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Friday, September 03, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday , Sept. 3, 2021


Hikers at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are asked to help stem the
spread of Rapid Ohia Death. The trails above the ROD quarantine gate have reopened.
See more below. National Park Service photo
A MAHALO TO HAWAIIAN AIR FOR RELOCATING "our Afghan allies and their families across the United States," came from Sen. Mazie Hirono late this week. The Senator thanked Hawaiian Air "for stepping up and representing Hawai'i well by joining the @DeptofDefense Civil Reserve Air Fleet.....This
is the aloha spirit in action.
  While Hawaiian Airlines and Department of Defense refrain from giving out the Hawaiian Air
refugee flights planned, the Jeffsetter Travel website said today, "we know that the first A330 left on
Wednesday – N384HA. From tracking data, we can see that N384HA, named Hokupa’a (Northern Star) flew straight from Honolulu to Philadelphia. Well, on Thursday, Hokupa’a flew one roundtrip from Philadelphia to El Paso, Texas." El Paso is the home of Ft. Bliss, on of the largest intake stations for the Afghan refugees.
    Jeffsetter also said, " Hawaiian’s EVP & COO reports that the airline expects to fly up to three flights and transport up to 1,000 refugees per day. All flights are between the East Coast and Midwest or the Southwest. He also expects their involvement to end by Tuesday."

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

An old Kahuku Ranch gate. NPS photo
THE KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has opened pedestrian traffic to the Glover and Kona Trails above the Rapid Ohia Death quarantine gate. Vehicles are still prohibited. It is approximately 1.2 miles from the gate to the Glover and Kona trailheads "so an early start is recommended if youʻre going to hike either one of them or both, for the serious hiker," said ranger Wendy Vance. Guided and hike-on-your-own adventures are offered. Kuhuku is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

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

HAWAI'I FARMERS UNION UNITED KAʻŪ CHAPTER MEETS THIS SUNDAY at Wood Valley Farm for a session on indigenous microorganisms. It will be taught by HFUU East Hawai'i Chapter president Drake Weinert from 9AM to 11:30AM. He will offer hands-on instruction on how to set an IMO box, hands-on practice applying microbes and general theory on the subject.
    After the class attendees are invited for lunch, provided by the host, Matt Drayer, president of Ka`u's Hawai'i Farmers Union chapter. A statement from HFUU says, "This is an opportunity to get to know your fellow chapter members in Hilo and Ka`u, network, and learn new ways to up your home gardening, or farming game with Indigenous Microbes."
The farm is located at 96-2232 South Rd, ust above Pahala off Wood Valley Road. HFUU member price is $20. Non-member price is $30. RSVP to sign up by emailing chefmattdre@gmail.com.

ROADWORK IN KAʻŪ  is scheduled by the county in coming days. Tree trimming is scheduled all along Lorenzo Road from Hwy 11 to the top, and also along South Point Road, to Kamaoa Road on Sept. 9 and 10. All the scheduling is weather permitting.

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

ERUPTION? INTRUSION? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? That is the title of this week's Volcano Watch, written by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientists and affiliates:
   We know that when a volcano erupts, molten red rock makes it to the surface, while during an intrusion it doesn’t. The difference between the two processes, if we depend on seismicity (earth shaking) or deformation (changes in ground surface) instrumentation, is not obvious. The events during the start of either are identical. But we can’t be certain that an intrusion will lead to an eruption.
    What are symptoms leading up to an eruption? The main player in monitoring volcanoes is seismicity—the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes. When magma enters the volcanic edifice, it accumulates and makes space for itself by compressing many tiny void spaces. Continued filling by magma creates pressure on the walls of reservoirs, causing slip, faults, or cracking in the surrounding brittle rock. All these motions result in the generation of earthquakes.
    Ground deformation may precede, accompany, or follow increased seismicity. We track changes in tilt—an adjustment of the surface of a volcano as magma moves into, or through, it. Networks of Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors spread across our volcanoes also detect minute changes in latitude, longitude, and elevation that helps pin point where deformation is occurring in near real-time.
    Satellite data is another part of our toolkit: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is an effective way to measure changes in land surface elevation, providing island-wide coverage and helps monitor our volcanoes. As magma intrudes underground, it can begin to deform the surface. The InSAR satellite is sensitive enough to record changes of a few centimeters at the volcanoes' surface outlining areas where magma is moving near the surface.
Time-series plots of earthquake hourly counts in Kīlauea summit and tilt at the Sandhill station, southwest of Kīlauea’s caldera

Time-series plots of earthquake hourly counts in Kīlauea summit region (top) and tilt at the Sandhill station located southwest of Kīlauea’s caldera (bottom). These plots show the increase in activity associated with the recent south caldera intrusion at the summit of Kīlauea. The increase in the earthquake counts correlates to the influx of magma pressurizing the volcano. Increasing tilt indicates accumulation of magma. These USGS time-series plots show data from August 22 to 31, 2021.  

    So what happened last week? At 4:30 p.m. HST on August 23, HVO seismologists noted a flurry of earthquakes beneath the south caldera region at the summit of Kīlauea. This increase in earthquakes was accompanied by an increase in tilt at our Sandhill station. At 1:30 a.m., on August 24, the seismicity ramped up dramatically. Our interpretation was that magma was on the move.
    Based on the above sequence of events the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) issued a Volcano Observatory Notification for Aviation (VONA) and Volcano Activity Notice (VAN) on August 24, changing the aviation color code and volcano alert-level from Yellow/Advisory to Orange/Watch. Was the volcano going to erupt? Symptomatically, all the signs consistent with magma movement were observed, including increased seismicity and ground deformation. We took a “wait and see” approach, while we continued to closely monitor the situation. All the geologists were primed to go to the field at a moment’s notice!
    Over the next 36 hours, the earthquake counts diminished, and tilt rates decreased—implying that an eruption was less likely. Based on the observed decline in activity, HVO issued a second VONA and VAN on August 26, changing the status of the volcano from Orange/Watch back to Yellow/Advisory. Making the call on whether or not a volcano is going to erupt is not easy, and Pele still seemed primed for action.
    Subsequently, on the evening of August 26, at 6:00 p.m., tilt west of the caldera ramped up, and was followed by an increase in seismicity at 8:30 p.m. The increase in earthquakes and in deformation suggested the intrusion was still being supplied with magma. Characteristically, all the elements that contribute to an eruption were present. But notably, seismicity remained at deeper levels within the volcano, and movement of magma toward the surface was not detected.
    How do we as volcanologists deal with the uncertainties of whether or not the volcano will erupt? One way is to look at past eruptive behavior. Last week’s Volcano Watch reviewed examples of past volcanic activity. Intrusions happened in the 1960s, 1970s, early 1980s, and more recently in 2006 and 2015. The only time an eruption occurred, following the many intrusions, was in 1974.
    All the events of the past week had volcanologists on high alert, ready to respond as our data indicated magma was on the move. Was the volcano going to erupt? We had no idea how the story would end. We are only able to closely monitor the situation, and watch as things unfold. This time we observed an intrusion. For residents, visitors, and geologists hoping to see red rock, the intrusion was a failed eruption.

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


















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

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

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

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

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




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

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access. Free meals. 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 https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory High & Pāhala 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. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

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

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

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

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.




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.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.

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

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of 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.








 

Thursday, September 02, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, Sept.2, 2021

On Queen Lili'uokalani's 183rd birthday, Thursday, Congressman Kai Kahele reminded the public of her message during the smallpox pandemic of 1881. Photo from Kai Kahele

QUEEN LILI'UOKALANI LED PEOPLE THROUGH THE SMALL POX PANDEMIC when it reached the Hawaiian Islands in 1881. Today, Congressman Kai Kahele urged everyone to take note on her 183rd birthday. Said Kahele, "Today, as the the delta variant of COVID-19 surges throughout our community, we also reflect on the 183rd birthday of our beloved Queen Liliʻuokalani, who led Hawaiʻi's people through the smallpox pandemic when it reached the Hawaiian Islands."
    Here is the then-Princess's guidance to the Hawaiian people at the time: "Know that my heart is filled with sadness, and that I am hopeful that this disease will not spread amongst us. I am doing, and will continue to do, everything within my power to prevent its spread, and I am strongly asking everyone to assist me in doing everything to defend against this disease by obeying the directives of those in power along with the medical doctors, and I am strongly urging that people go in large numbers to vaccination sites and to stop gathering in places where there are large amounts of people, and to report those infected with the disease to government officials."
    Kahele concluded, "While we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken the lives of far too many of our community members and loved ones, let's heed the wisdom of the Queen and the current advice of our medical professionals. It is our kūleana to protect our ʻohana and keep them safe from harm."
 Liliu'okalani shut down Honolulu and banned interisland travel. She urged everyone to get the smallpox vaccine.
Gov. David Ige calls for caution over the Labor Day
holiday to prevent and even a bigger surge of COVID.
Photo from the governor's office.


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

GOV. DAVID IGE ISSUED A PLEA TO CHILL THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND. Today, Ige reached out to residents across the State of Hawaiʻi to urge responsible behavior more than ever before over the upcoming three-day Labor Day weekend. State employees and business leaders received email messages from the governor asking that they do their individual and collective part to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the state experiences a disastrous surge in cases. The governor also released an urgent video message on social media.
    "Because of COVID, our hospital system across the state is in danger of moving toward a worst-case scenario. If that happens, healthcare leaders warn that choices will have to be made, people may not receive the care they need, and some will die," said the governor.
    The governor continued to urge residents to get vaccinated, but also encouraged additional steps:
    Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation; avoid crowded places with many people nearby and
avoid close-contact settings, such as close-range conversations.,
    He said, "You can also reduce your risk of getting sick by setting your own curfews; avoiding activities that could lead to exposure and illness -- or increase your risk of trauma; and getting tested a few days after you arrive in Hawaiʻi if you've traveled."
    He said, "Your choices can help our community prevent the worst-case scenario in our hospital system. Please act responsibly this holiday weekend and moving forward – as we battle this highly transmissible and deadly virus. Do it – for the sake of your family, our community, and our state." 

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

Teens, their moms and friends built a tiny home to give to Habitat of Humanity for a small
family in need. Applications will be accepted soon. 
Photo from Habitat for Humanity Hawai`i Island

A TINY HOUSE FOR A FAMILY OF ONE OR TWO could be available on a lot owned by Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i' Island in Ocean View or the 201 sq. ft. home could be placed on land owned by the applicants. The tiny house was donated by two families whose teenagers decided to build a tiny home for a small family in need. On Wednesday, released the qualifications for those interested:
This 201 sq. ft. tiny house, built by three teens with 
support from their moms and Mockingbird Tiny Homes,
is gifted to Habitat for Humanity, which it taking
applications to become its owner.

Photo from Habitat for Humanity
    Applicant must be a Hawai'i Island resident in need of a permanent home for up to a two-person household. Applicant must have a stable income and a reasonable credit history, with no outstanding judgments. the applicant must also have adequate income to cover taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance expenses as well as the mortgage payment. Gross earnings must be between 30 percent and 80 percent of current US Department of Housing and Urban Development median income. That income for this island, for a household of one, must be between  $18,000-$47,950. For a household of two the  income must be $20,600-$54,800. 
    Habitat will request verification of financial information in the next phase of the application process. Habitat will take into consideration income for everyone in the household.​
     The applicant must have land or agree to live on a lot in Ocean View currently owned by Habitat.
      The partnership that would make the applicant a homeowner includes completing approved pre and post sweat equity of at least 250 hours.
​    Interested residents of Hawai'i Island will have an opportunity to view the tiny home at an open house at Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i Island Kona ReStore location on Friday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Applications will be available online on Sept. 17 and must be submitted to Habitat no later than Oct. 31.
Interior of the tiny home, built and donated by teens to Habitat.
Photo from Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i Island

    Teens JC and Nikki Littlefield, and Caleb Jernigan took on the tiny home build after learning how many homeless people are on the island. They encouraged their families to help build and donate the tiny house to Habitat  which pointed out that it was a major undertaking. "With the guidance from Stephen Goss and Chad Unrein, co-owners of Mockingbird Tiny Homes, and after hundreds of hours of sweat equity by the teens, their friends and family, the 208 sf home is completed and will soon help a family realize their own dream of owning a home."  
    A statement from their moms, Sandy Littlefield and Tanya Jernigan, said, “We couldn’t be prouder of our kids and all the people that assisted them. The build project helped put our lives into perspective coming out of Covid. They definitely gained practical life skills, but more importantly a whole new level of appreciation for having a good roof over their heads.”
     For more details on the offering, visit the Habitat For Humanity Hawaii Island website at habitathawaiiisland.org.

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

ILLEGAL FISHING, DIVING, SAILING AND OTHER UNLICENSED BOAT CHARTERS may be boarded by the Coast Guard during September. The U.S. Coast Guard in Hawai'i has announced Operation Kapena Kohole, which will work with NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement. A statement from the Coast Guard says it "is dedicated to the prevention of loss of life, injuries and damage to property and the environment on U.S. waterways; in order to ensure passenger safety, there are laws and regulations that the Coast Guard enforces on commercial vessels and their operations."
     Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Omar Parez, the command security officer in Hawai'i, said the mission will "target and prevent recent cases of sea turtle, monk seal, and dolphin harassment reported from beachgoers and waterborne tours.”
Operation Kapena Kohole partners NOAAA law enforcement
with the Coast Guard to bust illegal charter boats.
Photo from U.S. Coast Guard
     The Coast Guard said state harbors and marinas in Hawai'i house a large commercial charter boat fleet. Within these legitimate operators, illegal charters disguise themselves as alternatives for hire, threatening the safety of an unaware public.
    "Not possessing proper merchant mariner credentials or operating vessels not properly outfitted for commercial use poses significant risk to public safety and significant impact to the local economy. The Hawaiian Islands average 9.4 million annual visitors contributing over 16 billion dollars, accounting for 21% of the state’s economy."
     The Coast Guard statement notes that "the master of the vessel must have appropriate merchant mariners credentials in order to legally operate a vessel with passengers for hire. These credentials show that the operator has met certain proficiency requirements in navigation, seamanship, as well as steering and sailing rules.
    Parez said “Passengers should refrain from employing charters and tours from captains who do not advertise Coast Guard certification or possess valid merchant mariner credentials. The credentials must be present at all times on all voyages; the dangers from engaging with unlicensed captains can be life threatening.”
Coast Guard cutters can pull up to charter boats and make sure
they and their crew are licensed. Photo from U.S. Coast Guard
    The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify that their captain has a safety plan and their merchant mariner credentials are up to date. For larger charter boats, or those with more than six passengers, ask for a Coast Guard issued certificate of inspection.
Charter vessels must have a sufficient number of personal flotation devices and other required life saving equipment onboard at all times for all passengers and crew. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials or equipment, passengers should not get on the boat.
    Owners and operators of illegal charter boats can face up to $27,500 in fines for illegal passenger for hire operations.
    To report an alleged illegal charter operation, contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2603 or scchonolulu@uscg.mil.
   For additional recreational boating safety information, visit the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division (CG-BSX-2) at www.uscgboating.org.

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

A LANDLORD TENANT EVICTION MEDIATION PROGRAM will be on zoom, sponsored by the non-profit Ku'ikahi Mediation Center. It's free and will be held Sept. 16 in the Finding Solutions, Growing Peace Brown Bag Lunch Series. Talks are Third Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm via Zoom.
    This month's speakers are Julie Mitchell, Kate Sims, Jeff Gilbreath, David Chee, and Scott Shishido on the topic FREE Landlord Tenant Eviction Mediation Program: Helping Renters & Owners Work it Out!
    "Are eviction moratoriums over? What is Act 57? How does mediation help in landlord-tenant situations? These are all questions we're hearing," says Mitchell. "Mediators facilitate discussions to address unpaid back rent and negotiate ways to move forward."
    In this talk, learn how eviction mediation benefits both landlords and tenants, what your rights and responsibilities are, and how rental assistance can be part of the solution.
    Julie Mitchell is the Executive Director of Ku'ikahi Mediation Center. Kate Sims is the landlord-tenant case manager at West Hawai'i Mediation Center. Jeff Gilbreath is the Executive Director of Hawai'i Community Lending. David Chee is an Attorney at Law, often representing landlords. Scott Shishido is the Hilo Managing Attorney of Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i., often representing tenants. Together, they will share a combined wealth of knowledge.
    Ku'ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others interested in Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.
    To get the Zoom link, register online at https://freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit www.hawaiimediation.org. This lunch-and-learn series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the County of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Island United Way.
















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

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

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

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

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




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

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access. Free meals. 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 https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory High & Pāhala 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. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

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

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

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

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.




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.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.

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

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of 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.








Wednesday, September 01, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Sept.1, 2021

The Great Crack, which was acquired by the National Park Service in recent years, will be a destination by helicopter
 for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park personnel this month, who will be removing old fencing. See more below on 
flights planned for September. NPS photo by Janice Wei

KAʻŪ BECAME THE FIRST VENUE FOR MAYOR MITCH ROTH'S NEW TOWN HALL MEETINGS, which he plans around the island. The virtual session was posted yesterday online by Na Leo TV. It was held Aug. 25, punctuating a week of making decisions to shut down county park facilities and tighten COVID protocol restrictions to try to stop the spread of the Delta variant, with Hawai'i Island posting the highest positivity rate in the state. The Town Hall drew discussions on COVID protocol at schools requiring vaccinations and/or testing, the plight of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who contract COVID at a higher rate than others, and much more.
    The meeting, recorded by Na Leo TV, can be seen at
Mayor Mitch Roth held his first Town Hall in Kaʻū. Watch it
on Na Leo TV, broadcast and online. 
https://cablecast.naleo.tv/CablecastPublicSite
/show/8522?channel=1. It will be broadcast on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m, Sept. 5 at 8 a.m., Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m. It was moderated by Jessie Marques, founder of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association.
    During the meeting there was an overall push for more vaccinations. Marques is encouraging unvaccinated people to show up in Kaʻū at the Robert Herkes gymnasium next to Kaʻū High School in Pāhala on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The address is 96-1219 Kamani St. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be administered by Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic. All walk-ins and the uninsured are welcomed. Also being offered is Drive Thru COVID testing.
   During the Town Hall, the mayor told numerous stories of health care workers putting themselves in danger caring for COVID patients, of people with other diseases who can't get health care quickly enough for best results, and of hospitals with patients in halls with ambulances waiting with more patients outside.
    Jason Dela Cruz, of the state Department of Health, urged people to go onto the DOH website to study statistics and facts.
    Jennifer Aguiar, administrator of Kaʻū Hospital, talked about partnering with government, non-profits and the National Guard to extend more free testing and vaccines in Kaʻū .    
    Dr. Jennifer Shrestha, of Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic, talked about the vast geography of Kaʻū having one of the largest percentages of Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the state and said they are hit hard by COVID. She said Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have experienced an increase in COVID cases that went from 62 the first week of June to 458 cases in the last week of July - outpacing all other ethnic groups.
    She pointed to statistics showing 32 percent of COVID cases are Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders even though they make up only 21 percent of the population.
    Nāʻālehu Elementary School Principal Darlene Javar said the school has many layers of safety mitigation strategies. "The overarching concept that I emphasize is that we have to operate through sense of aloha and 'ohana. Throughout the year, the guidance changes. If we operate out of love we will make the make the right decisions." She said she tries to do "more than the guidance."
    Strategies at Nāʻālehu Elementary include staggered busses coming in and a range of protocol, from safety stations to safety checks, temperature checks, with health nurse, counselor and student services coordinator greeting each bus. Javar said children are visually and temperature checked before going into the cafeteria for breakfast. In the cafeteria there are UV lights, students are distanced six feet, with cleanup after every child, and an outdoor overflow area if buses come to close together.
Read the entire Kaʻū Calendar and back issues at 
www.kaucalendar.com. Find it in the mail from Volcano
through Nāʻālehu, Ocean View to Miloli'i.
Pick it up from newsstands.

    Kaʻū High & Elementary Principal Sharon Beck said the protocol is similar to Nāʻālehu, "but the biggest thing for me is that the students are so happy to be in school. And we need to take this time to help educate them...about the priority of taking care of each other.... We are family, we are 'ohana... So instead of being police on campus, 'Oh, your mask is down'....we are doing it to take care of each other. ....We don't call it social distancing at our campus, we call it physical distancing, because we want our students to still be social to have those relationships, but we need them to do it at a distance."
    Beck noted that the dining area on the Pāhala campus has been expanded to include the old gym to give more room in the cafeteria.
    One Nāʻālehu resident asked why government workers should have to pay for their own tests each week if they are not vaccinated. Roth pointed out that vaccines are free and there are free testing events. However, those who are mandated to either test or vax, may not be able to get regular testing for free from their insurance or at events. Roth said he is looking at free testing for county employees weekly in Na`alehu and similar discussions are going on with the state.
    Another question concerned the lack of regular testing for children. How are families going to known that asymptomatic children aren't positive and infecting their families?
    The mayor said he is talking with the governor and Department of Education about free testing strategies, including using home test kids, free to schools. The Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Principals said Operation Expanded Testing is in the works. See story on Page 6 of the September Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, regarding Volcano School where it started at the end of August. See the entire town hall at https://cablecast.naleo.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/8522?channel=1

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

Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. Executive Director
Summer Sylva with Congressman Kai Kahele. She
has been appointed to Senior Advisor for Native
Hawaiian Affairs with Department of  the Interior.
Photo from Kai Kahele
TWO NATIVE HAWAIIANS LANDED POSTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. Congressman Kai Kahele today applauded Biden-Harris Administration Native Hawaiian appointees, Summer Sylva and Keone Nakoa. Kahele said, "I want to thank President Joe Biden and Secretary Deb Haaland for advancing opportunities for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders within the U.S. Department of Interior and congratulate Summer Sylva and Keone Nakoa on their selections to serve as Senior Advisor for Native Hawaiian Affairs and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of International and Insular Affairs, respectively.
    "Summer has been a tireless advocate for Native Hawaiian communities throughout her career. As the Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, she worked diligently to protect the rights, customs and practices that strengthen Native Hawaiian identity and culture. In this new role, Summer will provide necessary oversight and leadership at the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations and I am certain she will continue to be a strong voice for our Native Hawaiian community and serve in a broader capacity for the betterment of our country and all indigenous peoples."
    Regarding Nakoa, Kahele said, "As the former Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Keone played a key role in advancing the goals and strengths of Native Hawaiians to effect positive change. I look forward to watching Keone continue to champion the goals of native peoples throughout Oceania and the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as prioritize the federal renewal of our agreements with our COFA nations. I have no doubt Keone will make significant contributions in this new position."

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

THE NUMBER OF CASES OF COVID IN KAʻŪ AND VOLCANO is available by zip code at the state Department of Health Website https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/current-situation-in-hawaii/. In the last 14 days, there have been 14 cases in Ocean View and between one and ten in Nāʻālehu, Pāhala and Volcano.
    For Hawai'i County, the Department of Health reports 64 new today cases and 1,860 active cases with 73 persons hospitalized.
    Today's statement from County Civil Defense says, "For your information, wide-spread community and travel related transmission of the Coronavirus are affecting our community. The current high number of cases is also affecting critical activities of medical services. We need to slow the spread by limiting our activity in public to only essential needs. If you do go out, minimize your risk to potential exposure by wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet from others, washing your hands with soap and water often, and avoiding social gatherings."
    Visit the Civil Defense website to view the vaccination and testing calendars and a comprehensive list of clinics and pharmacies providing these services.

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

HAWAI'I VOLCANOES FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED:
    Sept. 2, between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., for invasive species survey at the Kahuku Unit from Highway 11 to 6,500 feet elevation and survey and control of fountain grass in the Great Crack area between 400 and 600 feet elevation.
    Sept. 3, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., for Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa, between 8,000 and 9,000 feet elevation.
    Sept. 8, between 8 a.m. and noon for survey and control of banana poka on Mauna Loa between 4,000 and 6,000 feet elevation.
Monitoring Hawaiian petrels that nest high on Mauna
Loa will be carried out by the National Park Service
by helicopter this month. USGS Photo
    Sept. 9, between 8 a.m. and noon, for survey and control invasive guinea grass along the Keauhou Trail between 600 and 1,600 feet elevation.
    Sept. 20, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., for invasive species survey from East Rift, ‘Āinahou, Ka‘ū Desert, to Mauna Loa between 2,000 and 6,000 feet elevation.
    Sept. 22, between 6 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. for ungulate surveys and control work at Kahuku between 4,000 and 7,000 feet elevation.
    Sept. 28, between 6 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. for ungulate surveys and control work at Kahuku between 4,000 and 7,000 feet elevation.
    Sept. 29, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to remove old fence materials from Mauna Loa and Great Crack between 3,000 and 6,000 feet elevation.
    In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation. The park statement offers regrets for any noise impact to residents and park visitors. 

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















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

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

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

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

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




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

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access. Free meals. 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 https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory High & Pāhala 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. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

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

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

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

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.




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.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.

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

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of 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.