Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 23, 2018

Hawaiian Monk Seal, relaxing on the shore. Plastics in the ocean can negatively affect all ocean life, from 
the smallest microbes, to larger predatory mammals, like this seal. See story, below. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ LEARNING ACADEMY'S FUTURE remains under consideration by the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission, following its special meeting held on Friday in Honolulu. Three Kaʻū Learning Academy board members - Doug Flaherty, Jack Richard, and Kailani Toriano - spoke to the commission through remote access. They described the startup challenges of the school, and sought to keep the school open.

     Late last year, the Commission issued a notice of possible revocation of the charter for the school, noting accounting irregularities, which the school administration, and its auditors, accountants, and board, promised to repair. In addition, a former teacher recently listed allegations of deficiencies in the school building regarding restrooms, electrical supply and wiring, and the open air nature of some classrooms. The school occupies the old Discovery Harbour Golf Course Clubhouse. According to Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo, improvements are being made as the young school progresses, with the hiring of electrical contractors and building contractors to constantly improve the facility and ensure its safety.

     Another consideration is composition of the school board, whether some members are related to employees, and whether some board members have been contracted to work at the school. One board member speaking to the commission on Friday asked for an exemption from that rule, given the small size of the community. State charter school rules allow for no more than a third of board members to have family or work ties to the school.
     On Friday, the Commission decided to postpone any decision-making on the future of the school.

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Justin Kripps, front, with his four-man bobsleigh team.
Photo from Summerland Review

KRIPPS IN FOURTH AFTER SECOND OF FOUR FOUR-MAN RUNS; will have final two races tomorrow, at 2:30 p.m. and 3: 40 p.m., HST, after which the medals will be awarded.
     In the pilot's seat again, Kaʻū-born Justin Kripps, running bobsleigh for Canada, is riding high off a gold medal in two-man, though sadness was in his mind due to the recent passing of his grandmother. He dedicated the races to her.
     Kripps' team is currently 0.58 seconds behind first, in fourth place, with two German teams and one South Korean team ahead.

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Paleontologist Dr. Ken Lacovara - recognized for discoveries of the largest dinosaurs ever unearthed - shows the bones 
of Dreadnaughtus, a giant fossil he discovered in Argentina. At right, he shows KLA founder Kathryn Tydlacka a smaller 
fossil. On April 22nd, Lacovara will lead students on a fossil hunt. See story, below. Photo from KLA

A FUNDRAISER FOR KAʻŪ LEARNING ACADEMY will be tomorrow, Saturday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., on the school campus at the old Discovery Harbour Golf Course Clubhouse. Billed as a Gilligan's Night - with pizza, lasagna, chicken parmigiana, beer, and wine - it will include live entertainment by Tiger and Solomon. School administrator Kathryn Tydlacka will make a presentation on an upcoming trip for ten students to San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. in April.

     The trip includes meeting Sen. Mazie Hirono in her D.C. office, and visiting a paleontologist, Dr. Ken Lacovara, who is recognized for discoveries of the largest dinosaurs ever unearthed. On April 22, Lacovara will lead the students on a fossil hunt at the Edelman Fossil Park, at Rowan University in New Jersey. Considered one of the most important fossil sites in the United States, it was discovered by Lacovara in 2008.

     "KLA students and the community have worked very hard fundraising for the trip and want to thank the Kaʻū community for the support they have shown," said KLA Managing Director Joe Iacuso. See more at the KLA website.

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PICKING UP PLASTICS FROM THE KA‘Ū COAST HELPS SAVE SEALS and other marine life. This statement is backed by a new study, published in the latest Journal of Environmental Pollution. The new evidence shows that plastics can make it all the way from tiny particles in the ocean, up the food chain - through trophic transfer - to ocean-going mammals, like the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.

     The study, conducted by British researchers, demonstrates that microplastics can transfer from tiny plastic particles in the oceans, through fish, to larger fish and mammals, to top marine predators. The scientists studied 31 captive seals, feeding them fish from the sea, and finding that a third of the same kind of fish contained pieces of plastic one to two millimeters long, and that had ended up in their stomachs. About half the seals had the same side plastics in their excrement. The next step in controlled studies is to determine whether the plastics are absorbed and are held in tissues and blood, in the same way that mercury and other chemical pollutants can be transferred up the food chain.

     Read the study from the Journal of Environmental Pollution.

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A SLOW SLIP EARTHQUAKE IS PREDICTED TO OCCUR WITHIN A YEAR at Kīlauea Volcano, according to this week's Volcano Watch. Written by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist Ingrid Johanson, the article begins with a question: When will the next slow slip event happen on Kīlauea Volcano's south flank? As a hint, the last one was in October 2015, and before then, events occurred in May 2012, February 2010, and June 2007. If this seems like a pattern, that's right.

     What is a "slow slip event," anyway?

     Slow slip events are sometimes called "slow earthquakes" or "episodic slip events." They happen when a fault begins sliding, just like in a regular earthquake, but so slowly that it takes several days to finish instead of several seconds.

     At Kīlauea, slow earthquakes occur on the nearly flat-lying décollement fault that underlies the volcano's south flank at a depth of 4 to 5 miles. This is the same fault that was responsible for the magnitude-7.7 Kalapana earthquake in 1975.

Black arrows indicate the amount and direction of motion measured by GPS 

stations in HVO's monitoring network during the October2015 slow slip event. 

Arrow lengths correspond to the amount of motion at each station (see scale 

at bottom of map); arrow points show the direction the stations moved. Color 

indicates topography, from sea level (green) to 4,000 feet elevation (brown). 

The ocean is shown in blue. USGS graphic

     However, slow earthquakes produce no seismic waves and, therefore, none of the damaging shaking of a regular earthquake. Because of this, volcano experts actually look forward to them. They help relieve a small amount of stress on the fault, and give a view into frictional properties of this hazardous fault beneath Kīlauea.

     Motion of Kīlauea's south flank is recorded by the USGS HVO's Global Positioning System monitoring network. These instruments show that the south flank moves steadily seaward about 2.3 inches every year, which is attributed to a phenomenon called "fault creep."

     During a slow earthquake, the south flank surges seaward by an additional amount, usually about 1.2 inches. This additional motion occurs over 2 to 3 days, and is about the same amount that would happen in a regular magnitude-6 earthquake.

     Kīlauea slow slip events tend to occur evenly in time; in particular, events after 2005 have occurred every 2.5 years, give or take 3 months. They are also caused by slip on the same section of the fault every time, and tend to be about the same size. 

     In fact, Kīlauea slow slip events are examples of so-called "characteristic" earthquakes - a series of several earthquakes of similar magnitude and location, which indicates that they are breaking the exact same part of the fault again and again. According to the "characteristic earthquake hypothesis," this series should continue into the future, allowing scientists to forecast the time, location, and size of a future earthquake.

     The characteristic earthquake hypothesis was originally developed in hope that it could predict regular, and possibly damaging, earthquakes. This idea emerged from observations of a series of earthquakes that seemed to strike about every 22 years near the town of Parkfield, California. After earthquakes in 1857, 1881, 1901, 1922, 1934, and 1966, all of which occurred as magnitude-6 events in the same part of the San Andreas fault, scientists predicted the next earthquake would occur in 1988.

 Photo of part of likely area of movement, from the ocean. Photo from USGS.gov

     As it turned out, the next Parkfield earthquake did not occur until 2004, 16 years after the predicted date. However, even though the characteristic earthquake hypothesis wasn't successful at predicting a regular earthquake, it has been useful for forecasting the occurrence of slow slip events around the world.

     Locations where recurring, predictable slow slip events happen include the Cascadia Subduction zone, offshore of Washington and Oregon. This fault produces slow slip events equivalent to a magnitude-6.7 earthquake every 15 months. In Japan, on the subduction zone along the Nankai Trough, major slow slip events occur approximately every 7 years and are equivalent to magnitude-7 earthquakes.

     Because the most recent slow slip event on Kīlauea happened in October 2015, and the events have a recurrence time of 2.5 years (give or take 3 months), we can forecast that the next one might occur between now and August 2018. But remember, there won't be any shaking or other effect that could be easily felt by individuals.

     Keep an eye on HVO's monitoring networks and website

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/ to know when the next slow slip event happens on Kīlauea. Call for summary updates at 967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Learn how to play ‘ukulele with Wes Awana on the porch

of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes 

National Park on Mar. 2. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

‘UKULELE WITH WES AWANA is featured at Volcano Art Center’s Mar. 2 Aloha Friday cultural demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the VAC Gallery porch.

     Volcano area musician Awana shares his love of ‘ukulele and Hawaiian music by giving family-friendly lessons on the iconic and inviting ‘ukulele.
     The free weekly cultural event, Aloha Friday, is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Free; park entrance fees apply.
     For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com

/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 

weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at PāhalaCommunity Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

 SUNDAY, FEB. 25

‘IMOLA ASTRONOMY CENTER 12TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Sun., Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 600 ‘Imiloa, at the UH Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, visit ImiloaHawaii.org, follow ‘Imiloa's Facebook, or call 932-8901.

TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28

KUPU, HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM open to young adults 17 and up; deadline to apply Wed., Feb. 28. Kupu program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, is 40 hours per week. For info and to apply: http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/.

HFS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM open to Big  Island seniors planning for a two or four-year degree at a College, University, or Vocational-Technical school in the 2018-19 academic. Applications due Wed., Feb. 28, available at hfsfcu.org/news/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

LEI HAKU, a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves, has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Download application here, then email to the Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler, at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thurs., March 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org.

TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY HEADBANDS CLASS from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, for Fri., Mar. 2, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

KAʻŪ'S BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS NEED SUPPORT; purchase tickets and sponsor persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Fri., Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The evening includes a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honors will be presented. Learn more about helping to create great futures at bgca.org.

     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

UPCOMING

TŪTŪ AND ME IS HIRING two people. Due to the growth of both Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, there are now two openings - one full-time, one part-time on-call - for teachers to join the team. The minimum qualifications include: High School diploma; ECE or related course work and/or experience working with children; vehicle with minimum coverage. See pidfoundation.org/employment for more details. To apply, email resume to HR@pidfoundation.org or fax to 440-6619.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

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