Kealakekua Public Library to temporarily close for construction
Starting Tuesday, the Kealakekua Public Library and its bookdrop will be temporarily closed for construction to replace its wastewater system. The last day for Kealakekua Public Library patrons to pick up their requests will be Friday.
Construction to replace the library’s wastewater system is estimated to be completed by mid-March. During construction, library patrons are encouraged to visit the Kailua-Kona Public Library, located at 75-138 Hualalai Road in Kailua-Kona.
For assistance relating to services up to the closure date, call the Kealakekua Public Library at (808) 323-7585. For more information about branch hours and phone numbers, visit www.librarieshawaii.org.
Fundraiser benefits BISAC
Big Island Substance Abuse Council has been selected as the upcoming beneficiary of the Ohana Fuels’ “Fuel Up. Do Good.” program. Ohana Fuels partners with nonprofit organizations serving the needs of the local community, and donates a portion of the proceeds from every gallon of gasoline purchased at Ohana Fuels stations in that community.
Through March, the proceeds from sales made at Hawaii Island Ohana Fuels locations will be donated to Big Island Substance Abuse Council. The council has been providing substance and mental health treatment to individuals and families since 1964.
“We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of Ohana Fuels and ask our island community to fill their tanks and help us change lives,” Big Island Substance Abuse Council CEO Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita said.
For more information, visit www.ohanafuels.com or www.bisac.org.
Crop Block Grant Program accepting applications
The state Department of Agriculture Market Development Branch is now accepting grant proposals under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for fiscal year 2021. This block grant program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture is administered through the state and aims to strengthen markets and expand economic opportunities for local and regional farmers and producers. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery (floriculture) crops.
The grant program is open to nonprofit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, for-profit organizations, universities and individuals for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. To be eligible to participate, applicants must reside in or their business or educational affiliation must be registered in Hawaii.
To be eligible for a grant, projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawaii-grown specialty crops in either the domestic or foreign markets. Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, foster the development of fledging crops and organic operations for Hawaii specialty crop farmers.
Proposals in amounts ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be considered with higher amounts considered for projects with extraordinary statewide benefit or exceptional merit and benefit to the specialty crop industry. Projects shall be completed within 24 months. Matching funds, either in-kind or cash, are not required, however, applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of matching funds, either in-kind or cash, which will be calculated into the scoring criteria. Letters of support from project partners and supporters describing their commitment as a partner or their level of support are encouraged.
The closing date for proposals is noon Feb. 12. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands.
Applicants sought for Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program
Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit organization is now accepting applications for this summer’s Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps.
This seven-week opportunity runs from June 7 to July 23, providing young adults — typically between the ages of 17-22 — with meaningful field service experience into the world of conservation while giving back to the community.
Positions are available throughout Hawaii Island at sites such as Waimea Valley alongside Pohaha I Ka Lani; the Kuamo‘o battlefield and burial grounds alongside Aloha Kuamoo Aina; Kiholo State Park, and other organizations like The Nature Conservancy, Waikoloa Dry forest initiative, Kona Hema and Kau preserve, Ulu Maui Puanui, Puuwaawaa and several state agencies including DLNR and DOFAW within the sites that they care take.
Participants will be paid for their service as team members or team leaders, and also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award, CPR/First Aid Certification, and priceless on-the-job training. No prior environmental experience is necessary.
Applications are due Feb. 26. For more information on the HYCC Summer Program or for an application, visit https://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer.