://www.htfg.org/product-page/big-island-avocados-poster.

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

AUGUST FLIGHT OPS FOR HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ARE ANNOUNCED:
    Aug. 5, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., for fence material sling loads within the ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 9, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., to transport gear (one sling load) from the Maunaulu helispot to Nāpau Crater campground.
    Aug. 10, between 8 a.m. and noon, for survey and control invasive guinea grass and banana poka, on Mauna Loa and in the coastal backcountry from sea level to 5,000-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 11, between 8 a.m. and noon, for survey and control of invasive guinea grass and banana poka, on Mauna Loa and in the coastal backcountry from sea level to 5,000-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 12, between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for invasive fountain grass survey and control from the park’s west boundary to Keauhou Trail, from sea level to 3,500-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 12, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., to transport gear from Nāpau Campground to the Maunaulu helispot.

Helicopters carry gear, scientists and stewards of Hawai'i Volcanoes
National Park to work in remote areas. NPS photo

   Aug. 16, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 4,000- to 6,000-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 16, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., for crew support sling loads in ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 20, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. for crew support sling loads in ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
    Aug. 23, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to transport gear from the Maunaulu helispot to the Nāpau Crater campground.
    Aug. 26, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to transport gear from Nāpau Crater to the Maunaulu helispot.
    Aug. 31, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., for ‘uʻau (Hawaiian petrel) monitoring on Mauna Loa, between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.

    In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation. A statement from the park says it "regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

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

SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 14 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.

REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.

REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

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

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

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

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime.

Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.

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

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

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

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

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

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

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com


ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel.
Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.

HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

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

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

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

Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

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

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

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

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

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

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021

Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network opens The Pirates of the Penzance musical this weekend

with an offer from KMC of dinners before the show. See more below. Photo from KDEN

A KAʻŪ STUDENT COMPLETED FIRST SEMESTER OF COLLEGE BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL. About 200 students participated in summer school programs at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School (KHPES) this year. Although many students were working to recover credits due to challenges, a few students were enrolled in the schoolʻs Early College program. Early College allows high school students to take college courses for dual credit, earning both high school and college credits. 

Laci AhYee and Kaʻū Global Learning Lab
Director 'Aina Akamu. Photo/ Global Learning Lab

       Since summer 2019, Early College classes in Hawaiian Studies and Success Skills have been offered, and this summer four students participated. They were Kamalani Tuifagu and Erica Tabilin, both seniors from Nāʻālehu, Danny Eder, a sophomore from Pāhala, and Laci AhYee, an incoming 9th grader from Na`alehu.

    "This summer we didnʻt have as many students as previous semesters, and I think many students who didnʻt need to take classes this summer just wanted a brea,” says Jennfer Makuakāne, the new Early College Coordinator for KHPES.
    However, there was one standout student. Laci AhYee has not yet begun high school and will officially start her 9th grade year on Aug. 4. AhYee was enrolled in both Early College courses, and passed both courses, earning six college credits and two high school credits. 

    "I am extremely proud of Laci for coming to school every day, sitting through five hours of online instruction, and doing it every day with a smile and a quiet determination," says ʻĀina Akamu, Global Learning Lab Director, and Laciʻs summer support teacher. Also providing support this summer for Early College were Education Assistants Katie Graham and Jacob Davenport, who are both starting their first year as teachers at KHPES, with students coming back to campus, tomorrow, Aug. 4.
    Students took Early College classes online with the other Kaʻū students as well as students from Waiākea High School. It was a unique opportunity for Kaʻū students to learn together with other high school students, as they were both in the same college course section. Typically, Early College students take the class with others from just their high school. As part of the college courses, students had to give presentations, complete a career interview, and recite stories from each district of the Big Island.
    "I really liked learning the stories from all around the island," says AhYee when asked about her favorite part of the summer. When asked about the hardest challenge she had, she replies, "nothing, except knowing my cousins went beach and I was at school." If students and parents are interested in the Early College program at KHPES, contact Jennifer.Makuakane@k12.hi.us for more information.

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

HAWAI'I ISLAND POSTED 64 NEW COVID CASES TODAY, WITH 21 PERSONS HOSPITALIZED, up from 16 the day before. The trend over the last two weeks is following statewide numbers which rose from 365 Monday to 389 on Tuesday, with one new death. According to the state Department of Health, there are 789 known active cases of Covid on this island, which has the highest positivity rate in the islands, with 7.7 percent over the last two weeks.

    Covid is infecting more people in Kona, which reported 207 new cases in the last 14 days. Hilo reported 192, Puna 70, Kohala 58 and 39 in North Kohala.

     Covid has been seeping its way into Kaʻū and Volcano. On Aug. 1, Pahala was shown as the last inhabited place the island to be without Covid infections. On Aug. 2, the state Department of Health reported there are from one to ten cases in Pahala, Naalehu, Ocean View and Volcano. Those numbers remained steady today.
    The next scheduled community vaccination clinic  in the Kaʻū area will be this Saturday, Gug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert N. Herkes Gymnasim MultiPurpose room at 96-3150 Pikake St.

     In Hilo there will be free testing and vaccinations on Wednesday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

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

BAY CLINIC WILL GIVE OUT GIFT CARDS TO PEOPLE GETTING VACCINATED. Its CEO, Dr. Kimo Alameda, said today that at it will take more than just information to sway the hesitant to get vaccinated. He cited a recent randomized survey by U.C.L.A. that found a third of the unvaccinated population said a cash payment would make them more likely to get a shot. The benefits were largest for those in the group getting $100, which increased willingness (34 percent said they would get vaccinated) by six points over the $25 group.
    Alameda declared, "We have to do more to encourage Hawai'i Island residents to get the vaccine and perhaps a monetary incentive through the use of gift cards might do it for some."

Dr. Kimo Alameda and Bay Clinic will give out $100 gift
cards to those who take the Covid vaccines.
Photo from Bay Clinic

    Bay Clinic is the first health entity in the state to encourage the unvaccinated with at least $50 worth in gift cards for the first dose and $50 for the 2nd dose, or $100 to those taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. At the visit, patients will receive a mahalo mystery gift bag with gift cards from a random selection of over 20 local supermarkets, restaurants, and other food eateries, as well as gas cards.
    Alameda said, "Stopping the spread will take more than pleas from politicians, friends or medical professionals. Delivering real rewards beyond the vaccine's health benefitmay be required. This incentive program is also a way to address the increasing food insecurity in East Hawai'i and support local businesses. Truly, a win-win. We will see how it goes."
    Bay Clinic offers all three vaccinations at its COVID Clinic at 305 Wailuku Drive in Hilo and at many of outreach events. Appointments are available from 8-5pm, Monday-Friday. Call 808-965-3047 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. Bay Clinic provides services in Na'alehu and in nine other locations from Hilo to Ka'ū. Alameda said that Bay Clinic is the only health entity on the island that also offers Dental, Behavioral Health, Women's Health, Pharmaceutical, Pediatric, Tobacco Cessation, Diabetes Prevention, and the WIC Program. It serves more than 21,000 patients with approximately 70,000 patient visits a year, and employs over 200 people.

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

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP OFFERS DINNERS BEFORE KDEN PLAYS. Before attending KDEN's production of The Pirates of Penzance, a dinner stop is Crater Rim Café, located in Hawai'i National Park. A casual dinner on Friday or Saturday night are offered before performances at the KMC Theater. The play runs Aug. 6-22. For more information/tickets call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

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

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 14 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.

REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.

REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

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

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

GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic

ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime.

  Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos.          See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.

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

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

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

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

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

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

CHURCH SERVICES

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com

ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.

      St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.

     Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12  p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel. 

    Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

    St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.

HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

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

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

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

Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.

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

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

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.

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

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

COMMUNITY

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

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021

Mana Music Quartet members Dr. Mann-Wen Lo and Eric Silberger, with pianist Monica Chung and NY Met
Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra. At right are Mana Music Quartet members Duane Padilla and Joshua Nakazawa.
See more below.  Photo by Julia Neal

PRESERVATION OF KEOLAKA'A WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE FULL COUNTY COUNCIL this Wednesday, Aug. 4. Last month, the Council's Finance Committee approved a resolution, endorsing the concept of the County joining in the negotiation to purchase the 1,800 acres on the Ka`u Coast. The land includes part of the shore of Ka'alu'alu Bay. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. See AGE COUNCIL 2021-08-04 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink (hawaiicounty.gov)
    Written and live testimony are welcomed. The resolution would authorize the County of Hawai'i's Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the preservation of Kiolakaʻa. Resolution 161 would allow the County to use PONC funds towards the preservation of these lands. RES 161 Draft 01 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink (hawaiicounty.gov)

A portion of Ka'alu'alu Bay would be preserved
with purchase of Keolaka'a. Photo from scienceofsand

    Written testimony and requests for live oral testimony via zoom must be submitted no later than Tuesday, Aug. 3 by noon. To register to testify live, send an email to: relley.araceley@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961- 8255. The response will provide instructions on how to testify via zoom. Submit the request no later than noon. Written testimony can be submitted via email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov, no later than noon.
    For oral testimony, the time limit is three minutes. There will be a ring at the 2.5 minute mark and a buzzer at the final three' minute mark. The live zoom testimony for all agenda items will be received at the start of the committee meeting at 9 a.m.

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

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL AND ITS SISTER FACILITIES SUPPORT MANDATORY COVID VACCINATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, once a vaccine receives full Federal Drug Administration approval.
    A statement today from Hawai'i Health Systems Corp, which oversees Kaʻū and other facilites, says "Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospitals have worked closely with the Healthcare Association of Hawai'i and other acute hospitals and long-term care facilities in the state to provide a uniform response to the pandemic. There is clear consensus that the best way to treat and manage this pandemic is through

vaccinations. As the 'Safety Net' for Neighbor Island Acute Care and for Long-Term Care in the State of Hawai'i, Hawai'i Health Systems Corp. supports the consensus statement of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii to require healthcare workers to be fully vaccinated upon full FDA approval of the vaccine. We are assessing the necessary steps that will be required to ensure that all legal and contractual obligations are met prior to implementing a mandate."
    HHSC is comprised facilities on Hawai'i Island (Hilo Medical Center, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, Kaʻū Hospital, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, Kona Community Hospital, Kohala Hospital, Kona Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Ali`i Health Center), O'ahu (Leahi Hospital and Maluhia, Kahuku Medical Center), Maui (Roselani Place) and Kaua'i (Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital). "This means that HHSC facilities provide services to all regardless of whether an individual has health insurance or the ability to pay for the health care service they receive," says the HHSC statement.

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

IN HAWAI'I COUNTY, 76 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES are reported today by state Department of Health, which notes it is monitoring 685 active cases with 16 persons hospitalized.

    Next scheduled test and vaccination clinics will be on Tuesday in North Kona at Kona Aquatics Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and at Cooper Center in Volcano from 9 a.m. to noon and to at J Hara Store in Kurtistown from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    Department of Health, clinics, and pharmacies offer Coronavirus vaccinations on a regular basis. "By getting vaccinated you are helping to keep your family and friends safe. For information you can also visit the Civil Defense website for a list of all clinics and pharmacies providing vaccinations and testing," says the Civil Defense message. See www.hawaiicounty.gov

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

Hoku-nominated Mana String Quartet performed live-stream in Pāhala
with New York Met soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra,
 the concert now on demand. Photo by Julia Neal

THE PAHALA PERFORMANCE OF QUEEN LILIU'OKALANI'S MUSIC by Mana Music Quartet is now online. Sponsored by Hawai‘i International Music Festival on July 25, the string ensemble played music, live streamed at Pahala Plantation House from its debut album entitled Queen Lili‘uokalani, which is nominated for several 2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano - the Hawaiian music awards. The album cover art is by Solomon Robert Nui Enos. The 15 Lili’uokanali compositions on the Mana Music Quartet album include Sanoe, Aloha ‘Oe and additional favorite creations by the queen.    Members of Mana Music Quartet are HIMF Co-Founder and Internationally Acclaimed Virtuoso Violinist Eric Silberger; Distinguished Violinist Dr. Mann-Wen Lo; Hawai‘i Symphony Cellist Joshua Nakazwa and Honolulu’s own Violist Duane Padilla. In addition to the quartet, on the album, Jake Shimaburkuro plays ‘ukulele for Ahe Lau Makani, Benny Rietveld plays bass for Ahe Lau Makani and Aloha ‘Oe and Greg Sardinha plays lap steel guitar for By and By Ho'i Mai ‘Oe.
   Mana Music Quartet formed and created the album during the pandemic pause in Silberger’s international solo performances, with the members collaborating during his long stay in Honolulu. They received support from the Queen Lilu'okalani Children’s Center, which invited the group to teach at a summer music camp for youth. It was held in Kona, with additional performances and teaching planned for this island. See more at www.manamusichawaii.com where the album can be purchased.
    The Pāhala concert featured Hawai‘i International Music Festival co-founder Amy Shoremount-Obra and renowned pianist Monica Chung, who moved from New York to Kaua'i. Shoremount-Obra, a soprano with the New York Metropolitan Opera and a professor of music, has performed annually at Pāhala Plantation House since 2009, bringing internationally acclaimed musicians with her.

Ninety year old Doris "DD" Davis of Pāhala, honored for her

90th birthday and perfect concert attendance since 2009 with

 a Happy Birthday song from Amy Shoremount-Obra,

 Monica Chung and friends. Photo by Julia Neal

   Her July performance in Pāhala with Chung included Spanish language Obrador classics La mi sola, Laureola; Al Amor; Corazon, porque pasais; El Majo celoso; Con amores, la mi madre; Del Cabello mas sutil and Chiquitita la novia. In addition, they performed Debussy, Wagner and Devorak.
    A special Happy Birthday, sung by Shoremount-Obra, Chung and friends, after the concert honored 90 year old Doris “DD” Davis, of Pāhala, named Hawai‘i Island’s Outstanding Older American Wahine in 2017. She has attended all of the concerts since 2009.
    The entire concert is available on demand from the nonprofit Hawai‘i International Music Festival for $10. See more on Hawai‘i International Music Festival at www.himusicfestival.com.

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

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 15 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

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

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

GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic

ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime.

  Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos.          See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.

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

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

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

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

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

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

CHURCH SERVICES

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com

ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.

      St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.

     Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12  p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel. 

    Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

    St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.

HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

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

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

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

Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.

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

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

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.

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

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

COMMUNITY

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