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| Opihi are becoming more rare and the state Department of Land & Natural Resources is cracking down on harvesters taking the young ones. Photo from University of Hawai'i |
A CRACK-DOWN ON COLLECTING UNDERSIZE OPIHI from the shores of the Hawaiian Islands is underway by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. DLNR's Division of Conservation & Resource Enforcement asks the public to inform the agency when seeing opihi harvesters with the limpets that are under less than 1.25 inches in diameter. On July 30, a 27-year-old man was cited on Hawai'i Island for harvesting 345 undersized ‘opihi at a beach park. DOCARE officers reported observing Kyle Kaloi taking ‘opihi along the shoreline. They said they contacted Kaloi as he was exiting the shoreline
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| Undersized opihi confiscated from a man who picked them from the shore near a beach park. Photo from DOCARE |
DLNR asks that anyone who sees possible illegal activity or resource violations report them immediately by calling the 24-hour DOCARE Hotline at 643-DLNR (3567) or via the free DLNRTip App.
The opihi limpets are a popular local food, especially for celebrations, but they are increasingly rare and considered over-harvested, the price soaring in recent years. Many family lu`aus are no longer able to serve opihi or sometimes provide only one opihi per person in the food line where opihi are paired with poi.
Opihi also made its way into gourmet food culture. Chef Alan Wong and others famous for Pacific cuisine was known for his Opihi Shooter, a single raw opihi served in a tiny glass with ume shiso, spicy tomato juice, basil and fennel, good for one gulp.
Opihi live on shorelines with wave action, clinging to rocks with their powerful little muscles inside single conical shells, sometimes called Chinaman's hats and Mt. Fuji's.
Kaʻū's 80 mile uninhabited coast is considered one of their habitats that are hard for humans to reach and still rich with opihi in some places. Ophi picking is sometimes called Hawai'i's most dangerous job as harvesters often climb onto rocks with pounding waves that can sweep them out to sea.
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KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTION COMMITTEE needs applicants. Mayor Mitch Roth said, “CDP Action Committees are essential to our planning process and ensure that the interest of our community is represented. We would like to invite anyone interested to apply today, as your voice matters, because this is our County. Together, we will make Hawaiʻi Island the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
A statement from the County says that "many applications have been received from other regions and are under review. The purpose of CDPs is to: Translate the General Plan’s broad statements into actions specific to the planning area; to improve and advance community resilience; and provide civic dialogue for citizen engagement."
According to the County statement, "Action Committees are responsible for implementing resident-driven solutions from the CDPs that positively transform their communities in partnership with a network of businesses, non-profits and community leaders."
Committee members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. They must reside in the CDP planning area and are: "Willing and able to commit to a term of up to four years; willing and able to attend regular (quarterly) meetings during evenings and weekends; and invest a minimum of eight hours of work each month advancing CDP implementation through work on priority projects/initiatives." The county also asks that Action Committee members have a personal commitment with "a deep love for their community; a passion for equity; and a motivation to work for the greater good of their community."
Regarding learning, the county asks that Action Committee applicants be "willing and able to attend training and workshops relative to facilitation, network development, local government, planning processes, equitable community engagement, and work with the community to identify other capacity building needs and opportunities."
Regarding "Action Commitment," the County is seeking citizens, "willing and able to develop priorities and a work plan to implement community actions in the CDPs; intentionally and explicitly engage all factions of their community with specific attention to those who are marginalized and underrepresented; and organize and attend public meetings and workshops."
Regarding "Collaboration Commitment," the County is seeking citizens "willing and able to be a point of contact for CDP and Action Committee initiatives; develop partnerships with individuals, non-profits, businesses and community groups/associations; transmit project updates and involvement opportunities regularly to their CDP region; document and share lessons learned/successes with CDP Action Committees around the island; and agree to follow meeting ground rules and operating principles of the Action Committee and Planning Department."
For more information or to apply, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions or https://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/
CHURCH SERVICES
A statement from the County says that "many applications have been received from other regions and are under review. The purpose of CDPs is to: Translate the General Plan’s broad statements into actions specific to the planning area; to improve and advance community resilience; and provide civic dialogue for citizen engagement."
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| Read the entire Ka`u Community Development Plan at https://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp /final-kau-cdp-document |
Committee members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. They must reside in the CDP planning area and are: "Willing and able to commit to a term of up to four years; willing and able to attend regular (quarterly) meetings during evenings and weekends; and invest a minimum of eight hours of work each month advancing CDP implementation through work on priority projects/initiatives." The county also asks that Action Committee members have a personal commitment with "a deep love for their community; a passion for equity; and a motivation to work for the greater good of their community."
Regarding learning, the county asks that Action Committee applicants be "willing and able to attend training and workshops relative to facilitation, network development, local government, planning processes, equitable community engagement, and work with the community to identify other capacity building needs and opportunities."
Regarding "Action Commitment," the County is seeking citizens, "willing and able to develop priorities and a work plan to implement community actions in the CDPs; intentionally and explicitly engage all factions of their community with specific attention to those who are marginalized and underrepresented; and organize and attend public meetings and workshops."
Regarding "Collaboration Commitment," the County is seeking citizens "willing and able to be a point of contact for CDP and Action Committee initiatives; develop partnerships with individuals, non-profits, businesses and community groups/associations; transmit project updates and involvement opportunities regularly to their CDP region; document and share lessons learned/successes with CDP Action Committees around the island; and agree to follow meeting ground rules and operating principles of the Action Committee and Planning Department."
For more information or to apply, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions or https://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THIS WEEKEND'S FIRE THAT BURNED ONLY SOME FIVE ACRES AT PUNALU'U is a stark reminder that bigger fires could be ahead for Kaʻū if citizens don't take every precaution in managing campfires, refraining from throwing cigarettes out the windows of vehicles, and caring for machinery that could emit sparks and start a blaze.
Just as the Punalu'u fire was being contained, a huge fire with many fronts ran through the northern part of the island, with evacuations of the communities of Waiki'i, Pu'u Kapu Hawaiian Home Lands and the
entire Waikoloa Village, with its houses, condominiums, golf course, shopping and community centers and school. Major roads shut down between Waikoloa and Waimea and around Waiki'i Ranch.
The fire burned through more than 40,000 acres with at least one ranch home lost, before the winds subsided for the evening, the fire still mostly not contained.
As winds died and the fire was slowing down above Waikoloa Village, Mayor Mitch Roth said that it appeared the wild goats had helped make Waikoloa safer by eating a lot of the range grass around the community. However, he noted the hard work of county and volunteer fire departments, the National Guard and military at Pohakuloa in helping to push back the fast moving fire.
Just as the Punalu'u fire was being contained, a huge fire with many fronts ran through the northern part of the island, with evacuations of the communities of Waiki'i, Pu'u Kapu Hawaiian Home Lands and the
The fire burned through more than 40,000 acres with at least one ranch home lost, before the winds subsided for the evening, the fire still mostly not contained.
As winds died and the fire was slowing down above Waikoloa Village, Mayor Mitch Roth said that it appeared the wild goats had helped make Waikoloa safer by eating a lot of the range grass around the community. However, he noted the hard work of county and volunteer fire departments, the National Guard and military at Pohakuloa in helping to push back the fast moving fire.
Evacuation mandates were lifted this evening.
See more on preventing wildfires and making homes, yards, farms and ranches safer through Hawai'i Wildfire Management Organization at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/
See more on preventing wildfires and making homes, yards, farms and ranches safer through Hawai'i Wildfire Management Organization at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
TESTING AND COVID SHOTS AT COOPER CENTER in Volcano will be offered Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. There will also be tests and shots at J Hara Store in Kurtistown on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The County announcement comes after an update on Sunday, with a report of 99 new Coronavirus cases, with 685 active cases and a dozen persons hospitalized on this island.
Today's Civil Defense statement says, "The Department of Health, clinics, and pharmacies offer Coronavirus vaccinations on a regularly basis. By getting vaccinated you are helping to keep your family and friends safe. For information you can also visit the Civil Defense website for a list of all clinics and pharmacies providing vaccinations and testing." See Civil Defense at www.hawaiicounty.gov.
The County announcement comes after an update on Sunday, with a report of 99 new Coronavirus cases, with 685 active cases and a dozen persons hospitalized on this island.
Today's Civil Defense statement says, "The Department of Health, clinics, and pharmacies offer Coronavirus vaccinations on a regularly basis. By getting vaccinated you are helping to keep your family and friends safe. For information you can also visit the Civil Defense website for a list of all clinics and pharmacies providing vaccinations and testing." See Civil Defense at www.hawaiicounty.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 15 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic
ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime.
Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
CHURCH SERVICES
OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com
ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel.
Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.
HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg
KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.
CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.ECONOMIC RELIEF
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.
