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| Halemaʻumaʻu vent widens, with her sides falling in, unsupported by the lava lake that has subsided, possibly leading to a quieter time at the summit, with intermittent release of ash and rock. At left is the old Overlook parking area, closed in 2008 after rocks came flying out of the crater. See story below. See USGS aerial video from June 5. |
MAYOR HARRY KIM REMEMBERED Kapoho and Waiʻōpae Tidepools, the marine preserve area, on Tuesday night, after learning he lost his home next to it. During a community meeting in Pāhoa, addressing many who lost their homes to Pele in recent weeks, he told his Kapoho story.
He said back in 1971, "I wanted a piece of Puna... Some place where I could just sit by the water." Kim said he had to borrow $5,000 to buy it. "It sounds like nothing now, but it was all I had. I bought it cause I wanted to be next to the Waiʻōpae ponds."
He said the land "was a lousy lot, but that's all I could afford. The pond in front of me, which you call Waiʻōpae (water of shrimp), now, with the beautiful coral outside, was what was called Mullet Pond. ...Why do we call it Mullet Pond? Because the water was murky and muddy; because there was no circulation.
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| Wai Opae Tidepools and homes before lava took them this week. Photo from Trip Advisor |
The mayor said his memories of the place were "just words," and "with great sadness," he talked of the many people he knows from Kapoho, those who came there with nothing and built a life and businesses they have lost. Kim said, "I know how it hurts inside" and that he wants to "go from there and do what we can do."
"We have to bring some glimmer of light out there in this very, very sad time," said the mayor. Kim said he invited the governor to come here, and he talked to the head of FEMA. He said there is bureaucracy "of what we have to do to get there because we are dealing with the federal public laws." He said there is the work of qualifying for programs. "We'll go for it; I have the commitment of FEMA, I have the commitment of the governor, that we will use every single avenue of every single thing we can get our hands on to develop programs that will include shelter, a community to build.
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| Mayor Harry Kim talks about loss and renewal at meeting with many who lost their homes in lower Puna. Photo by David Corrigan See the Mayor's message at Big Island Video News. |
Kim reviewed other disasters that have challenged Hawaiʻi Island residents who have come back from them. He gave the example of two successful Hilo families and businesses - Hilo Products, which distributes fruits, vegetables, and other food products, and Cafe 100. Both were wiped out in the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis, losing family members. The mayor called both tragedies sad, but said they persevered and came back to be very strong family businesses today.
The mayor said, "In the darkest of times I ask you to stick with us, together, all of us as a community. If we have the will, we will make it better... Hang in people, we'll get it done."
Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory confirmed today that Waiʻōpae is buried by lava, as is all of Vacationland and most of Kapoho Beach lots, with new land extending some .8 mile out into the ocean.
See the mayor's full message on Big Island Video News.
See the mayor's full message on Big Island Video News.
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| Collapsing Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory aerial video. See USGS video |
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.
A LIVE STREAM OF HALEMAʻUMAʻU CRATER is on YouTube 24 hours a day. It was launched on YouTube Tuesday, June 5, by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. It's the streaming of the camera on the observation tower at Jaggar Museum inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It can be used to see, during daylight, whether ash is rising out of the crater after earthquakes at the summit, and how much steam is wafting from the crater.
The stream allows viewers to go back from the present time of streaming at will. It shows, starting around 4:06 p.m., emission changes that happened before and after the 4:07 p.m. 5.4-magnitude earthquake today, June 6, which sent a plume of ash 10,000 feet up. See YouTube.
The air quality in all monitored locations showed as good today and this evening, despite the threatened ashfall.
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.
IMAGES FROM SPACE SHOW LAVA FLOWS IN LOWER PUNA. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a statement today, saying, "We are grateful to our colleagues and partners at space agencies worldwide for their help in better tracking activity at Kīlauea."
The International Charter for Space and Major Disasters is a means for space agencies around the world to help with disaster monitoring by providing satellite data to responders and scientists on the ground. The charter was invoked for recent eruptive activity at Kīlauea, and numerous space agencies are providing satellite imagery that HVO scientists are using to help evaluate eruptive activity. In the example below, high-resolution radar data from the German TerraSAR-X satellite acquired on June 2 (left) and from the Canadian RADARSAT-2 satellite on June 4 (right) show the area of the fissure 8 lava flow, which appears as a darkened area in both images, HVO reports. See more on the USGS Kīlauea site.
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.
KAʻŪ AND VOLCANO FARMS, RANCHES, ACCOMMODATIONS, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL and other business owners affected by the volcano disaster are encouraged to send in a form to the County Department of Research & Development by June 8.
County Department of Research & Development Director Dianne Ley and Deputy Director Ron Whitmore are helping to compile a 2018 Kīlauea Eruption Event-Preliminary Damage Assessment Report for businesses, including those outside of lower Puna. It will support the process of assessing overall impact and subsequent determination of possible federal recovery resources for Hawaiʻi Island.
"Business owners who have experienced financial losses or other negative impacts either directly or indirectly because of the current eruptive phase of Kīlaeua Volcano," are asked to report their situation, says a letter to business owners from the county.
Impacts may include but are not necessarily limited to lava inundation; damages due to volcanic gases, ash, or Pele's hair; required relocation; cancellation of visitor night stays and other services, or loss of sales."
See the simple, fillable PDF form at http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/edoc
/93607/RD-Preliminary-Disaster-Damage-Assessment-Memo-and-Form-060618.pdf, or toward top of front page at the County Research & Development website.
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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| Halemaʻumaʻu is livestream 24/7, from the camera on the Jaggar Museum tower. See YouTube. |
The stream allows viewers to go back from the present time of streaming at will. It shows, starting around 4:06 p.m., emission changes that happened before and after the 4:07 p.m. 5.4-magnitude earthquake today, June 6, which sent a plume of ash 10,000 feet up. See YouTube.
The air quality in all monitored locations showed as good today and this evening, despite the threatened ashfall.
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.
IMAGES FROM SPACE SHOW LAVA FLOWS IN LOWER PUNA. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a statement today, saying, "We are grateful to our colleagues and partners at space agencies worldwide for their help in better tracking activity at Kīlauea."
The International Charter for Space and Major Disasters is a means for space agencies around the world to help with disaster monitoring by providing satellite data to responders and scientists on the ground. The charter was invoked for recent eruptive activity at Kīlauea, and numerous space agencies are providing satellite imagery that HVO scientists are using to help evaluate eruptive activity. In the example below, high-resolution radar data from the German TerraSAR-X satellite acquired on June 2 (left) and from the Canadian RADARSAT-2 satellite on June 4 (right) show the area of the fissure 8 lava flow, which appears as a darkened area in both images, HVO reports. See more on the USGS Kīlauea site.
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.
KAʻŪ AND VOLCANO FARMS, RANCHES, ACCOMMODATIONS, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL and other business owners affected by the volcano disaster are encouraged to send in a form to the County Department of Research & Development by June 8.
County Department of Research & Development Director Dianne Ley and Deputy Director Ron Whitmore are helping to compile a 2018 Kīlauea Eruption Event-Preliminary Damage Assessment Report for businesses, including those outside of lower Puna. It will support the process of assessing overall impact and subsequent determination of possible federal recovery resources for Hawaiʻi Island.
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| Example of the fillable PDF business owners can fill out to help Hawaiʻi Island get assessed for possible federal recovery resources for the eruption effects. Form from County Dept. of Research & Development |
Impacts may include but are not necessarily limited to lava inundation; damages due to volcanic gases, ash, or Pele's hair; required relocation; cancellation of visitor night stays and other services, or loss of sales."
See the simple, fillable PDF form at http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/edoc
/93607/RD-Preliminary-Disaster-Damage-Assessment-Memo-and-Form-060618.pdf, or toward top of front page at the County Research & Development website.
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.
HEADLINES GENERALIZING THE PUNA LAVA TRAGEDY TO THE WHOLE ISLAND are making it difficult for accommodations, activity, restaurant, and other visitor-dependent businesses to keep their income and their employees.
A New York Times Headline on June 5 said, “Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Wants Tourists to Stay Away from Volcano." It was taken from her statements about discouraging visitors from visiting the area where the lava is flowing and people evacuating. “We don’t recommend and actually discourage tourists from visiting the active volcano area. Resources are strained. First responders — police, fire, civil defense and the National Guard — are focused on evacuations and keeping residents safe. The situation is continually changing and evolving. Now is not the time for tourists to blanket the area,” said Gabbard, referring to lower Puna.
Volcano Winery, Kīlauea Lodge, and other restaurants, along with Ira Ono's Gallery, Volcano Art Center, general stores, and many accommodations are open in Volcano Village. Many managers of these businesses say that foot traffic and reservations are in steep decline because people have been scared away.
A New York Times Headline on June 5 said, “Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Wants Tourists to Stay Away from Volcano." It was taken from her statements about discouraging visitors from visiting the area where the lava is flowing and people evacuating. “We don’t recommend and actually discourage tourists from visiting the active volcano area. Resources are strained. First responders — police, fire, civil defense and the National Guard — are focused on evacuations and keeping residents safe. The situation is continually changing and evolving. Now is not the time for tourists to blanket the area,” said Gabbard, referring to lower Puna.
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| Ash in plumes from Halemaʻumaʻu is not toxic; it is pulverized rock, rising about endangered Nene geese. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik |
Some headlines also use inaccurate terms. “Kīlauea lava destroys hundreds of homes as explosion spews toxic ash a mile high” announced Fox News on June 6. The location of the tragedy of lost homes is far away from the the crater spewing the ash, which is not toxic; made of pulverized rock that can be irritating. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is inside the area of the park that is closed to the public during the current volcano activity.
Some headlines tell of history, without current information. “Hawaii volcano eruption: USAF could be called in to BOMB Mount Kilauea to divert lava” states the UK publication Express on June 6. The article says bombing was tried several times during past eruptions on Hawaiʻi Island, and was once successful in 1942, but there is no proof that it was successful, nor proof of any plan to bomb the volcano these days.
Pacific Business News ran a headline on Monday, saying “Earthquake at Kilauea volcano summit shakes Hawaii's Big Island, sends ash 8,000 feet high,” when it was only felt around Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and not the rest of the island. The shallow earthquakewas not in Pāhala, only 28 miles away.
Pacific Business News ran a headline on Monday, saying “Earthquake at Kilauea volcano summit shakes Hawaii's Big Island, sends ash 8,000 feet high,” when it was only felt around Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and not the rest of the island. The shallow earthquakewas not in Pāhala, only 28 miles away.
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Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
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THURSDAY, JUNE 7
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
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Jun 7, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Cooper Center in Volcano Village on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m., 19-4030 Wright Road. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
Stained Glass Basics II, Sat & Sun, Jun 9 & 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Jun 9, 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
Kāwā Volunteer Day, Sat, Jun 9, 9:30am, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 10
TUESDAY, JUNE 12
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
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Jun 7, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Cooper Center in Volcano Village on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m., 19-4030 Wright Road. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
KDEN's 16th Birthday Celebration, Fri, June 8, 6-8 p.m., at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant. Tickets are $20, which includes an Italian buffet. There will be a raffle for orchid plants and chocolate tortes, and a live auction for a dinner for 6 at a location of the winner's choice. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 9
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat, Jun 9, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Jun 9, 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
Zentangle: Stacks and Dangle Designs for a Dr. Seuss-Inspired Whimsical Garden, Sat, Jun 9, 10-1pm, $30/VAC Member, $35/non-Member, $10 supply fee. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register at volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
CANCELLED: Jazz in the Forest Concert, Sat, Jun 9. The July concert is also cancelled. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 10
Stained Glass Basics II, Sun, Jun 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Jun 10 & 24, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Meet Candidate Raina Whiting, candidate for state Rep., Dist. 3. Sun, June 10, 2-3:30pm, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, upper pavilion. Bring prepared, written questions for the candidate. Light refreshments provided. Questions? Ezmerelda5@gmail.com, mgw1955@gmail.com, voteRaina.com
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Jun 10 & 24, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Meet Candidate Raina Whiting, candidate for state Rep., Dist. 3. Sun, June 10, 2-3:30pm, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, upper pavilion. Bring prepared, written questions for the candidate. Light refreshments provided. Questions? Ezmerelda5@gmail.com, mgw1955@gmail.com, voteRaina.com
TUESDAY, JUNE 12
Special Event: Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, Tue, Jun 12, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. HOT has been producing opera in Hawai’i for 33 years - Broadway and classical favorites. 939-2442
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Jun 12, 4-6pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
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| A Dr. Zuess inspired whimsical garden Zentangle art class is offered Saturday, June 9. Image from volcanoartcenter.org |
ZENTANGLE: STACKS AND DANGLE DESIGNS FOR A DR. ZUESS INSPIRED WHIMSICAL GARDEN takes place Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Lois and Earl Stokes, announces Volcano Art Center.
“What is down goes up…What is up goes down…watch your whimsical garden grow as you explore stacks and dangles,” states the event description. In this class, participants practice modifying tangle patterns to create whimsical garden features inspired by Dr. Seuss.
Zentangle is an “easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images” by drawing structured patterns. It is the repetitive nature of these patterns that “brings us into a state of relaxed focus that some call meditation.”
A basic knowledge of Zentangle is recommended but not required. The class fee is $30 per VAC Member, or $35 per non-Member, plus a $10 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information. Classes held at
ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through Jun 29 (closed Jun 11).
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.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through Jul 14, statewide & online. Register 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.
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.
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.
