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| Lava moon through volcanic haze, laze, S02, and air particles in lower Puna Sunday night that drifted toward Kaʻū. Air quality will be the discussion at a meeting at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and representatives of Kaʻū Hospital, the state Department of Health, and county Emergency Management will be on hand. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik |
INCREASING VOG AND ASH EXPOSURE IN KAʻŪ WILL BE THE TOPIC OF A MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room at 5:30 p.m. in Pāhala.
The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory organized the meeting to explain the ongoing eruptions of ash and S02 from Halemaʻuma`u that comes to Kaʻū on the winds. The scientists will also discuss laze, created from lava entering the ocean, and S02 produced in lower Puna from lava flows and fountaining. They are expected to talk about how much of those gases are blown to Kaʻū.
Also on hand to explain risks to the community, management of indoor air, and how to protect oneself outdoors and in vehicles will be a lung specialist, representatives Emergency Medical Services, Kaʻū Hospital, and the state Department of Health - Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office, and Clean Air Branch.
County Council member Maile David said she hopes to attend. Also attending will be representatives of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.
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HIGHER PARTICULATE AND SO2 LEVELS Sunday and Monday morning extended from Volcano through Ocean View. During some periods, Air Now readings for Ocean View and Pāhala reached a red, unhealthy level. Volcano reached an orange, unhealthy for sensitive groups level, before all became green - the good level - this afternoon and evening.
Numerous ashfalls landed in Kaʻū following explosions today of rock and ash from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Ash plumes reached up to 15,000 feet today.
More than 200 earthquakes occurred in the last 24 hours from Kaʻū through Volcano into lower Puna, including one of 4.1 magnitude at Hilina Pali in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and a 3.5 this morning in Pāhala.
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IN LOWER PUNA, MORE HOMES WERE DESTROYED BY LAVA LAST NIGHT and today, with the total number of buildings reaching more than 200. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno reported during a press briefing that lava rushed and broke through a perched pond of lava last night and took out ten homes. When going door to door to make sure everyone had evacuated homes in the area, he said, fire, public works, and police personnel found about 20 occupied houses and that some people refused to leave. "It kind of gives us terrifying insight into what's going on out there," said Magno. One man with lava next to his house was rescued.
Magno reported 246 people are living in shelters, of the more than 2,000 displaced in lower Puna, mostly from Leilani Estates where the most homes have been destroyed.
Regarding the two Puna Geothermal Venture wells covered by lava, Talmadge said they are holding, after being quenched with water and shut down before the lava intruded, without any emissions reported. He said government and PGV are working to plug and further quench the wells. During a USGS press conference, it was stated that lava flows were not threatening more wells today.
Magno also acknowledged that Poho'iki Bay in lower Puna has been reopened for surfing and that surfers could obtain county placards allowing them to go there. He said that Mayor Harry Kim has the understanding of lower Puna residents' special relationship with the Pohoʻiki surf spot, especially after losing other surf breaks to lava along the Puna coast years ago.
See the entire press conference at bigislandvideonews.com.
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TESTIMONY AGAINST THE PROPOSED NĀʻĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, next to Nāʻālehu Elementary School, was presented to the county Environmental Management Commission at its Kona meeting last week. Sandy Demoruelle, of Nāʻālehu, who opposes not only the location but the kind of treatment facility planned, said the commission will hold a special closed session next month to review county decision making on the project.
She claimed the county "failed to meet with the community" prior to proposing lagoon style wastewater treatment plants in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. Demourelle said she supports less expensive septic systems, saying that they were approved for both towns as the Kaʻū Large-Capacity Cesspool Conversion Project in August, 2007.
Since then, the county, working with the state Department of Health and EPA, has decided to change from septic system plans to a newer design for wastewater treatment, a lagoon treatment system with water, oxygen, microbes, plants and trees processing the wastewater. Demourelle claimed that the new plan is unnecessarily expensive.
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| Laze made from lava entering the ocean in lower Puna on Sunday. Health department and HVO officials will discuss the risks Wednesday at a Pāhala meeting. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik |
Also on hand to explain risks to the community, management of indoor air, and how to protect oneself outdoors and in vehicles will be a lung specialist, representatives Emergency Medical Services, Kaʻū Hospital, and the state Department of Health - Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office, and Clean Air Branch.
County Council member Maile David said she hopes to attend. Also attending will be representatives of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.
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.
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| S02 levels were high, registering orange in Volcano and Pāhala this morning. They registered red, unhealthy for everyone for part of the day, and recovered to green, good air in afternoon and evening. Air map from Air Now |
Numerous ashfalls landed in Kaʻū following explosions today of rock and ash from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Ash plumes reached up to 15,000 feet today.
More than 200 earthquakes occurred in the last 24 hours from Kaʻū through Volcano into lower Puna, including one of 4.1 magnitude at Hilina Pali in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and a 3.5 this morning in Pāhala.
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| A 3.5 earthquake shook Pāhala at 3:55 a.m. this morning, Memorial Day, while multiple earthquakes rocked Volcano and Halemaʻumaʻu Volcano sent ash 10,000 feet into the air. More than 200 earthquakes were recorded in 24 hours. Map from USGS |
IN LOWER PUNA, MORE HOMES WERE DESTROYED BY LAVA LAST NIGHT and today, with the total number of buildings reaching more than 200. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno reported during a press briefing that lava rushed and broke through a perched pond of lava last night and took out ten homes. When going door to door to make sure everyone had evacuated homes in the area, he said, fire, public works, and police personnel found about 20 occupied houses and that some people refused to leave. "It kind of gives us terrifying insight into what's going on out there," said Magno. One man with lava next to his house was rescued.
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| Aerial view of active lava flow crossing Poho'iki Road during an overflight this morning about 7 a.m. HST. Poho'iki Road cuts through middle of photograph. Note lava fountains erupting (top right) from fissure 8 (left-side fountain) and 24 (right-side fountain) from the fissure complex. By late this morning, the flow's advance slowed to a few meters (yards) per hour, and fissure 8 activity had diminished significantly. USGS photo |
Regarding the two Puna Geothermal Venture wells covered by lava, Talmadge said they are holding, after being quenched with water and shut down before the lava intruded, without any emissions reported. He said government and PGV are working to plug and further quench the wells. During a USGS press conference, it was stated that lava flows were not threatening more wells today.
Magno also acknowledged that Poho'iki Bay in lower Puna has been reopened for surfing and that surfers could obtain county placards allowing them to go there. He said that Mayor Harry Kim has the understanding of lower Puna residents' special relationship with the Pohoʻiki surf spot, especially after losing other surf breaks to lava along the Puna coast years ago.
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| Close view of lava channel in middle of the lava flow erupting from fissure 8 during this morning's overflight at about 7 a.m. HST. The tallest lava fountain is fissure 8, active since yesterday evening. The eruption rate at fissure 8 diminished significantly later in the morning. USGS photo |
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.
TESTIMONY AGAINST THE PROPOSED NĀʻĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, next to Nāʻālehu Elementary School, was presented to the county Environmental Management Commission at its Kona meeting last week. Sandy Demoruelle, of Nāʻālehu, who opposes not only the location but the kind of treatment facility planned, said the commission will hold a special closed session next month to review county decision making on the project.
She claimed the county "failed to meet with the community" prior to proposing lagoon style wastewater treatment plants in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. Demourelle said she supports less expensive septic systems, saying that they were approved for both towns as the Kaʻū Large-Capacity Cesspool Conversion Project in August, 2007.
Since then, the county, working with the state Department of Health and EPA, has decided to change from septic system plans to a newer design for wastewater treatment, a lagoon treatment system with water, oxygen, microbes, plants and trees processing the wastewater. Demourelle claimed that the new plan is unnecessarily expensive.
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| A community member discussing the proposed Nāʻālehu treatment plant with a consulting engineer for the county during public input meeting in April. Photo by Julia Neal |
Demoruelle contended that her suit was filed “so the County will have to decide to start the EIS process or just implement their original LCC conversion plans.” The county is in the process of finalizing the choice of a site and proceeding with EIS requirements, said county representatives.
Demoruelle noted that county Bill 9 a.m. , via video conferencing from Nāʻālehu.
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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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TUESDAY, MAY 29
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, May 29, 11:30-1pm , St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Saving Rare Plants from the Brink of Extinction in HVNP, Tue, May 29, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Saving Rare Plants from the Brink of Extinction in HVNP, Tue, May 29, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, May 30, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Wed & Thu, May 30 & 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177
VA Medical Services, Thursdays, May 31, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Thu, May 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177
FRIDAY, JUNE 1
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Jun 1-29 (closed Jun 11), Ka’ū. Nā’ālehu: Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263. Ocean View: Ocean View Community Center, Mon & Tue, 8-1pm. Pāhala: Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue & Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See hceoc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-LIHEAP-APPLICATION.pdf for eligibility requirements and application.
23rd Annual Kona Classic Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, Jun 1-3, Honokōhau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-$3,000. Qualifying weights: Marlin, 100lbs; Ahi, 50lbs; Mahi, 15lbs; Ono, 15lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 2
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, Jun 2 - Jul 14, statewide & online. Register (starting Jun 2) and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
yART Sale! Gigantic Rummage Sale, Sat, Jun 2, 8:30-2pm, Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana. Benefits VAC programs and workshops. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: May Stewardship at the Summit, Jun 2, 8, 16, 23, & 29, 8:45am, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
Stained Glass Basics II, Sat & Sun, Jun 2, 3, 9 & 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Jun 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack.
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Palm Trail, Sun, Jun 3, 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, Jun 3, 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/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, JUNE 4
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon/Tue/Wed, Jun 4 & 5 (Committees)/6 (Council), Hilo. Mon/Tue, Jun 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Jun 4 & 18, 1pm, 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 Dept. Meeting, Mon, Jun 4, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Thu, May 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Jun 1-29 (closed Jun 11), Ka’ū. Nā’ālehu: Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263. Ocean View: Ocean View Community Center, Mon & Tue, 8-1pm. Pāhala: Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue & Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See hceoc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-LIHEAP-APPLICATION.pdf for eligibility requirements and application.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, Jun 2 - Jul 14, statewide & online. Register (starting Jun 2) and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
yART Sale! Gigantic Rummage Sale, Sat, Jun 2, 8:30-2pm, Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana. Benefits VAC programs and workshops. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: May Stewardship at the Summit, Jun 2, 8, 16, 23, & 29, 8:45am, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Jun 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack.
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Palm Trail, Sun, Jun 3, 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, Jun 3, 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/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, JUNE 4
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon/Tue/Wed, Jun 4 & 5 (Committees)/6 (Council), Hilo. Mon/Tue, Jun 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Mon, Jun 4, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
ONGOING
Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
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.
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.
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.
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.
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
5th Annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The
Volcano School
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.
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.
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.
5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m. ; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Mon, July 9: 5K, $25/person; 10K, $35/person; and 1/2 Marathon , $45/person. From July 9 to Aug 11: $30/person, $40/person, and $45/person, respectively. From Aug 13 to Sept 20: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.
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.
