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| Volcano-impacted farms, like those seen above, would receive more assistance under the U.S. Senate version of the Farm Bill, which goes to conference committee. See story below. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Under a clear blue sky, above a gaping gray crater of ash and rock, HVO's Chief Scientist Tina Neal said it’s “Bittersweet to be here today.” She talked about the park closure around the crater, and HVO pulling staff and equipment out of its headquarters on the edge of the caldera. She referred to Kīlauea lava destroying homes and displacing residents. “With the profound impacts to the people going on in lower Puna and in Volcano and the rest of the island, it’s just time to think about how somber that component of what’s going on, is now.”
Neal said that “despite there being this profound sense of loss” with partial closure of the park and destruction in lower Puna, “it’s also, for our scientists, a very inspirational time because of the change. And if you think back to the founding of HVO more than a hundred years ago, it was put here because of the rapid pace of change at Kīlauea and how active Kīlauea Volcano was.”
HVO’s founder, Dr. Thomas Jaggar, “recognized that this was a perfect place to establish a laboratory to study volcanic processes, so that we would better understand how they can potentially impact society and give us the ability to warn people ahead of time and allow us to live safely with volcanoes.” She said that HVO scientists, “even though we are dealing with the disruption, are really engaged scientifically, trying to figure out what is happening, to give the best guidance to the National Park and other emergency authorities – and, indeed, the public - so they can make good decisions about their own safety.”
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| HVO Chief Scientist Tina Neal Photo from Big Island Video News |
Neal pointed to the unmanned aerial vehicles team that has been working at Halemaʻumaʻu for more than a month to obtain UAV footage of the very hazardous area. She said HVO is bringing new tools to the table, and that “Dr. Jaggar would be very approving of it - to allow us to gain the knowledge to better understand what’s going on.”
Kyle Anderson, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, explained that magma is rising up beneath the summit of Kīlauea from its supply region, passing through the summit storage reservoir system, and then migrating down the rift zone where it’s either stored or erupted. “Because the rate of magma exiting the summit storage system - the summit reservoir - is so much greater than the rate at which magma is supplied to that reservoir - the summit magma reservoir is deflating - you can think of that a bit like air being let out of a balloon. That’s causing subsidence, cracking, and deformation across a broad and widening region of Kīlauea Caldera,” he said.
Anderson said that “the rates of subsidence in some places, particularly close to Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, are very large, as much as 30 feet or more per day.” The deformation, the slumping, he said, is “happening episodically,” over recent weeks about once a day. He noted that earlier in the eruption, this slumping gave rise to vigorous ash plumes and the ejection of ballistic fragments to the region surrounding the crater. “More recently, that has not been true. Very little ash is being emitted currently, but these slumping events are producing large earthquakes which are felt very strongly in the Kīlauea Summit region. Magma is exiting the summit storage system rapidly. Rock, which composes the floor of the caldera, is slumping downwards and inward to replace magma, which is being evacuated towards the rift zone,” Anderson said. He noted that the bottom of the crater is about 1,000 feet below the old caldera floor.
Anderson said that “the rates of subsidence in some places, particularly close to Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, are very large, as much as 30 feet or more per day.” The deformation, the slumping, he said, is “happening episodically,” over recent weeks about once a day. He noted that earlier in the eruption, this slumping gave rise to vigorous ash plumes and the ejection of ballistic fragments to the region surrounding the crater. “More recently, that has not been true. Very little ash is being emitted currently, but these slumping events are producing large earthquakes which are felt very strongly in the Kīlauea Summit region. Magma is exiting the summit storage system rapidly. Rock, which composes the floor of the caldera, is slumping downwards and inward to replace magma, which is being evacuated towards the rift zone,” Anderson said. He noted that the bottom of the crater is about 1,000 feet below the old caldera floor.
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Deep cracks have popped up all around the edges of Kīlauea
Caldera, as Halemaʻumaʻu crater subsides after the
loss of its lava lake. Photo from Big Island Video News
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Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory has reported that the SO2 readings are at least half of what they were during the days of the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake, giving hope that Kaʻū air may soon be
cleaner than it's been in many years.
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cleaner than it's been in many years.
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.
“The ongoing volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island has had a devastating impact on local agricultural producers. The provision I successfully included in this year’s farm bill will provide much needed relief to our agricultural community,” said Hirono. “This Senate Farm Bill supports many programs that are critical to Hawaiʻi farmers and growers.”
The NAP Program provides assistance to producers of non-insurable crops – including papaya, leafy greens, floriculture, and aquaculture – in the event that natural disasters destroy crops, reduce yields, or prevent planting.
Those affected by the volcanic activity will be able to access up to $125,000 in assistance even if they had not previously signed up for NAP coverage for the 2018 crop year. The underlying bill also establishes a payment limit of $125,000 for catastrophic coverage and $300,000 for additional coverage within NAP for future policies.
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Scales of the Macadamia Felted coccid, a disease to be studied with
funding in the 2018 Farm Bill. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi
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Hirono also teamed up with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to include a floor amendment to provide small grants for individuals, food banks, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit organizations to promote food security and the availability of fresh food for local communities throughout Hawaiʻi.
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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Dina Shisler, surrounded by toys and emergency supplies,
supplied to every Nāʻālehu school student a flashlight, whistle,
and survival
blanket. Photo from Dina Shisler
|
EVERY STUDENT OF NĀʻĀLAHU SCHOOL RECEIVED AN EMERGENCY TOGO
BAG, made by a group of women quilters. On May 30, volunteer Dina Shisler, of Discovery
Harbour togos for
additional students when they start school.
She thanked Kalae Quilters as well
as County Council member Maile David, who helped pay for supplies; ʻO Kaʻū Kākou; Discount
Fabric Warehouse’s Bill Miller; J. Hara in Kurtistown; police
officers officers Dane Shybiuyo and Clayton Tayaman; Carol and Earl
Spradling; and Ed and Marvel Rau. Shisler
said she would be happy to help other volunteer groups to produce the emergency
bags for keiki in their own communities.
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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
|
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
Coffee Talk, Fri, Jun 29,
Mystery Bag Game, Fri, Jun 29, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade, Sat, Jun 30, Hwy 11, Nā‘ālehu. Sign-ups open. Call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872
Birds of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: The Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational Exhibition, Daily, Jun 30-Aug 12, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Special opening reception with 8 participating artists held Sat, Jun 30, 5-7pm, Free. volcanoartcenter.org
Grow Me the Money: Record-Keeping Principles and Best Practices for farmers and food producers, Sat, Jun 30, 3-6pm, Kaʻū District Gym. Free; registration required. Contact Megan Blazak, 887-6411, or koha.la/growmoney
Imua Puna, Sat, June 30,3-10pm , 16-111 Opukahala St
SUNDAY, JULY 1
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun, July 1, 9:30 - 11 a.m. , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, every Sat and Sun in July: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29; 12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities. Free. Check nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/cultural-programs.htm for details.
4th of July Parade, Craft Fair, Wed, July 4, 9-1:30pm , Volcano Village Old Volcano Rd Cooper Center Cooper Center Volcanoes National Park 8-5pm ) or email idoaloha@gmail.com. thecoopercenter.org
4th of July Picnic, Wed, July 4,2pm , Discovery Harbour Community Center. $6, bring your own beverage. Register by Friday, June 29, by calling Discovery Harbour on Friday, June 29, between 8am and noon.
Imua Puna, Sat, June 30,
SUNDAY, JULY 1
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, July 1, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park
MONDAY, JULY 2
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Estuary Restoration Workday, Mon, July 2, contact in advance for meet up time. Requires a short hike to access site. Pending volcanic activity/air quality. Space limited. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, July 2, 16, and 30, 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 Department Meeting, Mon, July 2, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, JULY 3
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, July 3, 4-6pm, July 17, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, July 3, 6-8pm , Pāhala Community Center
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
4th of July Parade, Craft Fair, Wed, July 4, 4th of July Picnic, Wed, July 4,
THURSDAY, JULY 5
Hula Voices w/Kumu Manaiakalani Kalua, Thu, July 5, 5-6pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, July 5, 6-7pm , Ocean View Community Center
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu, July 5, 6:30pm , Aspen Center
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Paniolo wrangles a steer at Nāʻālehu Fourth of July Rodeo.
Photo by Julia Neal |
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Bull riding is a highlight of the annual Fourth of July Rodeo.
Photo by Julia Neal
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Events include Open Team Roping, Kane/Wahine Dally Team Roping, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Kane/Wahine Ribbon Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Tie Down Roping, Wahine Break Away, Po‘o Wai U, and Bull Riding.
Dummy Roping, Goat Undecorating, Calf Riding, and Youth Barrel Racing events are set for youngsters. Food, crafts, and t-shirt booths will be on hand.
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.
ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through Friday, June 29.
In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue, 8-4:30pm.
In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.
Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the program start date, October 2018, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applications must also have their own housing and transportation, a drivers license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held Saturday, June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through Saturday, July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park invites kamaʻaina and tourist alike to visit the Kahuku Unit. There are no entry fees, and all programs are free of charge. In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent. Sunday, July 1, Pu‘u o Lokuana: This short 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone is ideal for families. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū.
10 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue, 8-4:30pm.
In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.
Paid Intern sought by The Nature Conservancy, to work from October 2018 through August 2019 with their Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which has native forest preserves located in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an online application at kupuhawaii.org under Conservation Leaders Program by Saturday, June 30; kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an online application at kupuhawaii.org under Conservation Leaders Program by Saturday, June 30; kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receive an entry-level conservation career experience.
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held Saturday, June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
Disaster Recovery Center, jointly operated by Hawaiʻi County, the State of Hawaiʻi , and FEMA, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Keaʻau High School Gym. Buses run from 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour. See the full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through Saturday, July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ike Hana Noe ʻAu, Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July, made possible by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. June 30, Hū: make a traditional Hawaiian spinning top with kukui nut, a favorite of nā keiki (children). July 1, ‘Ulana Niu; weave fun, whimsical items from coconut palm leaves.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. ; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
In the Visitor Contact Station, Coffee Talk, a monthly, casual get together, is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m . On June 29, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund will present Removing Trash, Restoring Habitat. On July 27,
See the Kahuku Unit Rangers, The Kahuku Cowgirls, in the Nā ͑ālehu 4th of July Parade Saturday, June 30, beginning at Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
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.
Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
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,
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.
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