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| Fast flowing lava river from Fissure 8 continues to feed the ocean entry at Kapoho. USGS photo |
The cinder cone continues to grow in the Leilani Estates area at Fissure 8, with the cone itself 130 feet high in places, with lava fountains reaching 130 to 150 feet, as seen in this morning's USGS overflight.
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| Jagged Kapoho Coast, with 250 acres of land added to the island, as shown by this morning's overflight. USGS photo |
National Weather Service predicts that "slow winds will bring vog inland and to the south, wrapping around to the Kona area this week. The heavy vog conditions are expected to stay this way until the early part of next week." Wherever volcanic and air quality conditions become a problem, the state Department of Health recommends limiting outside activities and staying indoors for those with breathing issues. Monitor the latest air quality measurements through the University of Hawaiʻi’s Vog Measurement and Prediction Project. See SO2 levels. See particulates in the AQI measurements. See the EPA's multi-agency site.
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| Workers pave airstrip, in preparation for emergency evacuations from lava-inundated areas. The area may be put to use for transitional housing for those displaced by the eruption. See interview with Hawai‘i County Public Works Deputy Director Merrick Nishimoto on Big Island Video News |
THE PUNA AIRSTRIP READIED FOR MASS EVACUATIONS MAY TURN INTO TRANSITIONAL HOUSING for those displaced by the eruption, says Hawai‘i County Public Works Deputy Director Merrick Nishimoto. He said the unused air strip was paved as part of the emergency response to the volcanic eruption.
“The need for the landing strip as a landing zone for the helicopters has passed,” Nishimoto said. “However there’s talks right now about possibly using that for additional, transitional housing. We’re looking into that, possibly putting up additional units there for transitional short-term housing – not long-term housing – but something that we can use for the interim. There are some utilities available, also, all along that landing strip.”
See the interview with the Hawai‘i County Public Works Deputy Director on Big Island Video News.
ASH, PARTICULATES, AND SO2 IN OCEAN VIEW will be the subject of a meeting at Ocean View Community Center at
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| One Kaʻū ʻĀina a.k.a. Team Kaʻū team member designed shirts for the group. See facebook.com/adrian.anthony.79025 |
In the meantime, Ocean View medical taxi driver Lannie Columbo, her husband David, and three Ocean View volunteer firefighters - Anthony Columbo, Andrew Columbo, and Lizzy Stabo - are offering to set up a “fresh air environment” for those needing a cleaner air room during ashfall and SO2 events. They did a test run one night from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with three air purifiers, at Ocean View Community Center. Lannie said they would be happy to set up the room again, if the need should arise. They call themselves Kaʻū ʻĀina a.k.a. Team Kaʻū - see the Facebook group at facebook.com/adrian.anthony.79025.
Their effort was sparked by Facebook posts a few
weeks ago from community members, who said there was nowhere to go for clean
air in Ocean View. They and other
community members who have joined the group, some of whom have worked for American Red Cross, have also
gone down to Puna to aid those displaced by the eruption.
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ACT 45, BANNING THE USE OF THE PESTICIDE CHLORPYRIFOS, became Hawaiʻi law today, with permits required to use it until 2023, when it will become completely prohibited. With the signature of Gov. David Ige, Hawaiʻi became the first state to ban chlorpyrifos, which the EPA recommended banning entirely in 2015. Sen. Russell Ruderman, who introduced the measure, State Rep. Richard Creagan, and Sen. Josh Green all supported the measure.
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| Kaʻū state Rep. and physician, Richard Creagan, was a leader in the effort to ban the pesticide clorpyrifos, as chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Starting Jan. 1, 2019, users of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos or other restricted use pesticides will be required to report annually to the state Department of Agriculture; will be prohibited from using the chemical within a 100-foot buffer zone around schools during school hours; will be prohibited from applying pesticides with chlorpyrifos without a temporary permit, until 2023 when it will be completely banned.
The Department of Agriculture has already restricted the use of chlorpyrifos in its proposed pesticides rule, and the use of the chemical has declined drastically, said a statement from the governor's office.
Gov. Ige said, “Protecting the health and safety of our keiki and residents is one of my top priorities. We must protect our communities from potentially harmful chemicals. At the same time, Hawai‘i’s agriculture industry is extremely important to our state and economy. We will work with the Department of Agriculture, local farmers, and the University of Hawai‘i as we seek safe, alternative pest management tools that will support and sustain our agriculture industry for generations to come.”
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“We must ensure that in the wake of this historic summit, the diplomatic path continues to achieve complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. This is not about blind trust. This is not about points on a political scoreboard. There are lives at stake. In the interest of peace and humanity, we should all be rallying around our country's success in continuing direct talks to remove the North Korea nuclear threat.”
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, speaking from the House floor on full North Korea denuclearization, yesterday, June 12. See the full video of her speech. |
“The agreement that came from the U.S.-North Korea summit that just concluded late last night committing North Korea to complete denuclearization is a first step but there is far more work to be done. We must be vigilant to make sure that the details of this deal ensure complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. You hear talking heads on TV talking about who put up more points on the scoreboard—missing the seriousness and the actual point of what we’re dealing with.”
Again, she said, "This is not a game. There are lives at stake. In the interest of peace and humanity, we should all be rallying around our country's success in continuing to pursue diplomacy and peace to remove this threat and denuclearize North Korea.”
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has long called for direct talks with Kim Jong Un. Photo from Wikipedia |
Gabbard has long called for holding direct negotiations without preconditions with North Korea to deescalate and ultimately denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. Most recently, the congresswoman introduced a resolution supporting U.S. diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula by: Welcoming the United States-North Korea summit which follows the South Korea-North Korea summit; recognizing that the American people are committed to peace and support efforts toward diplomatic negotiations to ensure the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea; urging President Trump, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, and regional leaders to engage diplomatically to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and exhaust all non-military policy tools before any use of military force; and urging President Trump, partner countries, and members of the United Nations to maintain a campaign of strong economic and diplomatic pressure until North Korea has completely, verifiably, and irreversibly dismantled all of its nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons programs.
A statement from Gabbard's office says that she "has and continues to strongly advocate for the defense of Hawai‘i and our country from the threat of a nuclear attack from North Korea, and is a strong advocate for strengthening U.S. missile defense.”
Full video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Speech on the House Floor on Tuesday.
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Lucian Niemeyer, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, spoke about the intersection of energy security and defense policy. Scott Mulhauser, Founder of Aperture Strategies, Professor at Georgetown University, and Former Chief of Staff at U.S. Embassy Beijing, spoke about U.S.-China relations.
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HAWAI‘I ON THE HILL POLICY SUMMIT AND TASTE OF HAWAIʻI promoted local businesses and issues today. This evening, June 13, it brought some 2,000 people together in the Capitol to enjoy Hawaiian food, music, and aloha, with each receiving a fresh orchid lei.
Conceived by Sen. Mazie Hirono, it was the fifth annual event, co-sponsored by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i. More than 100 members of Hawai‘i’s businesses converged on Capitol Hill, representing a full range of industries – from hospitality, manufacturing, health care, transportation, and education, to agriculture.
Conceived by Sen. Mazie Hirono, it was the fifth annual event, co-sponsored by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i. More than 100 members of Hawai‘i’s businesses converged on Capitol Hill, representing a full range of industries – from hospitality, manufacturing, health care, transportation, and education, to agriculture.
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| Hawaiʻi on the Hill connected business leaders to policy makers at the Capitol today, Wednesday. Photo from Mazie Hirono |
“We started Hawai‘i on the Hill five years ago to give Hawai‘i businesses direct access to federal decision makers,” said Hirono.
Others kicking off the summit included Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce-Hawai‘i President Sherry Menor-McNamara, state Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, with remarks from them, and question and answer sessions.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, spoke about the longstanding partnership between the Alaska and Hawai‘i Congressional delegations. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, spoke about energy innovation. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, spoke about maritime security issues.
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform, spoke about the federal budget and appropriations process.
David Foster, Chief of Staff to Administrator Bette Brand of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service, spoke about federal resources available to support rural agriculture. Allen Gutierrez, Associate Administrator of Small Business Administration’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development, spoke about small business development.
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| Hawaiʻi on the Hill was hosted Tuesday night at the residence of the Ambassador from Japan. Above are Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce President Sherry Menor-McNamara, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Ambassador Shinsuke, and Mrs. Sugiyama. Photo from Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce |
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), closed out the Policy Summit by thanking Hirono for her dedication in representing Hawaiʻi in the U.S. Senate, and took questions on how business leaders can continue their advocacy for Hawaiʻi.
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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS sent a
release, saying they would like to address the recent ballot mailing to the
Hawaiian Ranchos landowners, which included the OVCA name and PO Box number.
“The OVCA is a
nonprofit corporation and is not affiliated with any homeowners' association or
road maintenance corporation. To clarify, the OVCA does not participate in
business or political affairs, specifically issues between interest groups or
individuals competing for power and leadership. The Ocean
View Community Center
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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
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THURSDAY, JUNE 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu, Jun 14, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View, on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View, on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15
‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, Fri, Jun 15, 10-noon, Kahuku Unit. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Father’s Day Card, Fri, Jun 15, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park
4-H Livestock Show & Sale is Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16, at Anderson Arena, also known as Rocking Chair Ranch, at 47-5124 Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Waimea. Open to the public, the annual event supports young farmers and ranchers. This year marks a century of 4-H in Hawai‘i; the state’s first 4-H livestock club opened in 1918.
4-H Livestock Show & Sale is Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16, at Anderson Arena, also known as Rocking Chair Ranch, at 47-5124 Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Waimea. Open to the public, the annual event supports young farmers and ranchers. This year marks a century of 4-H in Hawai‘i; the state’s first 4-H livestock club opened in 1918.
Saturday’s large animal activities kick off with an 8 a.m. welcome, followed by 4-H participants showing lambs, hogs, steers, and heifers. Competition continues for top showmanship honors in the Round Robin Showmanship Class. Buyer’s registration and lunch is at 12:30 p.m., with the sale of 4-H animals at 2 p.m., including beef steer and heifer, hog, lamb, goat, and possibly poultry and rabbits.
For more information, contact Galimba at mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com or 808-430-4927.
SATURDAY, JUNE 16
Nature and Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Jun 16, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, observe catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Inspired Figure Drawing Workshop, Sat, Jun 16, 10-3pm , Volcano Art Center
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, Jun 16, 10-1pm , Ocean View Community Center
Hula Kahiko - Hope Keawe w/Hula Hālau Mana‘olana Sat, Jun 16, 10:30-11:30am, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Hula performance. Free. volcanoartcenter.org
Bunco and Potluck, Sat, Jun 16, 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, JUNE 17
People and Land of Kahuku, Sun, Jun 17, 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, JUNE 18
Rapid Response Workshops for Hawaiʻi Island residents whose employment status or business operations have been affected by the lava flow, held Tuesday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , at Cooper Center 19-4030 Wright Road , Volcano; Wednesday, June 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , at Pāhoa Community Center 15-3022 Kauhale Street , Pāhoa.
Residents can receive information about programs and services regarding Unemployment Insurance, State of Hawaiʻi job vacancies, mental health services, Veterans’ Affairs, housing rental assistance, employment training, emergency food assistance, WIC and medical services. For more information, contact the American Jobs Center Hawaiʻi at 935-6527.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue, Jun 19 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, June 20, noon-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, June 20, noon-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Rapid Response Workshops for Hawaiʻi Island residents whose employment status or business operations have been affected by the lava flow, held Wednesday, June 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , at Pāhoa Community Center 15-3022 Kauhale Street , Pāhoa.
Residents can receive information about programs and services regarding Unemployment Insurance, State of Hawaiʻi job vacancies, mental health services, Veterans’ Affairs, housing rental assistance, employment training, emergency food assistance, WIC and medical services. For more information, contact the American Jobs Center Hawaiʻi at 935-6527.
ONGOING
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.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ike Hana Noe ʻAu, Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June, made possible by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Make a Ti Leaf Lei, Sat, June 16. Make an Eyelash Lei, Sun, June 17. Make an ͑Ohe Hana Ihu (Nose Flute), Sat, June 23. Make a Mini Feather Kahili, Sun, June 24.
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.
Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent. Sat, June 16: Nature and Culture. Sun, June 17: People and Land. Sat, June 23: Birth of Kahuku. Sun, June 24: ͑Ōhi͑a Lehua.
Artist in Residence Talk, in the Visitor Center 10 a.m.
In the Visitor Contact Station, Coffee Talk, a monthly, casual get together, is held the last Friday of the month. On June 29 at 9:30 a.m. , Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund will present Removing Trash, Restoring Habitat.
Join in the Cultural Festival, Pu ͑uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, in Hōnaunau , Sat and Sun, June 23 and 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
See the Kahuku Unit Rangers,The Kahuku Cowgirls, in the Na ͑alehu 4th of July Parade Sat, June 30, beginning at 10 a.m.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through 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 (except Mon, June 11), 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.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through 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.
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.
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.
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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