Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, May 27, 2018

Ash plume today, Sunday, May 27, seen from Volcano Golf Course. Explosions from Halemaʻumaʻu send plumes thousands of feet above
 sea level, often multiple times each day. This one at noon reached 10,000 feet. Winds are expected to change and send the ash
 toward Puna and Hilo. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik

HALEMAʻUMAʻU OVERLOOK VENT AT KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT HAS EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY, reported Steve Brantley, USGS Deputy Scientist in Charge of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Observatory. He told press today that the crater - known for its lava lake until this month - has a vent that has widened by 7.5 times in the last three weeks as the lava lake disappeared.

     Since the lava lake began to drain out of sight, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater's vent, inside Kīlauea Caldera, has expanded from 12 to about 90 acres since May 5. This is “a consequence of magma withdrawal from directly beneath Halemaʻumaʻu Crater,” said Brantley. He explained that the lava held up the walls of the crater. Without the lava, the walls are sloughing off, he said.

This image shows Kīlauea Volcano on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. (left) compared to May 25 at 6:30 p.m. (right). Comparing the two images shows that the summit eruptive vent continues to expand as the unsupported conduit walls collapse. As of the afternoon of May 25, the vent expansion included not only continued westward growth of the vent rim, but also a subsidiary pit on the north part of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. Further enlargements are anticipated over the coming days to weeks as subsidence of Kīlauea caldera, rockfalls, and small explosions continue. USGS photo

     USGS and HVO used radar data acquired by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite for images to get measurements. The satellite transmits a radar signal toward the surface and measures the strength of the return, with bright areas indicating a strong return and dark areas a weak return. Strong returns indicate rough surfaces or slopes that point back at the radar, while weak returns come from smooth surfaces or slopes angled away from the radar.

     Kīlauea's summit caldera has also subsided in the last three weeks, said Brantley. The caldera floor just north of Halemaʻumaʻu has dropped by four and a half feet. About a mile north of that, the caldera floor has dropped by almost two feet.

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Sunday's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lava map showing ocean entries and the lava on its way to
 covering a geothermal well. USGS map

LAVA IS MOVING IN LOWER PUNA OVER THE GEOTHERMAL WELLS. Puna Geothermal Ventures produced 20 percent of the electricity for this island's Hawaiian Electric Light Co. customers. When volcanic activity threatened the geothermal wells, PGV shut them down.
     At 6 p.m., County Civil Defense issued a statement saying that lava "covered one well that was successfully plugged. That well, along with a second well 100 feet away, are stable and secured, and are being monitored. Also due to preventative measures, neither well is expected to release any hydrogen sulfide," said the statement.

Clay en route on a Hawaiʻi Pacific Air Cargo plane
to Kona Saturday to be trucked to lower Puna. The clay 
is to help plug geothermal wells threatened by lava, 
which covered at least one geothermal well.
Photo from Pacific Air Cargo

     Gov. David Ige said in a press conference today: "We feel confident that the risk is mitigated."
     Residents living near the PGV site are on alert through messaging by Civil Defense and received a text at 6:15 a.m. today saying the lava had entered the PGV site. Another text came this evening.
     In the meantime, Pacific Air Cargo flew from LA today with 200,000 lbs of a special clay to inject into one of the still active geothermal wells, if necessary, to plug it. Pacific Airs' Chief Operating Officer Thomas Ingram told Hawaiʻi News Now, "We have been closely watching the disturbing images coming out of the Big Island over the past three weeks and are grateful for this opportunity to support the relief efforts in any way we can. To our many friends and customers there, we send our heartfelt best wishes and pray that you all continue stay safe."

     Hawaiʻi News Now reported PGV plant spokesman Mike Kaleikini saying, “All of the production wells nearest to the lava flow are plugged and shut in. As long as conditions are safe, we will have personnel on site. Primary concern is sulfur dioxide from the eruption and lava coming on site. We monitor for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide on a continuous basis," he said, referring to hydrogen sulfide that can be released should the plant itself have a blowout.
     Hawaiʻi News Now reported PGV officials conceded they don’t know if hydrogen sulfide is the only possible hazard the community could face if lava interacts with their wells.

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THE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUED A MAN TRAPPED BY LAVA AND RESIDENTS WERE URGED TO FLEE Leilani Estates on Nohea Street and Luana Street between Leilani Ave., and on Kahukai and Kupono Streets between Malama Street and Leilani Avenue. Civil Defense sent out a 7:54 p.m. message that everyone needs "to evacuate immediately due to a fast moving lava flow from Fissure 7." Shortly after, the rescue attempt began. Shelters are open at the Pāhoa Community Center, Keaʻau Community Center, and the Sure Foundation Church.  Shelters are pet friendly."

     Ikaika Marzo reported live on Facebook this afternoon that there seemed to be a slow down in the volume of lava he was seeing in Leilani Estates and elsewhere. However, he clarified that there is no guarantee that the volcano will calm down and will not have more robust activity unexpecedly.

Ikaika Marzo, center with Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is working with the military 
and other federal agencies for more aid and coordination for the volcano 
disaster. Marzo posts updates on lava flows, live on Facebook.

     Civil Defense reported early today the new fissure – number 24 – between Kupono and Nohea streets in Leilani Estates.

     Civil Defense confirms lava now covers more than 2,372 acres, which is 3.7 square miles, in lower Puna.

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DROP IN WIND MAY SHIFT ASH AND GASSES EAST AND NORTHEAST in the coming days from both fissures in lower Puna and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea summit.
     Ian Morrison of NOAA told press today the next few days will see tradewinds calm down, turning to push up towards Puna - and maybe even Hilo - by tomorrow evening through Tuesday. After that, the wind should go back to blowing to the southwest, as it has been for most of the last week. The island may also see a small uptick in rainfall over the next few days.

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WEBSITE GIVING AIR QUALITY INDEX READINGS is again not showing readings at press time. The site's map shows green for Pāhala, orange for Ocean View, and yellow for Kona.
     SO2 levels for Pāhala, Volcano locations at Jaggar Museum and the Visitor's Center, and Kona all showed good air all day. Ocean View had brief spikes into moderate in the morning and evening, and unhealthy for sensitive groups in the early morning.

     See AirNow. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality predictions on its VMAP.

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Kaʻū High's four college-bound 2018 Athletes of the Year:
Nainoa Ke, Analei Emmsley, Malie Ibarra, and Rowlie Flores.
Photo from Kaʻū High

KAʻŪ HIGH NAMED ATHLETES OF THE YEAR in May. All four are seniors and college bound.

     Female Principal Scholar Athlete of the Year Malie Ibarra served as captain of the cheerleading team and swim team. She earned a 3.3 GPA. She heads to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to major in Business Administration.

     Male Principal Scholar Athlete of the Year Rowlie Flores ran Track and Cross Country. He earned a 4.2 GPA. He heads to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

     Male Athlete of the Year Nainoa Ke played football and basketball, and heads to a college on the mainland.

     Female Athlete of the Year Analei Emmsley played softball, soccer and basketball. She heads to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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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MONDAY, MAY 28

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Memorial Day Ceremony, Mon, May 28, 3pm, Kīlauea Military Camp front lawn, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Gathering to remember and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Keynote Speaker: Major Kawika Hosea, Executive Officer of 1-299 Cavalry Regiment, Keaukaha Military Reservation. In case of rain, ceremony will move indoors. Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Memorial Day Buffet, Mon, May 28, 4-7pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Campy, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes BBQ Kalua Pork, Local Styles Fried Chicken with Gravy, Salads and more. $19/Adult, $10/Child (6-11 yrs). Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 29

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, May 29, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

MAY BE 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

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Ku‘i Kalo Demonstration, Wed, May 30, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make poi, staple food of traditional Hawaiian diet. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

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

THURSDAY, MAY 31

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

*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

NEW & UPCOMING

VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES A GIGANTIC RUMMAGE SALE event, yART, on Saturday, June 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., to benefit their programs and workshops. The event takes place in Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana.
     The art center is seeking gardening and yard equipment, kitchen items, art, prints, collectables, tools, appliances, furniture, and “those odd christmas gifts,” says the event description. All items must be clean and in working condition. Volcano Art Center asks that donated items be brought to their Volcano Village location on Old Volcano Road by Sunday, May 26.
     For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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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.

5^th Annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences at Volcano Winery Sun, Sept 9. Tickets on sale Aug 1: volcanowinery.com or 967-7772. Live music by The Young Brothers; food & drink from local restaurants; award-winning wine and tea; tours of the vineyards.

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.

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