Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Halemaʻumaʻu ash plume this morning. Photo by Cindy Orlando

MESSAGES OF ROCK FALLS AND GAS EXPLOSIONS within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater came from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense today, beginning at 10 a.m. with a report of "an ash plume which is carrying ash downstream across the Kaʻū District. Ash is being reported along Highway 11 to Pāhala."

     At Volcano Golf Course, and along Highway 11, folks looked up to see a giant grey ash cloud rising before them, with reports of it extending some 11,000 feet into the sky. This evening, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park stationed a lit sign on Hwy 11, telling drivers not to stop for the next ten miles. The effort is to keep people as far away from the crater as possible, as more ash plumes and possible steam explosions are expected.

     Civil Defense cautioned: "Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant. Those with respiratory sensitivities should take extra precaution to minimize exposure. Motorists are advised to drive with caution."

Looking up at Halemaʻumaʻu plume from Volcano Golf

Course. Image posted on Hawaiʻi News Now

       At 1 p.m. with the blue sky over Kapapala turning a grey-brown, as ash rolled from Volcano toward Pāhala, another alert: "The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a steady eruption of ash coming from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is causing ash to fall downwind across portions of Kaʻū District. Ash is being reported along Highway 11 to Pāhala." By about 4 p.m., the ash plume turned to a whiter color of steam.

      Last night Hawai`i News Now carried stories of ash in Kaʻū. Jessie Marques, founder of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, showed her mask that she keeps with her in her truck and in her home in Pāhala. "I do have neighbors and friends and family and it has created more problems for them. Now they tend to stay indoors... it has created a breathing problem for them," she told Hawaiʻi News Now.

Jessie Marques of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association talked 

with Hawaiʻi News Now about the affects of SO2 and ash on health. 

Image from Daryl Lee/Hawaiʻi News Now

     Marques said the bad air has exacerbated her own asthma. She pointed to ash covering her truck and said it is covering lanais, decks, and buildings.

     Hawaiʻi News Now also interviewed Kaʻū Coffee Mill manager Lou Daniele, who reported ash fall and discomfort among outdoor workers at the mill and farm.
     The news broadcast showed Marlene Freitas, of the Pāhala coffee growing family, being approached by Civil Defense volunteers going door to door, giving out information on protecting families from fumes and ash.

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Halemaʻumaʻu plume, viewed from Highway 11 today.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

EXTENDED ELECTRICAL POWER INTERRUPTIONS could be possible if ash from Halemaʻumaʻu falls on insulators and utility equipment, Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. reported this evening. "A combination of a light dusting of ash and moisture on utility insulators could result in electrical short circuits, which could cause power interruptions," warned Rhea Lee-Moku, spokesperson for Hawaiʻi Electric Light. "If this occurs, we are prepared to respond once it is safe for employees to work in the impacted area. While we have equipment that can wash off ash from utility equipment, this is the first experience we will have with widespread volcanic ash."      

     The utility stated that "Extended power interruptions may occur if the ash fallout covers a large area or is very heavy and damages utility equipment. Hawaiʻi Electric Light recommends customers who experience a power interruption to: Unplug sensitive electronic equipment and other electric appliances; keep the doors to refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible; discard any perishable food that has been above 41 degrees F for over two hours; food can stay cold in the refrigerator for up to four to six hours if the door is kept closed and for about one to three days in the freezer, depending on how full the freezer is.

A Civil Air Patrol plane caught this image of the ash plume topping out at 9,000 feet, 
with dispersed plume reaching 11,000 feet this morning. CAP photo

     “Those dependent on life support should make prior arrangements with a hospital or emergency facility.”

     A total of about 400 customers in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens are without power. No additional outages have been caused by new fissures that opened in the last 24 hours.

     Steam, seismic activity and cracking pavement can affect the stability of poles and electrical equipment. Last week, line crews replaced a pole that fell on Leilani Avenue that may have been toppled by shifting ground, even though it was some distance from an active fissure.

     Hawaiʻi Electric Light continues to warn residents to, “assume that all downed lines and equipment are energized and dangerous. Stay at least three cars lengths away from downed lines and use caution around all poles and overhead lines.”

Halemaʻumaʻu plume seen by firefighter Lizzy Stabo 
on Highway 11 today. Photo by Lizzy Stabo

     Hawaiʻi Electric Light personnel started working in Leilani Estates today to secure equipment so that it is safe and to reduce the potential for future damage - replacing an anchor to stabilize a pole, for example. While residents will see workers in the area, workers will not make repairs or re-energize any circuits while volcanic activity continues, said the Hawaiʻi Electric Light statement.

     "With the shutdown of the Puna Geothermal Venture plant, Hawaiʻi Electric Light still has sufficient power generation available to meet the island's needs. PGV is an independent power producer that sells electricity to Hawaiʻi Electric Light."

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AS LAVA FROM FISSURE 17 SLOWLY MOVED TOWARD THE OCEAN - in the direction of Kaimu Kapoho Road, Vacationland, and Kapoho Bay - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported this evening that Fissure 6, near Leilani Avenue and Pohoiki Road, has become active again. Lava fountaining and spatter began about 4:45 p.m.
     Up at Kīlauea Crater, HVO has increased the Aviation Color Code to Red due to increased ash emission. "Ash has been rising nearly continuously from the vent and drifting downwind to the southwest. Ashfall and vog have been reported along Highway 11 to Pāhala. At any time, activity may increase the intensity of ash production," said the 6 p.m. report.

Green triangles show fissures and brown areas are where lava covered ground. Fissure 17 is feeding the lava flowing
toward the coast toward the Kaimu Kapoho Road, Kapoho Bay, and Vacationland. Enlarge the map for detail. 

     Due to the volcanic activity, Volcano School of Art and Science will be closed tomorrow. For up to date information go to http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/2018-lava-map. For the latest images and information from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea

/multimedia_chronology.html

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HEAD OF THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO COME TO HAWAIʻI and work with Sen. Mazie K. Hirono. According to Hirono, Linda McMahon will assist Hawaiʻi small business owners affected by recent natural disasters. Hirono, who questioned the Small Business Administration director during a Small Business Committee Oversight Hearing in the U.S. Senate today, urged McMahon to meet with business owners impacted by natural disasters of the volcano on Hawaiʻi Island, and flooding on Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu.

Sen. Mazie Hirono questions SBA Adminisitrator Linda
McMahon today U.S. Senate hearing. See video.

      “Small businesses in all of these communities must completely rebuild or are severely impacted by losses in visitor revenue,” said Hirono. “Our immediate response has been focused on relief efforts, but these communities will require additional resources to recover from these disasters. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that Hawai`i businesses impacted by these natural disasters have the support they need in the coming weeks and months.”

     Hirono maintains a list of resources and information from government agencies on her website for Hawai`i residents affected by recent natural disasters.

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TO KEEP TRAFFIC MOVING IN LOWER PUNA, the state Department of Transportation is installing metal plates on top of cracks in the Keaau-Pāhoa Road (Highway 130) from Malama Street to Kamaili Road. Motorists are advised to drive with caution. HDOT and County personnel will be stationed along the route to ensure the roadway is safe for local traffic. The state Dept. of Health reports hazardous emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas from fissures remain especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies, and people with respiratory problems. SO2 can be carried with wind, or cover an area with no wind.

Lava coming from Fissure 17 appears to be headed toward Kapoho.
Photo from Big Island Video News

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THE POTENTIAL FOR A TSUNAMI generated from volcanic activity in Puna and Halemaʻumaʻu is an unfounded rumor, the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency reported this evening. An agency spokesperson said Civil Defense has received several inquiries from media and the public asking about the potential for a tsunami to affect other counties. "This is a false message being spread."

     According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, "There is no geologic evidence for a tsunami-generating earthquake at this time. Any such event is extremely unlikely. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and other county, state, and federal partners continue to monitor the volcanic and seismic activity. We will inform you of any conditions that affect your safety," said the Civil Defense statement.

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance certificate holders helped with tax preparation through Good

 Will Industries. The Hawai`i Community College students are: Maria Jessica Malicdem, Jorge 

Cisneros, Kapua Silva, Kylee Kaakimaka Paris, Shereen Tagarino, Siniva Pota (instructor),

 Alexis Terlep, Philomena Scherling, and Dylan Sofia Lee. Photo from HCC

STUDENTS IN ACCOUNTING VOLUNTEERED TO HELP WITH TAX PREPARATION this tax season. The volunteer effort was arranged by Hawaiʻi Community College, instructor Siniva Pota and Goodwill Industries. Good Will Industries of Hawaiʻi Assistant Director of Career Services Raymond Saludares, said, “These students exhibited a remarkable level of professionalism and dedication in preparing quality tax returns that enhance the standard of living for those who may not be able to afford the high cost of tax return preparations.”

     The volunteer students in Accounting 134 were taught the practical skill of preparing federal and Hawaiʻi individual tax returns and received Volunteer Income Tax Assistance certificates.

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Emergency bags for keiki of Ka‘ū project is almost 

complete. Contact Dina Shisler to help finish the 

project so bags can be distributed at Nā‘ālehu 

Elementary School. Photo by Dina Shisler

Bags containing helpful items will be 

distributed at Nā‘ālehu Elementary 

School. Photo by Dina Shisler

EMERGENCY BAGS FOR KEIKI, created by Community Emergency Response Team volunteers in Discovery Harbour, are nearly complete. The project’s goal was to put together 400 of these bags, with items both useful and fun: “Anything a child from Kindergarten to 5th grade could play with to keep them busy during a disaster,” states Dina Shisler, who has organized this effort.

     “I have made my goal of 400 bags and can't wait to see each student of Nā‘ālehu Elementary School go home with one,” said Shisler. “My hope is that other communities see this and start their Student program. I am happy to meet with any one that would like my help to put their plan together. Mahalo to The Ka‘ū Calendar for all the help getting my message out.”

     The bags are designed for children's safety and security, to carry personal items needed in case of a natural disaster. Each bag contains 1 whistle with lanyard, 1 small flashlight with lanyard, a battery, a preparedness coloring book provided by Hawaiʻi Health Dept., flyer for parents, a Spinner donated by Ocean View Ace Hardware, and a fun gift provided by Discovery Harbour residents Carol & Earl Spradling and Ed & Marvell Rau. Each bag will have each child's name, address, and names of parents and guardians. Each will carry a blanket, pair of pajamas, stuffed toys, and photos of parents, friends, and pets.

Ka Lae Quilters Hetty Rush and Amy Krommes make emergency 

backpacks for children as part of their volunteer work for the 

Community Emergency Response Team. Photo by Dina Shisler

     Members of Ka Lae Quilters used their expertise to sew the bags to hold the items. C.E.R.T. members enlisted the Ka‘ū Police Department, the Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept., Discount Fabric Warehouse owner Bill Miller, and The Ka‘ū Calendar newspaper. The bags will be distributed at the Nā‘ālehu Elementary School when they are complete.

     Contact Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

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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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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Lei Hulu Demonstration, Wed, May 16, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his fine mastery of the intricate art of making feather lei. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, May 16, noon-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, MAY 17

VA Medical Services, Thu, May 3 & 17, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, May 17, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, May 17, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, May 17, 6:30pm, United MethodistChurch in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Fishponds Of Hawai‘i: Free Lecture and Slideshow by Carol Araki Wyban, Thu, May 17, 7-8pm, Volcano Art Center. Artist presenting exhibited at Volcano Art Center Gallery, May 12-June 24. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MAY 18

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Forest Restoration with Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Friday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Work on the Mauna Loa strip, clearing invasive weeds around native seedlings planted in the past, allowing the park to control blackberry and other weeds without hurting the seedlings. Registration required. To volunteer, contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening May 14, 2018. Include your first & last name(s), email address(s), and a phone number in case of cancellation.

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workay, Fri, May 18, 9-3pm; contact in advance for meeting location. Short hike to site. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

Ho‘okani Pila (Play Music) Workshop, Fri, May 18, 10-noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how to play simple, fun songs on the ‘ukulele. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, MAY 19

Stained Glass Basics I w/Lois Pollock, Sat & Sun, May 19, 20, 26 & 27, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $15 supply fee/person. Advance registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, May 19, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, May 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

The Art Express, Sat, May 19, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Hula Kahiko w/Wahineaukai Mercado w/Ke Ana La‘ahana PublicCharter School, Sat, May 19, 10:30-11:30am, kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. Volcano Art Center, volcanoartcenter.org

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Nā Mea Hula w/ Loke Kamanu and ‘ohana, Sat, May 19, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Mongolian BBQ, Sat, May 19, 5-8pm Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, May 19, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, MAY 20

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Day w/Island Naturals, Sun, May 20, contact in advance for meeting time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Space limited. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

People & Land of Kahuku, Sun, May 20, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, MAY 21

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 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

Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, May 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MAY 22

Hawai‘i County Special Council Meeting, First Reading of Operating& CIP Budgets, Tue, May 22, 9-4:30pm, Hilo Council Chambers. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, May 22, 3 p.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Auditions for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainments Musical "Oliver," Tue & Wed, May 22 & 23, 6:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Parts for all ages and ability. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

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
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. Early registration ends May 14; price increase for half marathon from $80 to $85, 10K from $40 to $45, 5K stays at $30. Registration increases again August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K $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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