Ka`ū News Briefs Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Category 4 Hurricane Lane at 5 p.m. Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc

HURRICANE LANE WAS 212 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST of South Point as of 5 p.m. Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported this morning that the eyewall of Lane was intermittently seen on the Nā`ālehu weather radar. At 5 p.m., Lane was traveling west-northwest at about 8 mph. The motion was expected to become northwest later today, followed by a turn to the north-northwest on Thursday. Bands of rain but little wind extended from Puna into Ka`ū this morning and afternoon.
     The center of Lane was forecast to move very close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands from Thursday through Saturday. If this movement continues, by Friday mid-day, Lane is projected to reach water north of Hawai`i Island.

As of 5 p.m., Lane is forecast to miss Hawai`i Island, though effects from
rain, surf, and wind are still likely. Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc

     At 5 p.m., Lane, a Category 4 hurricane, sustained maximum winds at about 145 mph, with higher gusts. The Hurricane Center predicted some weakening during the next 48 hours, but stated that Lane is forecast "to remain a dangerous hurricane" as it draws closer to the Hawaiian Islands.

     Civil Defense recommends residents review preparedness plans and take early precautionary measures at this time.

     A high surf warning is in effect for west facing shores of Ka`ū and Kona. Residents in low lying areas subject to wave impacts "must take necessary precautions to protect life and property due to dangerous storm surge and large waves," says an alert from Civil Defense.

     A flash flood watch is in effect for the island of Hawai`i. Expect possible heavy rain leading to flash flooding, says an alert from Civil Defense. Rainbands from Hurricane Lane moved ashore in the Puna and Ka`u districts.

     Hurricane force winds are possible on the west side of the island from South Point, up the Kona Coast to north Kohala. The remainder of the island could experience tropical storm force winds, says an alert from Civil Defense. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).

Radar image of rainfall from Lane coming onto the islands as of 5 p.m.
 Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc

     Concerning Lane's interaction with Kilauea Volcano, USGS Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory said the hurricane could lead to minor rockfalls at the summit and increased Pu`u `Ō`ō and steaming in the lower East Rift Zone. White out conditions could occur on the new lava field due to the interaction of heavy rain and still-hot lava flows.

     The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation advises boat owners in unprotected harbors from Miloli`i to Mahukona to "take all measures" to secure their vessels -- this includes removal, if possible -- and to complete all actions before nightfall.

     All County offices and facilities are operational, including transfer stations and landfills.

     Closures include:

     - All public and charter schools and associated offices -- including after-school, athletic, and travel events -- and UH locations. These locations are expected to resume operations Monday, August 27.

     - Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is closed Wed., Aug. 22 and Thu., Aug. 23; all programs are canceled. A release from the park says park staff are busy preparing for the storm by stowing loose items, and preparing chainsaws and other tools to respond to any damage caused by the hurricane, including fallen trees blocking roadways. See an update on reopening parts of the park, below.

On the gate of Nā`ālehu Public Library.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     - Nā`ālehu Library is closed today, Wed., Aug. 22.

     - All beach parks are closed until further notice, with all pavilion and camping permits cancelled.

     - South Point Road from the Kama`oa Road junction to South Point is closed to all traffic.
     Civil Defense says four emergency shelters have been opened on the north and west side of Hawaii Island. "These shelters are for your convenience, but there is NO mandatory evacuation at this time. The shelters are available if you need to relocate."
     The shelters are at: Ho`okena Elementary School, 86-4355 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704; Kamehameha Park Hisaoka Gym, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaau, HI 96755, *Pet Friendly; Kealakehe High School, 74-5000 Puohulihuli Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, *Pet Friendly; Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School, 68-1730 Ho'oko Street, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738.
     Civil Defense asks that those who choose to relocate to a shelter bring a 3-day supply of medications and pet food, if applicable, and those with plans to stay overnight to bring personal blankets and pillows if possible. The shelter is open to everyone with or without these items.

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.

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED AN EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION YESTERDAY in anticipation of Hurricane Lane. The proclamation, says a release from the governor's office, "will provide relief for disaster damages, losses, and suffering caused by Hurricane Lane. The proclamation also serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of Hawai`i residents and visitors."

26 years ago, Iniki did its best to flatten Kaua`i, causing
excessive damage. Image from NOAA

     The proclamation declares the counties of Hawai`i, Maui, Kalawao, Kaua`i, and the City and County of Honolulu, disaster areas "for the purpose of implementing emergency management functions." The proclamation also authorizes the expenditure of state monies "as appropriated for the speedy and efficient relief of damages, losses, and suffering resulting from Hurricane Lane."

     Based on the scientific information and expertise available, says the release, Hawai`i is in danger of being "significantly impacted" by Hurricane Lane, whether or not the hurricane directly hits the state. The islands are in danger of experiencing high winds, heavy rains, high surf, storm surges, and flooding that threaten to harm communities and cause extensive damage to public and private property across the state.

Gov. David Ige

     Gov. Ige states, "This emergency proclamation allows us to line up services and necessary resources prior to the event so that we can keep our communities safe and running as efficiently as possible. Hurricane Lane is not a well-behaved hurricane. I've not seen such dramatic changes in the forecast track as I've seen with this storm. I urge our residents and visitors to take this threat seriously and prepare for a significant impact."

     The emergency proclamation expires on Aug. 29, 2018.

     Emergency information resources include: hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts; dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready; prh.noaa.gov/cphc; prh.noaa.gov/hnl; NOAA Weather Radio at 162.550 & 162.400 MHz; KHLO-AM 850; KKBG-FM 97.9; KLEO-FM & KAOY-FM 106.1; KPUA-AM 670; KWXX-FM 94.7.

Jaggar Museum Overlook has multiple kinds of damage, from
cracks in the platform to knocked-over signage. HVNP photo

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.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOPES TO REOPEN parts of the park by Sept. 22 -- National Public Lands Day -- "as long as the current pause in earthquakes and collapse-explosion events at the summit of Kīlauea continues," says a release from the park, The theme for this year's National Public Lands Day, a fee-free day when outdoor enthusiasts turn out to give back and enjoy their favorite outdoor places, is Resilience & Restoration.

     Exact details of what will be open are pending, says the release, but visitors should expect limited hours, limited visitor services, and that only some areas in the park will be open for safe visitation.

Section of Crater Rim Drive fallen into the crater. HVNP photo

     Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando shared the news at a community Talk Story event Tuesday, Aug. 21, in Volcano, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, to a crowd of about 125, says the release. "We have the difficult task ahead of us of identifying what we can safely open. Our first step will be bringing staff back into the park, while getting assessments done. National Public Lands Day is our goal but not definitive."

     Superintendent Orlando and other park staff are reaching out to the community in a series of Talk Story meetings to get feedback on the direction the park should take once it reopens. Park congestion and “pressing the reset button” to examine if the park should return to serving more than two million visitors a year is one of the most passionate topics to arise.

Damage to Jaggar Museum building.
HVNP photo 

     The Talk Story sessions continue Thu., Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., due to Hurricane Lane.

     Most of the park, except the Kahuku Unit, has been closed due to increased volcanic and seismic activity since May 11. No significant seismic or collapse-explosion events have occurred at the summit since early August.

     Check the park website at nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes for updates. Follow the park's official social media channels for updates, Facebook and Instagram -- @hawaiivolcanoesnps -- and Twitter @Volcanoes_NPS.

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.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS FOR FARMERS: Andrea Kawabata, of University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture, suggests the following:
     - Clean up your property of items that could become projectiles, causing damage during strong winds. If possible, remove tarps from tents and plastic/shade cloths from hoop houses and greenhouse structures, prior to a hurricane making landfall, or when it's windy enough to cause structures to "liftoff". Secure doors, windows, and large equipment and machinery.

     - Know where your irrigation valves as well as gas and electric mains (if any) are located. And know how to shut them off in an emergency. Stock up on gas for generators and other needed equipment.
     - If your home, farm, trees, and/or structures sustain damages from high winds and/or rain, contact your home and crop insurance agents immediately.
     - Before you begin cleanup, document all damages with (clear and focused) photos and/or video. Review your inventory and take note of anything damaged or missing.
     If you would like information about crop insurance, visit: http://bit.ly/2eVzuc5. Click on "List of Crops That Can Be Insured" on the left side of the page or scroll down until you see photos of fruit and nut trees. There you can click on factsheets for Hawai`i's insurable crops.

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.

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`Ū TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

Football:

CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANE: Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea
   Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa
   Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala
   Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Kea`au
Girls Volleyball:
CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANE: Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani
   Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo
   Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney
   Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney
   Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa
   Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty
   Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha
   Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
   Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala
   Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a
   Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA
Cross Country:
CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANE: Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)
   Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA
   Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
   Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au
   Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPA

NEW and UPCOMING

KA`Ū `OHANA DAY, A PICNIC IN THE PARK EVENT, will be held at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, September 16, from noon to 3 p.m. The family-friendly event offers live Hawaiian music and hula performances, kid's activities and prizes, food trucks and vendors, shave ice, and a health table and blood pressure screenings. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or buy lunch from a vendor. The free event is supported by the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
     The Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, in Ka`ū, about a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance near Volcano Village. Sturdy footwear, water, rain-gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. No entrance fees. Kahuku is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.

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.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24

Free Community Dance, Fri, Aug 24, 7-10pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol free event. Variety of music. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks provided. Free admission; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25

Zentangle: Basics and Beyond with Lydia Meneses, Sat, Aug 25, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Zentangle Basics kit provided. $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

Waiho`olu`u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat, Aug 25, 12:30-3:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Learn traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles to create patterns, and explore the alchemy of indigo, a plant derived dye. $50/Volcano Art Center Member, $55/non-Member, plus $25 supply fee. No experience necessary. Space limited. Pre-registration required: volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

Birth of Kahuku, Sat, Aug 26, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28

HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue, Aug 28, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka`ū Food Pantry, Tue, Aug 28, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Aug 29, 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

ONGOING

Cross County Assistant Coach Needed for Ka`ū Trojans, says Coach Erin Cole. Contact Cole for more, or if interested in applying, at erinlcole@hotmail.com.

5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9, and selling fast! Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+), $20 under 21. 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Activities at Kahuku Park -- within Hawaiian Ocean View Estates -- over the next two months, include two physical activities, three arts and crafts activities, and a Park Beautification Day.
     For ages 6 to 12:

     - Jump Rope Challenge: Mon, Aug 27, 3 to 4 p.m. Registration open through Aug 25.
     - Sand Art: Wed, Sept 5, 3 to 4 p.m. Registration open Aug 27 through 31.
     For all ages:

     - Friendship Bracelets: Wed, Sept 19, 3 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept 10 through 14.
     - Park Beautification Day: Fri, Sept 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept 19 through 26.
     All activities are free to attend. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit the park during business hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

Free Arts and Crafts Activities at Pāhala Comunity Center happen on Wednesdays in September, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., through the end of Sept, for keiki in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

     - Sept 5: In observance of Grandparents Day, Craft Stick Puzzle Hanging. Register Aug 30 through Sept 4.
     - Sept 12: Dove Foldable For Peace. Register Sept 4 through 11.
     - Sept 19: Handprint Tree Art. Register Sept 13 through 18.
     - Sept 26: Beaded Wind Chime. Register Sept 19 through 25.
     For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Mon-Thu and Sat, from noon to 8 p.m., or Fri, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's Temporary Nā`ālehu Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at fema.gov/disaster/4366. If you are a survivor who has left the area, call 800-621-3362. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.

     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent. Can't make a guided hike but want to get to know Kahuku better? The Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will tailor a customized trek just for you. Contact Friends through their website. Proceeds support Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station. Dr. Frank Bonaccorsoreveals "A Day in the Life of `Ōpe`ape`a - the Hawaiian Hoary Bat," and shares a 24-hour cycle of the only land mammal native to Hawai`i on Fri., Aug. 31.

     Ranger Talks introduce the natural, cultural and historic attributes of Kahuku on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Picnic in the Park: Join Kahuku for Hawaiian music and hula. Bring a picnic lunch or opt to buy lunch from food trucks on this family-friendly day. Supported by the Friends of Hawai`i VolcanoesNational Park. Sun., Sept. 16, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark Near the Park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.

Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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.