The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

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

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

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

STRICTER RULES REGARDING FACE MASKS, SANITIZATION, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING were clarified today by Mayor Harry Kim. Kim Issued Emergency Rule No. 3, which mandates face masks or coverings for all customers of essential businesses age 5 and older, and all employees who have contact with others, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Mayor's COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 3 stipulates that a business shall disallow entry to anyone who refuses to wear a face mask or covering. Exemptions from wearing face masks are persons with health or medical conditions that prohibit the use of face masks or coverings.
Rule 3 also calls for all customers to sanitize their hands at entry, and hand sanitizing stations must be set up in the customers' path at the entrance.
Kim said the County's COVID-19 Prevention and Education Task Force will work with businesses to ensure compliance from employees and customers.

"No mask, no entry," states a sign outside Mizuno
Superette in Pāhala, complying with Rule 3
handed down by Mayor Harry Kim.
Photo by Julia Neal

"These are stricter than the Governor's rules, because we want to make sure that our community stays healthy and safe," the mayor said. Rule 3 was prompted in part after the recent outbreak of the virus among fast food workers and their families in Kona.

"We want these rules to be in place, while focusing on being reasonable so that people can make a living," said the Mayor.
The Rule strongly recommends that one customer per 250 square feet be allowed into an establishment to ensure the six-foot distancing requirement, and to increase social distancing.
Rule 3 calls for businesses to discourage hoarding of essential supplies, and mandates that businesses post signage and communicate special hours for high-risk populations.
Businesses that handle food production and consumption are to have employees use gloves while handling food, and employees who handle any payment transaction by cash or credit card must sanitize or change gloves before serving the next customer.
All businesses are required to assign, train, and schedule employees to sanitize carts, conveyors, counters, handles, knobs, and other common touch areas, the Rule says.
Employees must do a self-check prior to starting their shift to monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. If an employee feels ill, they must immediately notify their supervisor and leave the premises. Rule 3 stipulates that the employee must seek medical attention if symptoms persist, and shall not return to work until symptom-free a minimum of 72 hours. If an employee tests positive for the virus, they shall not return to work until they have stayed home and been symptom-free for 14 days.
On the County's Mass Transit buses, riders five years old and older must wear face coverings or masks to prevent the spread of the virus, with exemptions for people with health or medical conditions that prohibit their use. Riders who refuse to wear a mask will not be allowed to board or enter the bus.
Violators of Rule 3 may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or one year imprisonment, or both. The Rule remains effective throughout the pandemic emergency, or until terminated sooner by order of the Mayor. For further information, contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.

Even this morning's venue for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou to gift fish to kūpuna and
the needy required the wearing of face masks. Photo by Julia Neal

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STAY AT HOME UNTIL MAY 31 is the recommendation of West Kaʻū's member of the state House of Representatives, Dr. Richard Creagan. "We should clamp down more so we can get rid of it," said the physician. "Who wants to live in a place where you are looking over your shoulder?"

He said people shouldn't have to worry that they could still catch COVID-19. He said Hawaiʻi is in a special place unlike the other states. "We have a natural barrier, the ocean around us." With Hawaiʻi's isolation, the disease can be traced through the entire community. He recommended isolating everyone who tests positive until the new coronavirus is entirely gone.

Creagan also said that he is pleased that the state Department of Health has more help to trace cases, with some 70 workers and volunteers starting to track down each case, and all of the victims' contacts. He said it is easy to do but takes a lot of time, talking to people. Creagan recommended that once people are found to be positive for COVID-19, they should be taken out of their environments and quarantined to protect their family and friends. He said he supports putting those testing positive into empty hotel rooms for their recovery. He is unsupportive of putting those quarantined into gyms with cots or other crowded situations. "We shouldn't be punishing the people who are positive for the virus. We should be taking care of them."

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THE DEATH TOLL FROM CORONAVIRUS ACROSS THE STATE ROSE TO TWELVE TODAY. The state Department of Health identified two elderly men who passed away Monday night. The victims were older than 65, with one on Oʻahu and the other on Maui, both with underlying health challenges. Deaths during the pandemic total five on Maui and seven on Oʻahu. There were no new cases reported on Hawaiʻi Island today, leaving the total number at 63. The two new cases statewide brought the caseload to 586.

No COVID-19 cases so far in the zip code areas of Volcano, Pāhala,
and Ocean View. White indicates zero cases, light yellow one to five
cases. The 96772 area in Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH

Gov. David Ige said, "We are saddened by these additional deaths and the toll the pandemic is taking on the families and friends of those affected. This is a serious disease especially for those with pre-existing health conditions and older adults. It is critical that we all comply with the stay at home order, practice social distancing, and continue to wear a mask whenever we go out to protect others."

Talmadge Magno, director of Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, issued his daily message focusing on the spread of the virus from three McDonald's restaurants in Kona: "The Department of Health is continuing the investigation of this McDonald's cluster and based on their findings thus far, believes this outbreak does not pose a threat to the general public. It is noted that 32 of Hawaiʻi Islands' total cases of 63 stem from this one cluster incident. The very hard lessons learned, and we should all learn, is that critical importance of following the health advisories of stay at home if you are sick, physical distancing, face coverings, and social gatherings.

Civil Defense director

Talmadge Magno.
Photo from Big Island Video News

"The testing of non-symptomatic family members, associated with the fast-food restaurant cluster, resulted in two positive cases. Clearly illustrates that anyone can be a carrier without knowing it. All are strongly recommended to wear a face covering. This is a community issue and we all need to do our part. Thank you very much for listening and please be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."

In the U.S., more than 824,700 people have been reported to have COVID-19. Of those, 45,297 have died and 75,050 have recovered.

Worldwide, 2,564,190 cases have been reported. More than 177,400 have died. Nearly 681,840 have recovered.

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PEOPLE WITH INCOME SO LOW THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PAY TAXES CAN APPLY TO RECEIVE $1,200 PLUS $500 PER CHILD PANDEMIC ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS. The deadline to apply to the federal government is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time. Also required to apply are those who receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and do not file taxes. For those who do not meet the deadline, the $500 per qualifying child will be paid with their 2020 tax year return filing.

Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "As we continue working to make sure all those eligible for direct payments receive this assistance, I urge those with qualifying dependent children to apply for these payments as soon as possible. Hawaiʻi residents and families who need economic relief from the financial toll of coronavirus can provide their information online."
U.S. taxpayers who will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments are those who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019; or those who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Apply at freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment. See more information at irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.

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HAWAIʻI IS THE NUMBER ONE STATE FOR SLOWING DOWN THE MOST during the pandemic, in terms of people going places and interacting with others, according to a study released by WalletHub today. New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and Nevada followed Hawaiʻi in the ranking. WalletHub reports that its statisticians used Google data to compare the 50 states across six key metrics. Each metric measures the percentage point increase or decrease in visits to various types of places due to coronavirus.

Hawaiʻi slowed the most in Residential Mobility Changes, Grocery & Pharmacy Mobility Changes, Parks Mobility changes, and Transit Stations Mobility Changes. It ranked third for slowing the most in Workplaces Mobility Changes and fourth in slowing the most in Retail & Recreation Mobility Changes. The state that has slowed down the least is Nebraska, with Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa, and Alabama right behind it. See more at WalletHub.

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

ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU WILL GIVE OUT FOOD IN OCEAN VIEW THURSDAY AT NOON near the bus stop makai of

Wayne Kawachi hands out Ehu to seniors and
the needy in Pāhala today. Also contributing to the
catch was Evan Enriques. Photo by Julia Neal

Hwy 11. The offerings will include kalua pig cooked by Nāʻālehu Schoool, kalbi beef, and other food packaged to refrigerate or freeze, including spam, sausage, and jello fruit cups. OKK President Wayne Kawachi gave out fish today in Pāhala near the bus stop. Jana Kaniho delivered fish to kūpuna homes in the Nāʻālehu area. OKK accepts donations of money and foods. Call Kawachi at 808-937-4773.

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

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FIRST RESPONDERS AND LOCAL HOSPITALS are receiving assistance from Hawaiʻi Island Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experts during the COVID-19 crisis. The coalition – Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care – responds to needs raised by healthcare workers and fire/emergency response crews. The coalition is supported by staff and volunteers from across the Big Island, spanning the business, high tech, and educational sectors.
Christian Wong, Hawaiʻi Island firefighter and executive director of Hawaiʻi Science & Technology Museum, is one of the organizers. He said, "Working as a first responder, I know the critical need for PPE in our community. Connecting the needs of our first responders with our Big Island STEM community allows Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care to design and produce PPE that fits the specific needs of our health care community."

A no-hands door opener developed by
Hawaiʻi Stem Community Care.

The Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care team is working to provide: face shields, mask sterilizers, mask tension relief bands, and door openers. "A committee for each project is working with members of the medical community to ensure these developed products meet the needs of the Big Island health care community," said Wong.
Dr. Craig Burger, a consultant for the group. said, "I appreciate the speed of these efforts. Iterating directly with local PPE designers and manufacturers allows us to meet an ever-changing need. Any reduction in anxiety or an increase in comfort we can provide, is so crucial for the physical heath and mental well-being of our frontline providers."
All the donations, to date, were designed and produced on Hawaiʻi Island. The face shields were designed to allow for rapid production of close to 50 per hour. Three hundred mask tension relief bands that were delivered to Hilo Medical Center through efforts in East and West Hawaiʻi, rallying 3D printer owners islandwide, including local schools. The first prototype mask sterilizer is undergoing testing at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's biology department, with plans to build units for local fire departments to extend the life of their current N95 masks if needed.
The door opener design is the result of a request from the local medical community for a simple device that minimizes the need for health care professionals to touch door handles in a hospital. A prototype just completed testing and is now beginning larger production for local healthcare facilities and first responders.
According to Wong, the group is dedicated to creating 'learning moments' – opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island students to contribute directly or indirectly to the solution design efforts. Local students brainstormed the design of the face masks and helped print the mask tension relief bands.
Gail Takaki, of NexTech Hawaiʻi, said, "We plan to share stories of how the team arrived at solutions with our NexTech students as a real world example of problem solving as well as the importance of giving back to our community in times of crisis. All our efforts are possible through the generous volunteer organizations and donors providing all items free of charge."

A face mask tension relief band to take the stress
away from it hanging on the ears.

Hawaiʻi STEM Care is represented by leaders from Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, NexTech Hawaiʻi, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative, and the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care recently received a $5,000 grant from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation to continue producing and distributing their PPE donations.
"There are a lot of people who are passionate about the problem," said Kean Wong, co-coordinator of Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative. "We're finding, as we're able to coordinate with people and provide them resources they may not have, we're able to help out and have a larger impact than any single individual can."
For more information about Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care and to obtain plans for some of the above items, visit histemcare.org. Healthcare providers and first responders who would like more information about these items, or have a need for PPE, should email histemcare@gmail.com.

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A REPORT ON COVID-19 IMPACTS ON HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS was produced by a working group of farmers and ranchers, including members of Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. The working group submitted findings and recommendations to the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness on Monday.
The report states that, after urgent health issues, "feeding our community is the most critical challenge we face in the continuing coronavirus pandemic. With no clear end to the crisis within sight, we are already seeing the attention of leaders from around the world shift as food producer markets contract and transportation networks are shaken to their core. Hawaiʻi's tenuous dependence on just-in-time delivery and importing 90 percent of our food has left our communities exposed to another heightened threat."

Their report on COVID-19 Impacts on Hawaiʻi Agricultural Producers recommends more locally grown food for the
schools. Above, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary cafeteria staff members sanitize a table as they bring out food
to give to anyone 18 years and under during the pandemic. Photo by Lora Botanova

The report suggests there is a second curve to flatten: food insecurity. Food banks and non-profits are struggling to feed Hawaiʻi families on a massive scale, states the report. Food banks' usual sources of funds and donations are diminished. In a typical month, states the report, the Hawaiʻi Foodbank purchases roughly $33,000 in food. "Over the last four weeks, it has had to make $640,000 in purchases to keep up with demand. It is also encountering other challenges unique to these times, such as having to outbid other food banks and grocers across the country due to demand for long shelf-life goods and consumer hoarding."

With unemployment in Hawaiʻi at nearly a quarter million since March 1, the reports states the public has "intensifying fears" and "uncertainty" about access to "the basic necessity of food. Adding to this perfect storm is the threat of a literal one, as hurricane season nears. We would be gambling with lives to assume a pandemic is the only crisis Hawaiʻi may face in the coming months. Local farmers serve as a lifeline. They are our greatest defense against food insecurity and our greatest hope for future resiliency. They need our support as much as we need theirs."

Food insecurity in Hawaiʻi is addressed in the
Hawaiʻi Agricultural Producers Report.
Photo by Lora Botanova

The report notes the short term food needs will be partially funded by about $4 billion in COVID-19 funding through the CARES Act. The report suggests establishing a Food Security Subsidy Fund and Program, to directly provide funds to local food producers that provide free or discounted fresh produce or prepared meals. The report recommends direct funding to local food producers for farm inputs and other production costs.

The report recommends appointing a local farmer or rancher to the House Select COVID-19 Committee on Economic and Financial Preparedness.

The report also recommends expansion of programs like SNAP, the Paycheck Protection Program, and USDA programs such as small producer grants, grants to organizations facilitating direct farm to consumer delivery, loan forgiveness/forbearance, technical assistance to navigate the federal opportunity process, reimbursement of transportation cost payment program, and microgrants.

The report suggests requiring state food programs to purchase a minimum of local food. For example, increase Department of Education meals to have at least 25 percent be local food within five years.

The report also suggests the state issue an official statement supporting and re-opening farmers' markets that comply with health restrictions to protect vendors and customers across the state. The report suggests a "certification" classification for these markets.

For long-term needs, the report recommends shovel-ready agricultural projects, especially in irrigation, food hub and aggregation site development, and future harvesting facilities.

Read the report here.

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Highway 137 will be rebuilt with FEMA funds appropriated

to Hawaiʻi County, after destruction by lava in 2018.

Photo from USGS. Road ID by Extreme Exposures

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

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COMPOSER OF THE EARTH PATRIOT SONG for Earth Day has provided a link for readers of The Kaʻū Calendar. The Volcano resident, well known for his world peace, environmental, and sustainability work, sent this message for Wednesday's annual Earth Day:

"I hope that you are safe and well. I know that with what our country and the world is facing with the corona virus, that the 50th anniversary of Earth Day may not be receiving the attention it deserves. However, the work of protecting our Earth and all life that exists on our planet continues. In 1990, for the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, I wrote the song Earth Patriot, and in 2007, I recorded the album Earth Patriot with my group Kumanu. Please feel free to share with others." Hear the song on YouTube.

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for 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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Monday, April 20, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, April 20, 2020

A state rule to enforce wearing a face mask at any place where people are interacting for services or purchases
went into effect statewide today. The fine is up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail. Social distancing is also required.
Photo by Lora Botanova

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

THE MORTALITY RATE FOR COVID-19 IS 0.7 PERCENT in Hawaiʻi. Lt. Gov Josh Green, a physician and State COVID-19 Healthcare Liaison, gave the message in his update today.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green

Green noted that the 0.7 percent mortality rate is second lowest in the United States, behind Wyoming. He reported a 15 percent use of ventilators in this state and that 584 people have tested positive, 423 have been released from isolation, a 72.4 percent recovery rate.

Green said, "I know people are getting anxious to get back to 'normal.' I want to acknowledge that I am so impressed and pleased with the way our residents have stepped up for each other to help prevent a catastrophic surge of cases in our state... We did a great job of flattening this curve, but there is a risk of additional spikes in cases if we're not careful. We are diligently working to ensure we reopen Hawaiʻi in a careful, thoughtful way that keeps people healthy and safe, while jumpstarting our economy as much as possible."
With four new cases today statewide, none on Oʻahu, the restrictions in travel, and social distancing and masks, appear to have prevented the surge in cases that were predicted earlier. Green called it "phenomenal" and said that there could have been 4,500 deaths here.
A graph published by the State of Hawaiʻi today shows new cases in decline since March 18. If the trend continues, the peak will have been much earlier than the predicted end of April.

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THE DAILY COVID-19 UPDATES from county Civil Defense report the number of people who tested positive for Hawaiʻi Island, to date, is 63. Thirty-three have been cleared as recovered and the remaining 30 are quarantined at home and monitored by the Department of Health.

Civil Defense Director

Talmadge Magno.
Photo Big Island Video News

Civil Defense reported that the Kona McDonald's cluster counts for 32 of this total; 18 are employees, and 14 household members. "Department of Health continues their investigation on this cluster and based on their findings thus far, Department of Health believes this outbreak does not pose a threat to the public."
Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno reported that drive through testing was conducted today at Nāʻālehu Community Center "from 9 this morning till 1 this afternoon. Know that early testing means early detection and early care. Thank you, Premiere Medical Group, Bay Clinic, Hope Services, and the Hawaiʻi County Task Force for conducting this service. Do know, that effective today, mandatory face coverings are in effect for all businesses and their customers. Please call Civil Defense if additional information is needed. Thank you for listening and have a nice day. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
Statewide, nearly 25,000 people have been tested. Positive COVID-19 cases are at 582, with 423 released from isolation. Ten people have died, all on Oʻahu and Maui.
After the death of a Washington state visitor from COVID-19 over the weekend, Gov. David Ige offered condolences to the man's family and friends, saying this was another sign of the seriousness of this disease and continued adherence to his stay-at-home orders and other measures designed to flatten the curve of coronavirus infections in Hawai‘i.
Nationally, the death toll has reached 42,604. There are nearly 800,000 cases, with 72,368 recovered.

One case of COVID-19 is reported in Kaʻū.

Worldwide, 2,480,769 cases are recorded, with more than 170,000 dead and nearly 635,000 recovered.

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THE MANDATORY WEARING OF MASKS went into effect statewide today. It requires most persons engaging in business, including vendors and customers, to cover their noses and mouths with face masks. The ruling came from Gov. David Ige and the penalty for violating the order is up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

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BAY CLINIC reports that its patients can go to its clinic in Nāʻālehu for COVID screening/testing during business hours. Patients will first be evaluated to see if they qualify for testing. "It is highly encouraged that patients call ahead with questions regarding COVID screening/testing at 333-3600. Signage is posted at the clinic. Patients can ring the doorbell and a Bay Clinic staff member will come out to assist," says a statement received from Bay Clinic today.

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Amy Okuyama sews masks for the employees at
the 76 station and Wiki-Wiki Mart in Nāʻālehu.
Photo by Carl Okuyama

SEWING MASKS FOR KAʻŪ WORKERS WHO INTERACT WITH THE PUBLIC is an ongoing activity among a number of Kaʻū-connected citizens. Amy Okuyama, of the Wiki-Wiki Mart family, sewed masks for the employees.

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URGENT CORONAVIRUS TESTING, MEDICAL CARE, AND RELIEF BENEFITS should go to immigrant workers in agriculture, grocery stores, health care, and other essential services. That is the call from Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and California Rep. Judy Chu. They led 28 Senators and 76 Members of the House of Representatives in writing to members of Congressional leadership, saying, "As Congress responds to the critical needs of our country during the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to ensure that the vital protections and economic lifelines provided in coronavirus relief legislation are accessible to all communities, regardless of immigration status or limited English proficiency. COVID-19 has caused one of the greatest public health and economic crises our Nation has ever faced, and it requires a whole-of-society approach. A response that leaves out immigrants—many of whom are on the front lines in our fight against COVID-19—will be ineffective and detrimental to our efforts to stop this pandemic."

Earlier this month, Hirono, Sen. Kamala Harris, and colleagues in the House, released the Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act, legislation that would provide critical assistance to vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19, regardless of immigration status or English language proficiency. The legislation is supported by more than 70 organizations, including labor unions, civil rights groups, and immigrant rights groups.

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THE STATE'S NEW ECONOMIC RECOVERY & RESILIENCY NAVIGATOR, Alan Oshima, addressed the press at the State Capitol today. Appointed by Gov. David Ige to help coordinate Hawaiʻi's post-COVID-19 economic recovery, he laid out guiding principles and encouraged public and private leaders to practice them during the public health and economic crisis:
His guiding principles: Be visible, purposeful and authentic. Use multiple clock speeds (i.e. consider the now, next, and later). Cut through bureaucracy. Be flexible, focus on execution. Engage externally. Adapt and innovate.

Alan Oshima provided guiding principles for economic recovery.
Photo from Hawaiʻi Electric Industries

Oshima also laid out a three-phase plan for reopening Hawaiʻi's economy.
Phase One: Stabilization – focus on stabilizing the number of COVID-19 cases.
Phase Two: Reopen and recover, beginning with gradual, sequenced reopening of normal activities.
Phase Three: Build a resilient economy with strong business and job growth.
He focused on Phase One, saying stabilization includes prevention, testing, and quarantine; treatment; socio-economic sustenance; communication; financing; and governance. Oshima said four actions would lead to effective governance during the stabilization phase, including making transparent, data-informed decisions early; delivering results and coordinating across localities; enabling bi-directional communications to disseminate information and mobilize action; enforcing and utilizing self-regulating mechanisms and consistent levels to encourage compliance with issued guidelines; and monitoring by developing a system to track and assess compliance of businesses and people to adjust strategies.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND WILL RECEIVE A NEW PILOT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM, through a $2 million emergency grant to the state Department of Health. Sen. Mazie Hirono made the announcement on the federal funding today. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health received the money from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to expand and strengthen access to substance abuse and mental health treatment.

A pilot substance abuse treatment program on Hawaiʻi Island will soon receive its funding. Image by Roland Miranda

The state Department of Health is expected to use the funding to not only bring a new pilot substance abuse treatment program to Hawaiʻi Island, but also to increase telepsychiatry services in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi's School of Medicine, expand access to behavioral health services to the homeless community, and assist healthcare workers at the front line of fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
"The stresses of the coronavirus pandemic are driving additional demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment in Hawaiʻi and across the country," said Hirono. "This funding will support the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health's ongoing efforts to assist Hawaiʻi residents in need, and I will continue to advocate for funding to support crucial mental health and substance abuse treatment in the weeks and months ahead."

The $2 million emergency grant was part of a $110 million initiative to assist states in addressing the growing need for mental health and substance abuse treatment during the pandemic, that Congress included in the third coronavirus relief legislation that passed in March.

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VOLUNTEERS WILL HELP PROCESS MORE THAN 240,000 UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS in Hawaiʻi. Hundreds of workers from the state House of Representatives, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, and University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly, with the support of Gov. David Ige's administration, have come together to volunteer to train and work with the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations to process the backlog of unemployment claims from the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The large-scale, coordinated operation aims to address skyrocketing unemployment claims that number over 240,000 and affect more than one-third of Hawaiʻi's workforce.
"We recognized that a massive amount of help would be needed to tackle the backlog of unemployment insurance claims that exploded in a few of weeks. The fastest way to tackle this enormous problem was to coordinate an unprecedented, across-government effort," said House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke. "This effort was stood up in just three days."

House Labor Committee Chair Aaron Ling Johanson said, "Hawaiʻi is a special place where everyone steps up to help each other, and today's unprecedented partnership is due in large part to HGEA spear-heading a successful volunteer drive with HSTA and
UHPA that generously provided over 300 volunteer state workers from across state government. Over 70 plus volunteers are also coming from the State House of Representatives and the Legislative Reference Bureau to aid in the effort. The processing of an Unemployment Insurance claim is tedious and complicated and DLIR was working day and night to process them. This should provide much-needed assistance to exponentially increase the processing capabilities of the state to deal with the outstanding unemployment insurance claims and get people the relief they need."
House Speaker Scott Saiki said, "I want to thank the volunteers, the unions, the State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, Department of Accounting & General Services, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and Office of Enterprise Technology Services for helping to make this tremendous effort possible."
Along with hundreds of other state workers, Representatives Saiki, Della Au Belatti, Sylvia Luke, Aaron Ling Johanson, Tom Brower, Lisa Kitagawa, Stacelynn K.M. Eli, and Ty J.K. Cullen, have volunteered to take the training and learn to process claims.

Training sessions will be held this week on Oʻahu at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Monday and Tuesday, with newly trained volunteers expected to start processing claims by Wednesday.
State employees who would like to volunteer can sign-up at hawaiiworks.org and contact their union representatives or department deputy directors.

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HAWAIʻI REALTORS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION is giving $12,500 to The Food Basket on Hawaiʻi Island. The gift is a portion of $50,000 going to food banks across the Islands impacted by the coronavirus. The Foundation was launched by Hawaiʻi Realtors, the trade association for the real estate industry in these islands.
Moana Andersen, president of the Hawaiʻi Realtors Charitable Foundation, said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has put additional strain on our community resources, including our most basic need for food. Hawaiʻi Realtors are in the business of people, so it pains us to think of anyone going hungry during this time. We are proud that our foundation's first contribution to our communities will support local food banks in the critical mission of feeding Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank said this week it is planning to purchase $200,000 worth of agricultural products from local farmers for its program that provides fresh produce to the homeless, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities, as well as its program for low-income seniors.

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EMERGENCY ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE FUNDING OF $2 million has gone to the state Department of Health. Sen. Mazie Hirono made the announcement on the federal funding today. The
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health received the money from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to expand and strengthen access to substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Hirono said, "The stresses of the coronavirus pandemic are driving additional demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment in Hawaiʻi and across the country. This funding will support the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health's ongoing efforts to assist Hawaiʻi residents in need, and I will continue to advocate for funding to support crucial mental health and substance abuse treatment in the weeks and months ahead."
The state Department of Health is expected to use the funding to bring a new pilot substance abuse treatment program to Hawaiʻi Island, increase telepsychiatry services in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi's School of Medicine, expand access to behavioral health services to the homeless community, and assist healthcare workers at the front line of fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
The $2 million emergency grant was part of a $110 million initiative to assist states in addressing the growing need for mental health and substance abuse treatment during the pandemic that Congress included in the third coronavirus relief legislation that passed in March.

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.

HAWAIʻI AND ALASKA ARE THE WORST STATES FOR WORKING AT HOME, according to a WalletHub study released today. It highlights areas that thrive and those that struggle in this pandemic economy. Among states and Washington, D.C., Hawaiʻi ranked 50 and Alaska 51 for working at home. Just ahead of Hawaiʻi are Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.
According to the WalletHub study, "As COVID-19 has continued to spread in the U.S., state governments have ordered 'non-essential' businesses to close their buildings. This has left business owners with a few options: let employees work from home, lay them off, or furlough them. Prior to this pandemic, just 25 percent of all workers in the U.S. had worked from home, and only 29 percent were able to do so. However, people who are allowed to work from home may not always have the best environment for doing so. The best work-from-home conditions include low costs, reasonable comfort, and a high level of security."

The metric that ranked Hawaiʻi one of the worst for working at home was the residential retail price of electricity at 31.70 cents per kWH, The lowest electrical bills are in North Dakota, at 9.01 cents per kWH.
The overall data set for the WalletHub study ranges from the share of workers working from home before COVID-19, to internet cost and cybersecurity. The calculation also considered factors like size and crowding of living spaces.
The study showed that Colorado has the highest share of the labor force working from home, 7.70 percent, which is 3.3 times higher than in Mississippi, the state with the lowest at 2.30 percent. New Hampshire has the highest share of households with a broadband internet subscription, 78.80 percent, which is 1.7 times higher than in Mississippi, the state with the lowest at 46.80 percent.
Connecticut has the highest share of households with access to broadband speeds over 25 Mbps, 98.70 percent, which is 1.5 times higher than in Mississippi, the state with the lowest at 65.40 percent. South Dakota has the fewest cybercrime victims per 100,000 residents, 54.73, which is four times fewer than in Nevada, the state with the most at 218.31. Indiana has the lowest amount lost per victim as a result of internet crime, $2,465.73, which is 11.5 times lower than in Ohio, the state with the highest at $28,394.32.