The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, April 19, 2020

Fely Villegas, of Pāhala, grows food at home and also takes care of this garden at Pāhala Senior Center,
growing corn, fruits, and vegetables for kūpuna. With Earth Day this Wednesday, many organizations offer
ideas and education for food self-sufficiency and appreciation of nature. See more below. Photo by Lora Botanova

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

STACY HIGA ANNOUNCED HIS CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR of Hawaiʻi County today. Higa is a former member of the County Council. Over the last five years as President & Chief Executive Officer of the island's only public access television station, Nā Leo TV, "he has transformed the once underperforming organization into one of the leading public access media centers in the country," says his campaign kick-off statement.
Higa announced, "Our campaign has officially started, and I would like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm. This campaign will be different from other campaigns. Coronavirus 2019 may have disrupted our way of life, but we will not let it change the 'soul' of our community."

Stacy Higa announces a run for Hawaiʻi Island Mayor.

The statement says that Higa "knows that if we work together to support a vibrant Hawaiʻi Island, our communities and industries will not only co-exist, they will thrive in these times. In the coming weeks, Stacy will be engaging residents and businesses across our island to learn of the challenges they are facing and the issues that matter to them."
Said Higa, "Now more than ever, we need bold and dedicated leadership to guide our County through these turbulent times and towards a brighter future. I believe that I have the vision and the experience to be that leader."
He said that the next Mayor will be tasked with a range of challenges, like affordable housing, rising unemployment claims, and much-needed infrastructure improvements. "Stacy has the experience and the mindset to tackle the bureaucratic problems that have plagued our county government for far too long," reads the statement.
Higa said, "Business as usual is no longer acceptable. If elected, I am committed to making sure that our island and our communities will be made whole again. This cannot happen unless we re-imagine Government and make it more responsive to the needs of our residents. One island, one future isn't a dream – it's a promise!"

Higa was born and raised in Hilo, and is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama Campus. He is a small business owner and manages Nā Leo TV. As a former County Council Member, he represented Keaukaha, Panaʻewa, and the greater Waiākea area, serving as Chair of the Council from 2004-2006.
His campaign organization is Friends of Stacy Higa, 720 Laukapu St., Hilo, HI 96720, Laura Fujimoto, Treasurer.
Among others who announced a run for the mayorship are County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, Wendell Kaehuaea, and Tante Urban. A Facebook page for Ikaika Marzo promotes him to become the next mayor. Mayor Harry Kim has yet to announce whether he will run again for the office and his fourth term as mayor.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE ONE COVID-19 PATIENT IN KAʻŪ REMAINS UNKNOWN TO THE PUBLIC. Also in question is whether the person is a visitor, a local who traveled, or someone who connected with a visitor or worked with someone with coronavirus. The person is somewhere in the vast rural area identified by the zip code 96772, which includes Discovery Harbour, Mark Twain, Green Sands, Kalae, Kamaoa, and South Point Roads and Highway 11, from the east side of Kahuku through Nāʻālehu.

One COVID-19 case is identified in Kaʻū in the 97772 zip code. The
exact location and circumstances of the case are unknown to the public.

Sunday's state Department of Health update reports the death of a visitor on Maui and one new case on this island, associated with the cluster of cases connected with workers at McDonald's restaurants. The new case involves a worker at the Kuakini Hwy McDonald's, owned by the same franchisee as the Kona Commons and Kona Walmart locations, where the other cases were traced. This third location is now closed and owner Patrick Chin released the following statement:
"Our highest priority is to protect the health and well-being of our people. We've been informed that additional employees from our Kona Commons, McDonald's of Walmart Kona, and Kailua-Kona locations have tested positive for the coronavirus and are connected to the previous set of confirmed cases. As soon as we were notified of the first confirmed cases, we immediately closed the restaurants to conduct a thorough sanitization procedure and notified the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Additionally, we previously added protective barriers to limit contact in our restaurants. We've identified and reached out to all restaurant staff who had been in close contact with the employees who contracted the virus and advised they self-quarantine for 14 days. Under the guidance of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, we have offered universal testing to our employees at each location. We are continuing to work closely with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to ensure the safety of our crew and customers."

Civil Defense director Talmadge Magno.

Photo from Big Island Video News

McDonald's USA also released a statement: "It is critical that the community continues to be vigilant with practicing social distancing policies and preventive measures such as staying at home when sick, avoiding others that are sick, washing hands, sneezing and coughing etiquette, and wearing a cloth face mask per Governor Ige's fifth supplemental proclamation."
The total number of cases on Hawaiʻi Island to date is 61. DOH is monitoring 30 active COVID-19 cases, who are quarantining at home. Thirty-one people have recovered. No one is hospitalized and no one has died here.

Statewide, there are 580 cases. Ten people have died, and 414 have recovered.

Nationally, there are nearly 760,000 cases. More than 40,000 people have died, and over 70,000 have recovered.

Worldwide, there are more than 2.4 million cases. The death toll is 165,227. Over 616,000 people have recovered.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority issued its count of people arriving on direct flights to this island on Saturday. Disembarking in Kona were two flight crew, two intended new residents, five residents, and six visitors. There were no direct flights to Hilo. The number of persons who arrived interisland: From Honolulu there were 107 to Kona and 56 to Hilo. From Maui, there were three to Kona and one to Hilo. Last year at this time, more than 30,000 people a day arrived to the Hawaiian Islands. On Saturday that number was 454 visitors and returning residents. See The Way We Were Last Year story, below.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

The Wiki-Wiki Mart's staff: L-R kneeling, Kevin Hashimoto, Vernon Takaki. Standing: Michael Mochizuki. Darlene Galigo, Dorothy Mata, Ipolani Reyas, Isaac Matthews, and Jose Ortiz. Photo by Carl Okuyama

WIKI-WIKI MART IN NĀʻĀLEHU, which sells food, drink, supplies, and gasoline and refills propane tanks, announced extra staff today, to make sure people wear masks and practice physical distancing while on the property. Kevin Hashimoto is the new security guard.
Carl Okuyama manager for Wiki-Wiki Llc, Union-76, and ʻOhana Foods, said, "Wiki-Wiki Mart loves Kaʻū and will do our best to keep our community safe. Wearing of a face mask or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to enter the store. People who are sick and cannot come into the store, instead may call the store for take out kitchen food; call (808) 929-7135, pay over the phone with credit card, come to the store and park, call from your car, and have our associate bring you the order. Pick up of groceries or deliveries is not available."

Okuyama said that manager Darlene Galigo will schedule Essential Associates Kevin Hashimoto and Amu Mata to oversee face mask and distancing compliance for staff and customers. Gov. David Ige issued an order on Friday requiring vendors to enforce the wearing of face masks on their premises.
The penalty for violation that rule is up to $5000 in fines and up to a year in jail.

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FRIENDS FEEDING FRIENDS IN VOLCANO will not serve a dinner for those in need this month.

However, the volunteers are working with dinners to be distributed by Kilauea Lodge on Monday and The Food Basket distribution of 14 days of food to needy Volcano residents.
The Food Basket will be in Volcano on Wednesday, April 29 at Cooper Center from 11 a.m. until food runs out. Emergency food is available through the Emergency Food Pantry at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon. Those in need can go to the outside of the Cooper Center door and wait, observing six feet of physical distance for others, until food is handed to them. Call Cooper Center at 808-967-7800.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KĪLAUEA LODGE AND FRIENDS FEEDING FRIENDS will give out approximately 100 dinners tomorrow Monday to folks in need in the Volcano area, who are already assigned the free meals. Kīlauea Lodge donated one dinner for for each $25 dinner purchased for Easter Sunday. Kīlauea Lodge continues its take out meals with its drive through service. Call 808-967-7366 or see Facebook. Check the menu at our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory of takeout and food from farms and ranches.

Excel Bonoan, Ashero Badua, and Shelly Badua, of Pāhala, harvest
sweet potatoes from their garden as Earth Day approaches.
Photo by Lora Botanova

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EARTH DAY IS COMING UP THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22.
The county Department of Environmental Management has
posted educational tools online.
See Earth Day Network Toolkits, Earth D ay Lesson Plan, Education World, Earth Day Lessons & Activities, Teaching Guide, and Earth Day Lesson Plans, The Science Spot.
The Earth Day in Hilo, attended by many Kaʻū residents and students in the past, was set for this Friday, April 24, but has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Earth Day will go virtual and organizers invite everyone here to participate. The 23rd Annual 2020 Maui Earthday Festival has been transformed into the 2020 Virtual Maui Earthday. It will happen live online on Sunday, April 26 from noon to 7 p.m., using Zoom and Facebook Live platforms. Sign up at mauiearthday.org.
The format will be 30 live presenters representing a variety of Maui and national environmental and social awareness organizations giving 5 to 10 minute presentations. This will alternate with 20 live Maui and international musicians giving 5 to 10 minute musical offerings.
According to the Earth Day page on the County of Hawaiʻi website, the first nationwide Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Inspired by the protest movements of the 1960s, 20 million Americans took to the streets to demonstrate for a cleaner environment. In the aftermath, President Richard Nixon proposed the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency in July 1970 and Congress passed the Clean Air (1970), Clean Water (1972), and Endangered Species (1973) Acts. The 2020 Earth Day, now celebrated worldwide, is its 50th anniversary.

With Earth Day cancelled in Hilo, Maui organizers
invite everyone here to participate in the
virtual celebration this Wednesday.

Also, read The History of Earth Day by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, for personal reflections on the birthing of this now global celebration of preserving and conserving the Earth and its valuable natural resources.

See Earth Day activities from the Exploratorium.
Read the National Geographic story on Polynesian voyaging societies cleaning up plastics in the ocean.

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HAWAIʻI COFFEE ASSOCIATION HAS ANNOUNCED A WAIVER FOR WORKERS from outside the country for coffee season in Hawaiʻi. President Chris Manfredi said the waiver comes from the Department of Homeland Security, with support from the U.S Department of Agriculture. "The temporary final rule changes certain H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agricultural-related employment, protect the nation's food supply chain, and lessen impacts from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. These temporary flexibilities will not weaken or eliminate protections for U.S. workers," says a Homeland Security statement.
"Under this temporary final rule, an H-2A petitioner with a valid temporary labor certification who is concerned that workers will be unable to enter the country due to travel restrictions, can start employing certain foreign workers who are currently in H-2A status in the United States immediately after United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives the H-2A petition, but no earlier than the start date of employment listed on the petition. To take advantage of this time-limited change in regulatory requirements, the H-2A worker seeking to change employers must already be in the United States and in valid H-2A status.

"Additionally, USCIS is temporarily amending its regulations to protect the country's food supply chain by allowing H-2A workers to stay beyond the three-year maximum allowable period of stay in the United States. These temporary changes will encourage and facilitate the continued lawful employment of foreign temporary and seasonal agricultural workers during the COVID-19 national emergency. Agricultural employers should utilize this streamlined process if they are concerned with their ability to bring in the temporary workers who were previously authorized to work for the employer in H-2A classification. At no point is it acceptable for employers to hire illegal aliens."
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf said, "This Administration has determined that continued agricultural employment, currently threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, is vital to maintaining and securing the country's critical food supply chain. The temporary changes announced by USCIS provide the needed stability during this unprecedented crisis."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY for west-facing shores is in effect through Monday evening. The National Weather Service states surf will be higher and stronger than normal, and shore break and dangerous currents could cause injury or death. Swimmers, surfers, and those fishing should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution.

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See seven Malama Hawaiʻi videos launched by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and Department of Land & Natural
Resources last year on Vimeo. Images and videos from DLNR

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year

MĀLAMA HAWAIʻI, A CAMPAIGN FOR VISITORS AND LOCALS, was launched this week last year. The state sponsored effort was to remind visitors and kama‘āina to respect the islands' natural resources, protect wildlife, and stay safe. Department of Land & Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs Kalani Ka‘anāʻanā said that it was going to be "hard to avoid the phrase Mālama Hawai‘i when flying, staying in a hotel room, watching TV, or enjoying the outdoors." Case explained that outdoor conservation messaging signs were placed at popular state hiking trailheads and across communications platforms.

See seven Malama Hawaiʻi videos launched by Hawaiʻi Tourism
Authority and Department of Land & Natural Resources last year
on Vimeo. Images and videos from DLNR

She applauded the visitor industry for recognizing "the strong linkage between the health of our natural and cultural resources and the health of Hawai‘i's biggest and most important economic sector. Clearly you cannot have one without the other."
Ka‘anāʻanā said, "All of us have a responsibility to take care of our island home and ensure its sustainable future. Through this collaboration with DLNR and industry partners amplifying the message, the Mālama Hawai‘i campaign encourages travelers to be safe, mindful, and respectful while enjoying the islands' natural beauty."

See seven Malama Hawaiʻi videos launched by Hawaiʻi Tourism
Authority and Department of Land & Natural Resources last year
on Vimeo. Images and videos from DLNR

As part of the campaign, seven Mālama Hawai‘i public service announcements were installed on Hawaiian Airlines for guests to watch onboard the carrier's Airbus A330 aircraft on flights between Hawai‘i and other states or countries. The 30-second videos focus on topics essential to caring for the land, ocean, and wildlife, which include staying on authorized hiking trails, refraining from trespassing on private lands or in restricted areas, respecting cultural sites, and supporting conservation efforts.
The HTA funding also supported outreach and educational materials about preventing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, visitor surveys of Hawai‘i State Parks, and the establishment of a carbon credit system.
Click on images for link to PSA videos at vimeo.com/album/5625814.

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory f or farms,
ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and
to all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district.
Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or
your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

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

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

ONGOING

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

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

The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:

The Ocean View location for May is to be announced.

The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.

The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.

The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, April 29 from 11 a.m. until food runs out. Call Kehau at 443-4130.

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

The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.

Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.

Distribution in the Nāʻālehu area is at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center. Distribution in Ocean View is at the county's Kahuku Park, the area in front of Malama Market, and Ocean ViewCommunity Center.

At Nāʻālehu Elementary, campus pick-up will be from 9 a.m - 9:20 a.m. for A-H; 9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. for I-P, and 9:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. for Q-Z.

The Waiʻōhinu pick-up: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.

The Discovery Harbour Community Center pick-up: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.

Morning distribution at Kahuku Park: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.

Evening distribution at Kahuku Park: 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.

Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.

Times for distribution at Ocean View Community Center are 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.

Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration. Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.

Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.

Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
See ohialehuahalf.com.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.

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Saturday, April 18, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, April 18, 2020

Some county parks have been opened with limited access to restrooms and walking to the shore. Pāhala Community
Center Park building and grounds with the children's playground remains closed. See more below.
Photo by Lora Botanova

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

THE FIRST COVID-19 CASE IN KAʻŪ WAS REPORTED TODAY by the state Department of Health. The person lives somewhere within the 96772 zip code area, which covers South Point and Kamaoa Roads through Mark Twain, Green Sands and Discovery Harbour. It also covers Hwy 11 near South Point Road through Waiʻōhinu and Nāʻālehu. The area is shown on the DOH map, shaded in light yellow to indicate one to five cases. Pāhala and Volcano are in white, to indicate no cases.
Nāʻālehu's restaurants Hana Hou and Shaka's which serve takeout, Will & Grace and Wikiwiki which sell food, and Ace which sells hardware and supplies, reported this afternoon that they have no involvement with the case and adhere to all protocol to protect workers and customers.

The first Kaʻū case of COVID-19 was reported in the 96772 zip code
area, which covers South Point and Kamaoa Roads through Mark Twain,
Green Sands and Discovery Harbour. The zip code also covers Hwy 11 near
South Point Road through Waiʻōhinu and through Nāʻālehu.
Map from the state Department of Health

Islandwide, the number of COVID-19 cases jumped to 59, mostly due to the cluster stemming from a Kona McDonald's fast food restaurants employee who went to work sick for days without knowing the illness was the virus. Those infected include employees of McDonald's at Kona Walmart and Kona Commons, and their families.
This morning, county Civil Defense reported 30 victims on this island quarantined at home and monitored by the Department of Health. Twenty-nine have been cleared as recovered.
No one on this island has died from the virus and no one is hospitalized.
Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "This high increase over the past week mainly stems from the fast food establishment cluster, 27 of the 30 quarantined have been associated with the fast food establishment as family or employees. This so clearly demonstrates how important it is to follow the health advisories of the Department of Health: Stay at home if you are sick; sneezing and coughing etiquette; physical distancing; social gatherings and staying healthy. We owe it to our family and the community to do our share. This is a community issue and needs all to do their part.

Civil Defense Director

Talmadge Magno.
Photo from Big Island Video News

"For your information, drive through testing will be conducted at the Hilo Civic Center Sunday April 19 from 9 in the morning till 1 in the afternoon, and in Kona at the Keauhou Shopping Center Monday, April 20th from 8 in the morning till 1 in the afternoon. Know that early testing means early detection and early care.
"A huge thank you to all those having a part in providing food to the community in need. Mahalo nui loa. Thank you for listening and have a safe weekend.This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
See below for testing this coming week in Kaʻū.
Statewide, 21 new cases were reported today, totaling 574 for all islands. More than 400 people have recovered. Nine people have died, all on Oʻahu or Maui.
In the U.S., nearly .75 million people have tested positive for the virus. More than 38,900 have died. The U.S. records the highest death toll in the world from COVID-19. At least 64,800 people have recovered.
Worldwide, there have been more than 2.3 million cases of COVID-19 in over 200 countries. The death toll is almost 160,000. The recovery rate is over 592,300.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

COVID-19 TESTING WILL BE HELD AT NĀʻĀLEHU CLUBHOUSE THIS MONDAY, APRIL 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Premiere Health Systems.

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Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition

COVID-19 SCREENING WILL BE HELD AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH on Wednesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon for those who are prescreened, and noon until 2 p.m. for those needing onsite screening and testing, if indicated.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

SOME COUNTY PARKS HAVE REOPENED around the island, but none in Kaʻū. All county parks remain closed to picnicking, camping, or any kind of gathering. People are allowed to cross parks to the ocean but not allowed to sit, stand and talk with one another, lounge or lie down on the beach, or otherwise loiter. Violators face a warning or outright arrest. Penalties for breaking emergency rules are up to a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

The following county beach parks will be made available daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., "for the purposes of direct access to and from the ocean and shoreline in order to engage in outdoor exercise, fishing for and gathering food, and use of restroom and shower facilities": Kahalu‘u Beach Park, Magic Sands Beach Park, Wai‘aha Bay Beach Park (Honl's), Kawaihae Canoe Area, Honoli‘i Beach Park, Kaipalaoa Landing Beach Park, Bayfront Beach Park, Reed's Bay Beach Park, and Lili‘uokalani Gardens.

Fishing by canoe for food, like this man at Punalu`u, is an approved
use of the ocean during the pandemic. Photo by Julia Neal

Restrooms at Kaʻū's two county beach parks, Punaluʻu and Honuʻapo - Whittington Beach Park remain closed.

Open restrooms, daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. include Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal, Lincoln Park, Bayfront Soccer Fields, Bayfront Beach Park, Liliuokalani Gardens, Reeds Bay Beach Park, Honoli‘i Beach Park, ‘Alae Cemetery, Shipman Park, Kurtistown Park, Kahalu‘u Beach Park, Magic Sands Beach Park (La‘aloa), Waiʻaha Bay Beach Park (Honl's), Kailua Park (Old A/Maka‘eo) beach only, Waikoloa Pu‘u Nui Park, and Waimea Park tennis courts only. Veterans Cemetery No. 2 restrooms are open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area restrooms are open 24 hours.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

RIM OF PACIFIC EXERCISE, WITH MILITARY SHIPS, PLANES, SUBMARINES, AND LANDING CRAFT, are planned for July. Gov. David Ige is asking all personnel to refrain from coming ashore during this time of the coronavirus.

Every two years, RIMPAC brings war games to oceans around the Hawaiian Islands, marines landing on the shores of places like Barking Sands on Kauaʻi, and military planes and helicopters landing on Hawaiʻi Island. The last RIMPAC in Hawaiian Islands was in 2018.

In waters off Hawaiʻi Island, concern from public organizations has been the possible affect on marine life, including dolphins and whales. On land, war games are held at the Pohakuloa Training Area in the saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
RIMPAC has been operating since 1971, using California and Hawaiʻi venues, involving some 25,000 military personnel from 25 countries, around 50 surface ships, dozens of submarines, and 200 aircraft.
Smaller international war games scheduled for spring and summer in Australia and the Philippines have been cancelled.

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THE HAWAIʻI NATIONAL GUARD is helping with the COVID-19 response. Last week, 400 soldiers and airmen were activated, and 800 more Guardsmen were brought on status Friday. National Guard Commanders for each island have been in contact with the county mayors and emergency management team to best help the state in its COVID-19 response.

The National Guard has received federal funding to assist in pay and allowances for soldiers and airmen.
Joint Task Force Commander Brig. Gen. Moses Kaoiwi Jr. said, "I am confident that by working together, we will meet our objectives of continuing to flatten the curve and create a safe and secure environment for the people of Hawai‘i."

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MORE SUPPLIES FOR COVID-19 TESTING ARE NEEDED to track the disease throughout the Hawaiian Islands. That is the message from Diagnostic Laboratory Services, which processes all samples of COVID-19 tests not sent out of state. Diagnositic's two labs are on Oʻahu.

Limited tests and testing supplies are the main
cause of fewer COVID-19 tests being performed.

Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. President Mark Wasielewski, and Vice President, Dr. Andrew Whelen, issued a statement to the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, which met last Monday, April 13. Wasielewski and Whelen answered questions on testing needs and capacity, for active COVID-19 cases and antibody testing.
The committee asked them whether the two DLS locations are sufficient for testing needs across the state. Should more labs be opened to expand capacity for testing in Hawaiʻi?

Demand for COVID-19 tests to be processed in Hawaiʻi can run from 200 to 500 per day. Drive-thru test days can bring the number to 1,000.
Diagnostic Lab Services' capacity for testing per day is 180 to 280 per day at its two Oʻahu locations. Overages are sent to Quest Diagnostics Laboratory or Laboratory Corp. of America, both on the mainland. Their turnaround time is less than a week.
In its written statement, Diagnostic Lab Services reported that the limitation in the number of tests it can run "is supplies. Increased allocation of collection and testing supplies would expand capacity. Another facility would just be fighting for the same short supplies. DLS has expanded the acceptability of specimen, swab, and transport fluid types in order to ease the shortage. We just need more supplies, and as yet, swabs and transport media are just not available in these quantities."

Long swabs, coupled with personal protective gear, are some
of the supplies needed to test for COVDI-19.

Read the report here.

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COMBATING SCAMS AND MISINFORMATION about the coronavirus pandemic is a battle for Senators Mazie Hirono, Cory Booker, and Maggie Hassan. The senators asked executives of domain name registrars and hosting sites – GoDaddy, Dynadot, Donuts Inc., Namecheap Inc., Web.com, Endurance International Group, InMotion Hosting, and DreamHost – to explain their methods of fighting misinformation. The senators' letters cited a "dramatic increase" in fake websites that reference the coronavirus, and other online platforms used for telework and distance learning, including Zoom, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams.
"As cybercriminals and other malevolent actors seek to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that domain name registrars like yours (1) exercise diligence and ensure that only legitimate organizations can register coronavirus-related domain names and domain names referencing online communications platforms; (2) act quickly to suspend, cancel, or terminate registrations for domains that are involved in unlawful or harmful activity; and (3) cooperate with law enforcement to help bring to justice cybercriminals profiting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Read one of the letters here.

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THE 2020 CENSUS IS ON. Due to COVID-19, some households haven't received their invitations yet. Those who have not received a questionnaire or have lost it can respond online or over the phone by using their street or rural route address. Click here to complete the 2020 Census questionnaire online or call 1-844-330-2020 to respond over the phone (language specific phone lines can be found here).

All residents participating in the census helps in many ways: Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy. Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, which helps create jobs. Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods. Government officials use the census to ensure public safety, plan new schools and hospitals, and distribute funds for public programs and other needed projects. Federal funding to states depends on an accurate census count.

Learn more at census.hawaii.gov/census_2020/.

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Mount St. Helens erupted in spectacular fashion on May 18, 1980, at 12:36 p.m. It was the largest known debris avalanche
in recorded history. The magma in St. Helens burst forth into a large-scale pyroclastic flow that flattened vegetation
and buildings over 230 square miles, and killed 57 people. Ashfall from the eruption was seen as
far away as Oklahoma, about 2,000 miles from the volcano in Washington state. USGS photo

TAKING A LOOK BACK TO THE 1980 MOUNT ST. HELEN'S ERUPTION on the 40th anniversary is the direction of this week's Volcano Watch. Written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates, take a trip to the past and across the ocean to Washington state:

April 1980 was a month to remember at Mount St. Helens.

Mount St. Helens was exploding! The first eruption in the Cascades since 1914–1917 (Lassen Peak) started on March 27, 1980. April became a frenzied, exciting, challenging, sometimes frustrating, once-in-a-lifetime experience for several scientists with experience at USGS HVO, called on to measure the deforming volcano.

Their work augmented seismic monitoring by University of Washington geophysicists and was coordinated with other USGS scientists having previous geologic knowledge of the volcano. Everyone tried to make sense of what was happening.

Measuring tilt in Timberline parking lot in early April 1980

during lightly falling snow. USGS photo by Don Swanson

Forty years ago, no scientists in the USGS and academia were adept at monitoring all types of active volcanoes. Their expertise was gained from working on Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, not from steep composite volcanoes that dominate the Cascades. Equipment was remedial by today's standards: computers were not in general use, and satellite observations were limited. There was no cache of equipment or experience to lean on. We were on our own.

By early April, a growing bulge high on the north flank of the volcano was readily apparent, cracking glaciers and leaving a crater behind as it moved northward. This in itself was alarming, but was it a shallow feature or only the tip of deeper, larger deformation that might reach beyond the volcano?

To answer this question, we used ice-covered Spirit Lake north of the volcano as a large liquid tiltmeter. We nailed wooden yardsticks to tree stumps or dock piers around the lakeshore where open water was present. Using helicopter hops, we read water levels at six sites in about 20 minutes and calculated their differences. The ice cover damped wave oscillations, and yardsticks could be read to 1/16 inch (about 2 mm), enabling detection of tilt across the lake to about 2 microradians (roughly one ten thousandth of a degree). To our relief, repeat measurements until the ice melted in mid-month showed no change.
We could thus focus deformation measurements on the bulge itself. The flat parking lot at Timberline campground just northeast of the bulge was perfect for measuring tilt, using a method developed at HVO. We drove nails into the pavement at the tips of a triangle about 10 m (33 feet) on a side and leveling determined their relative elevations.

USGS Volcanologist David A. Johnston, 30, was monitoring Mount St.
Helens from Coldwater II observation camp on the day it erupted. The post
was thought to be relatively safe but was destroyed in the disaster. The last
transmission heard from Johnston occurred as the eruption happened:
"Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!" before his radio signal went dark.
His remains were never recovered. This photo was
taken 13 hours before the eruption. USGS photo

Repeated leveling, often during snowstorms, found changes in elevation caused by tilting ground. Seven relevelings (March 30–April 30) showed an overall tilt away from the bulge at about 2 microradians per day. This small tilt was further evidence that deformation was concentrated in the bulge itself.

Huge tilts of tens of microradians lasting only a few minutes were superimposed on the overall tilt. The parking lot was swaying back and forth, probably because of jerky movement of the bulge itself. Such tilts amazed us, but tests confirmed they were real.

To provide continuous tilt data, electronic platform tiltmeters were installed in nearby areas in late April. Instrument problems and sites made unstable by thawing ground limited their use.

Meanwhile a search was underway for an electronic distance meter (EDM) to make measurements of the bulge itself—our Holy Grail. Powerful EDMs were expensive and not readily available. An instrument was located at the Smithsonian Institution and a loan arranged. Measurements began on April 20.

But measurements were not straightforward. An EDM requires a target that reflects a laser back to the instrument. Normally, costly glass prisms were used, but anything on the bulge had to be expendable, that is, cheap. HVO had experimented with plastic highway reflectors and found them suitable for short distances. Could 5–8 such plastic reflectors clustered together work at distances of 2–4 km (1–2.5 miles)?

Yes, they could. Several reflectors were screwed to a board, which was bolted onto a steel signpost driven into the ground at helicopter-accessible sites on and near the bulge. These makeshift targets, the loaned EDM, and an old-fashioned optical theodolite allowed us to measure bulge movement of up to 1.5 m (almost 5 feet) per day, define the limits of the bulge, and otherwise provide scientists with reliable data as Mount St. Helens tore apart over the next month.

At the time, we measured our progress in blood, sweat, and—after the deadly eruption on May 18—tears. Forty years later, we can add a measure of pride for what was accomplished under extraordinary circumstances.

In May of 2017, St. Helens starting making overtures of a coming eruption. That has not yet occurred, but volcanologists
state the next eruption is an when-not-if scenario. USGS photo

Volcano Activity Updates

Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html). Kīlauea updates are issued monthly.
Kīlauea monitoring data over the past month showed no significant changes in seismicity, sulfur dioxide emission rates, or deformation.

     The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continued to slowly expand and deepen. For the most current information regarding the depth of the lake see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/summit_water_resources.html.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption from the current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
     During the past week, HVO seismometers recorded 63 small-magnitude earthquakes beneath the volcano's summit and upper-elevation flanks. Most of these earthquakes occurred less than 8 kilometers (~5 miles) below ground level. The largest earthquake was a magnitude 3.1 under the volcano's upper Southwest Rift Zone. Slow summit inflation continued and fumarole temperature and gas concentrations on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable.
     There were three events with three or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. A magnitude-2.9 earthquake 8 km (5 mi) S of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth occurred on April 14, 2020 at 1:36 p.m. A magnitude-3.0 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) NNE of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth occurred on April 12, 2020 at 02:31 p.m. A magnitude-3.6 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) NE of Pāhala at 33 km (21 mi) depth occurred on April 12, 2020 at 01:45 p.m.
     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Last year: Easter music, Hawaiian style, with Calvin Ponce, Makana Kamahele, and Guy Sesson
at Pāhala Preschool. Photo by Julia Neal

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year

Last year, this time, keiki were running around outside, making bee lines for hidden eggs filled with treats. Pāhala Preschool and Pāhala Elementary drew droves of little ones to two Easter Egg hunts on the grounds of the two schools.

Keiki ran for the eggs at Pāhala Elementary the day before Easter.
Photo by Julia Neal

At Pāhala Preschool, Eddie Andrade – well known for his role as Santa during 40 years of Christmas Parades – delighted with his many wooden games for children. Keiki were treated to other fun activities, such as a coloring station and prize wheel. The Easter celebration featured songs from musicians Calvin Ponce, Makana Kamahele, and Guy Sesson, with food and games for all.

At nearby Pāhala Elementary and Kaʻū High School, the Easter Egg Hunt was tied to the annual Kaʻū Wellness Fair. Providers at booths set up in the Kaʻū District Gym annex offered medical, dental, mental health, healthy living, and preventative care services. Organized by Kaʻū High School teacher, track coach, and events organizer Angie Miyashiro, the gathering of children and families offered blood pressure and diabetes screening, strength and exercise analysis, and opportunities for outdoor experiences. The day included a reading with Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries.

Among those on hand were Bay Clinic, Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes UH-Hilo, and Phi Delta Chi Pharmacists, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, United Healthcare, Keiki ID, Blue Zones, Children's Community Council, PATH, Tūtū and Me, Project Aware - Mental Health First Aid, and Ocean Awareness & Safety.

Angie Miyashiro, organizer of the annual Kaʻū Wellness Fair, held this weekend last year. It was
cancelled this year during the pandemic. Photo by Julia Neal

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar. Print edition of
The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or your social cause,
contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

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

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

ONGOING

The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:

The Ocean View location for May is to be announced.

The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.

The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.

The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Thursday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m. Call Kehau at 443-4130.

A Free Dinner for Those in Need is served at Volcano Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road every Thursday, by Friends Feeding Friends, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

On Call Emergency Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is operated by The Food Basket. Call 808-933-6030.

The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.