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| Tenth Annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa, today at |
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| The R&G Farms family shows off Kaʻū Coffee Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
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| Aliʻi Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee, from Trini and Francis Marques. Geneveve Fyvie |
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| Former Miss Kaʻū Coffee Maria Miranda promotes her Miranda brand. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
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| The Ah San family's Rising Phoenix coffee at the fest. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
See more on the Hoʻolauleʻa in Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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| Kaʻū Coffee Farmers win a mahalo from organizers and attendees at the Kaʻū Coffee Festival. Photo by Genevive Fyvie |
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK MAY REOPEN SUNDAY AFTERNOON, following its closure on Friday to assess damage from earthquakes up to magnitude 6.9. The park shut down to the public soon after the quakes hit and were followed by an outpouring of dangerous gases from the volcano.
Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane met members of the press this afternoon and released a statement saying that “Park staff have been busy assessing trails, roads and buildings in the front country areas of the park today, and thus far, minimal damage has been reported. If volcanic and seismic activity remain at current levels in the park, the park could partially reopen Sunday afternoon. We will keep you posted through digital, traditional and social media outreach.”
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Aerial image of rock slide triggered by large earthquake at Kālue Point
in the coastal backcountry of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS Photo/Nainoa Keana‘aina.
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The 6.9 quake struck at 12:32 p.m. Friday, and caused violent shaking throughout the park. It triggered rock slides on park trails, crater walls, and along sections of Chain of Craters Road. A magnitude-5.4 earthquake an hour earlier caused a coastal cliff to collapse into the ocean near the Hōlei Sea Arch. Narrow fissures appeared in the ground at an overlook near Jaggar Museum
After the earthquakes, there were no reported injuries. A flurry of smaller earthquakes and aftershocks continued. “Safety is our main priority at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Hikes were canceled and about 2,600 visitors were evacuated from the park. Guests at Volcano House hotel and Kīlauea Military Camp relocated. All non-emergency park employees went home.
The epicenter of the 6.9 quake was deep into Puna, close to Leilani Estates where residents are evacuated and lava fountains broke out following the April 30 collapse of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater on the volcano’s eastern flank. The collapse sent underground torrents of magma towards lower Puna communities. On May 3, the first lava erupted out of a fissure in Leilani Estates. The lava led to the burning of five homes and threats to the water system.
This evening Civil Defense reported a pause in the lava coming from the ground at Leilani but was unwilling to allow residents to go back to their homes until the situation is more stable and risk of toxic fumes much lower.
Watch video from NPS of the earthquake that happened just before the closure.
THE PUNA GEOTHERMAL ELECTRIC PLANT CONTINUES TO BE CLOSED until further notice due to seismic and volcanic activity at nearby Leilani Estates. Mike Kaleikini, of Puna Geothermal Ventures, explained that the power plant is only a few streets away from active eruption fissures. He said it is shut down completely. PGV has removed “flammable gas” pentane from the “inundation zone,” and closed and covered with cinder the geothermal wells.
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| Lava set fire to trees and burned five houses in Leilani. Photo from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory |
Hikes were canceled and about 2,600 visitors were evacuated from the park. Guests at Volcano House hotel and Kīlauea Military Camp relocated. All non-emergency park employees went home.
The epicenter of the 6.9 quake was deep into Puna, close to Leilani Estates where residents are evacuated and lava fountains broke out following the April 30 collapse of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater on the volcano’s eastern flank. The collapse sent underground torrents of magma towards lower Puna communities. On May 3, the first lava erupted out of a fissure in Leilani Estates. The lava led to the burning of five homes and threats to the water system.
This evening Civil Defense reported a pause in the lava coming from the ground at Leilani but was unwilling to allow residents to go back to their homes until the situation is more stable and risk of toxic fumes much lower.
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| Lava travels down road near Puna Geothermal Power plant. Photo from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory |
Close monitoring of lava and earthquake activity will dictate the next steps. Any reports or rumors of explosions at PVG are incorrect, said Kaleikini.
Mayor Harry Kim spoke up to address questions about the safety of the flammable gas: “They’re in complete shutdown. Obviously, I trust them on the shutdown, but I don’t trust them as far as just taking their word for it. We will assure you that Civil Defense, Department of Health, will monitor this institution of the geothermal, and ensure that whatever hazard is created, it is not by geothermal,” Kim said. “They are in the process of removing all flammable materials, and if it’s inadequate, then we’ll move it from there. It is on a shut down. Our job is to mitigate the hazard and risk to you, and we will do our job.”
Ka‘ū Coffee College, Sun, May 6, 9-noon, Pāhala Community Center. Informative talks given by visiting coffee experts. Free; donations appreciated.
Presentations will be made by Fred Seeber of Shore Systems;
The Fuji Royal, Ltd. Mini Roaster from Japan - designed for coffee shops, small farmers with their own brand, and for home - will be presented by Yoshiyuki Asano on Sunday, May 6, after the Coffee College. Also attending will be Tatsuo Fukushima, President of Fuji Royal, and Tokyo manager Yuuki Sugii.
The roasting quality is the same as with large professional coffee roaster machines, said Max Maemori, who represents Fuji Royal in Hawai‘i. The Fuji Royal mini roaster can process as little as a half pound, 250 grams of green beans and 200 grams of roasted beans. "The top quality micro roaster brings the same efficiency of high performance models to your coffee life," said Maemori. The machine weighs about 70 lbs and can fit on a 14 by 28 inch space with a height of two feet.
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| See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
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SUNDAY, MAY 6
CANCELLED DUE TO CLOSURE OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Last day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee College, Sun, May 6, 9-noon, Pāhala Community Center. Informative talks given by visiting coffee experts. Free; donations appreciated. kaucoffeefestival.com
CANCELLED DUE TO CLOSURE OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Palm Trail, Sun, May 6, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, May 6, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, MAY 7
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 7 & 21, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, May 7, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Community Meeting with State Senatorial Candidate Brenda Ford, Mon, May 7, 6-9pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free; donations from $1 to $1,000 accepted.
TUESDAY, MAY 8
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, May 8 (Committees)/9 (Council), Kona; Mon/Wed, May 21 (Committees)/23 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, May 8, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
Return to Abundance: A Vision for Healthy Oceans, Tue, May 8, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kēhau Springer describes how Conservation International Hawai‘i works collaboratively to revitalize pono (responsible) Hawaiian fishing values and practices. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed, May 9 (Council), Kona; Mon/Wed, May 21 (Committees)/23 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
THURSDAY, MAY 10
FRIDAY, MAY 11
SATURDAY, MAY 12
Kāwā Volunteer Day, Sat, May 12, 9:30am, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.
NEW & UPCOMING
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee College, Sun, May 6, 9-noon, Pāhala Community Center. Informative talks given by visiting coffee experts. Free; donations appreciated. kaucoffeefestival.com
CANCELLED DUE TO CLOSURE OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Palm Trail, Sun, May 6, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, May 6, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 7 & 21, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, May 7, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Community Meeting with State Senatorial Candidate Brenda Ford, Mon, May 7, 6-9pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free; donations from $1 to $1,000 accepted.
TUESDAY, MAY 8
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, May 8 (Committees)/9 (Council), Kona; Mon/Wed, May 21 (Committees)/23 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, May 8, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
Return to Abundance: A Vision for Healthy Oceans, Tue, May 8, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kēhau Springer describes how Conservation International Hawai‘i works collaboratively to revitalize pono (responsible) Hawaiian fishing values and practices. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed, May 9 (Council), Kona; Mon/Wed, May 21 (Committees)/23 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
THURSDAY, MAY 10
Disability Legal Services, Thu, May 10, 9:30-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com
Ka‘ū Scenic Byway Dedication Ceremony, Thursday, May
10, at 2:00 p.m. , Manuka
State
Papa ‘Olelo Hawai‘i: Beginning Hawaiian Language Classes, Thu, May 10, Part II, 5-6:30pm, Part V, 6:30-8pm, Volcano Art Center. 8 week courses. Hawaiian language experience preferred (basic for part II). $80/VAC Member, $90/non-Member. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night Spring Show, Thu, May 10, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp, Kīlauea Theater. VSAS 6th, 7th and 8th graders each perform a one-act play. Free admission; donations accepted.
Mother's Day Card - Arts & Crafts, Fri, May 11, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 6 to 12. Register May 7-11. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat, May 12, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
SATURDAY, MAY 12
Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants w/ Zach Mermel, Sat, May 12, 9-noon, Volcano Arts Center
Birth of Kahuku, Sat, May 12, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Maker Fair Spring Spree , Sat, May 12, 10-4pm , The Cooper Center Volcano Village
Zentangle: Fine Feather-Like Friends w/Lydia Meneses, Sat, May 12, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center. Create tiles with feather-like forms. Open to all levels, no experience necessary. Bring snack to share. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Jazz in the Forest Concert, Sat, May 12, 4:30pm & 7pm, Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Django Hot Club of Volcano and French Cafe Jazz. Tickets available online, $18/VAC Member, $20/non-Member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Exhibit: Fishponds of Hawai‘i by Carol Araki Wyban, Daily, May 12-Jun 24, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Public opening reception on May 12, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org
Exhibit: Fishponds of Hawai‘i by Carol Araki Wyban, Daily, May 12-Jun 24, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Public opening reception on May 12, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org
NEW & UPCOMING
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KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ OFFERS A MOTHER'S DAY BUFFET on Sunday, May 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the following menu entrées: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu. Admission is $29 per Adult and $14.50 per Child, from 6 to 11 years old.
Kīlauea Military Camp is located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Reservations required. Call 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com, for more.
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.
Summer Fun - Registration, May 7-10, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. For grades K-6. $40 per child. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. Program runs Mon-Fri, Jun 12-Jul 20, 8-2pm. Richard Karasuda, 939-2510. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool Fundraiser runs
through Wednesday, May 9. Support the Partners In Development Foundation
programs in Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala, for keiki ages birth to 5 years, by purchasing
tickets for a 15 oz. bag of Maebo Noodle Factory’s famous One-Ton chips for $12
each. Contact the Ka‘ū office, located in Nā‘ālehu, at 929-8571.
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 464-9634.
5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22,
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.
One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.
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