Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, November 22, 2018

Ocean Community Association considered dissolving the organization, but residents stepped up to volunteer
as board members. The group also considered turning its building over to the county.
Photo from Ocean View Community Association

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION WILL ELECT A NEW BOARD. The idea of dissolving the association, with lack of interest, is abandoned.

     In October, a letter was mailed to all OVCA members, informing them that a shortage of board members meant OVCA was no longer compliant with bylaws and would be dissolved. Members were sent a ballot and asked to vote either yes or no to the dissolution of the association.

Ron Gall
Photo by Ann Bostted

     Past President, Ron Gall, told The Kaʻū Calendar that a new ballot was recently sent to members who are asked to vote on a slate for a new board. Those on the ballot are Dave Anderson, Gary Bailey, Tim Chace, Ron Gall, Barbara Lewis, and Suzanne Reiter. Gall explained that the OVCA can have up to 11 directors on the board. At present, the Board of Directors consist of Dave Anderson, Suzanne Reiter, Ron Gall, Paulette Frerichs, and Barbara Lewis.

     "We dodged a bullet," said Gall, adding "We still need more directors and volunteers, and, of course lots more members. The situation we were in awoke the community of its need to keep active."

     There will be a special membership meeting on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. to complete the election of a new board for 2019. In January, there will be an annual membership meeting at which the new board will be installed. Membership dues are $30 a year for individuals and $50 a year for a family, and can be paid online.

     In the midst of considering dissolution of OVCA, there were also discussions on whether to attempt to turn over Ocean View Community Center to the County of Hawaiʻi to operate it as a Parks and Recreation Community Center as in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu.

     Read the bios and see photos of board members on the ballot at ovcahi.org/meet-the-board. For more information about the association, visit the web site at ovcahi.org or call 939-7033.

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BIG ISLAND DAIRY, the last cow milk dairy on Hawaiʻi Island, is closing its doors, reports Big Island Video News. The Hāmākua Coast dairy has had years of contention in running the dairy, fighting a lawsuit filed by community group Kupale Oʻokala and the Center for Food Safety.

Cows in Hāmākua may soon be out of work. Photo from Yelp

     David Claiborne, an attorney representing Big Island Dairy, sent an email Tuesday: "The process of winding up business operations will take several months to complete, during which time milk processing will end and cows will be removed from active milking. This was a difficult decision for Big Island Dairy, but it has reached a point that it lacks the additional resources needed to continue the operation under current economic and regulatory conditions. Big Island Dairy believes there is value in the dairy market in Hawaiʻi, and that the residents of Hawaiʻi are better off with a local, sustainable food supply that includes milk and dairy products. To that end, it is searching for potential successors to take over business operations."

     HCFS said in a release that animal waste from the dairy, especially that which affects the water supply for downhill Oʻokala town, is a factor in the closure. Learn more at bigislandvideonews.com/2018/11/20/44534.

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WHAT IS THAT NEW SMELL? asks this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

     We're giving thanks for clean air, but what's that new smell?

     In this season of giving thanks, Island of Hawai‘i residents and visitors can be thankful for the return of good air quality, generally free of volcanic air pollution.

Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gases themselves are not visible, but 

dramatic plumes are sometimes visible at Kīlauea Volcano's summit (shown 

here) and Puʻu ʻŌʻō. These plumes are a result of atmospheric conditions 

rather than increased volcanic activity, and frequently occur when warm 

volcanic gases condense as they are released into cooler air temperatures 

of early mornings or evenings. USGS photo

     Since the sharp drop in Kīlauea's volcanic activity and gas emissions in early August, there has been dramatic improvement in the Island's air quality. The rest of the state can also take comfort in the low levels of volcanic gases, because wintertime southerly winds will have much less volcanic pollution to blow along the island chain.

     The main culprit in the formation of volcanic air pollution, or vog, at Kīlauea Volcano is sulfur dioxide. Since SO2 is released when magma is at a shallow depth – less than 1 kilometer or 0.6 miles beneath the surface – the current lack of activity means that Kīlauea is releasing only a small amount of this familiar gas.

     Currently, less than 200 tons of SO2 are emitted from the volcano each day. This is more than 20 times less than average emissions during the 10 years of lava lake activity at Halemaʻumaʻu, and at least 200 times less than peak emissions during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption.

     With these much lower emissions, many people have expressed surprise that a strong and slightly unfamiliar smell can be detected from Kīlauea during certain wind conditions. A change in the chemistry of emitted sulfur gases is responsible for this new aroma.

     A small amount of hydrogen sulfide gas, the smelly cousin of SO2, is being produced. With the current volcanic conditions, deeper magma has led to cooler vent temperatures. Without shallow magma to boil off ground water, the sub-surface environment is also much wetter.

Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on Nov. 6. USGS photo

     These cooler and wetter conditions cause a small amount of H2S to form, in addition to the SO2. H2S is most commonly detected during interruptions in trade wind conditions and in locations downwind of Kīlauea's summit, Puʻu ʻŌʻō, and the 2018 lower East Rift Zone fissure system.

     Sulfur dioxide gas, which produces a sharp pungent aroma like that emitted when setting off fireworks or striking a kitchen match, is noticeable to most people at 0.3 to 1 parts per million, 0.3 to 1 parts gas in 1 million parts of air. In some sensitive asthmatics, lung function changes have been observed with SO2 concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm, well below the level detected by most human noses.

     On the other hand, people can usually smell the rotten egg odor of H2S at lower concentrations ranging from 0.0005 to 0.3 ppm. H2S is present at Kīlauea in tiny amounts, but that little bit can be quite noticeable.

     The smell of H2S is a familiar odor to people from hot spring or geothermal areas. It is also produced by decaying organic material (anaerobic digestion) and is released by sewers and swamps. Even the human body produces a small amount of H2S.

     The State of Hawaiʻi has set a "nuisance level" for H2S at 0.025 ppm, based on the odor threshold. Negative symptoms of H2S exposure do not occur until concentrations are well above the odor threshold.

A vogbow, a sign from the past, harsher air conditions, stretching across
the landscape of Kaʻū. Photo from facebook.com/groups/VogTalk

     According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , prolonged exposure to 2‒5 ppm may cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea or breathing problems in some asthmatics; see osha.gov/SLTC/hydrogen
sulfide/hazards.html. Measured concentrations in populated areas around Kīlauea are less than 1 ppm.

     Although H2S can be detected by humans at very low concentrations, a person's sense of smell to the gas is lost at high concentrations. For instance, two to five minutes of exposure at 100 ppm can cause a sensory adaptation known as "olfactory fatigue." But concentrations of H2S measured at Kīlauea, even directly at volcanic vents, are well below this level.

     For those of us who have spent decades living with the familiar aroma of "classic" vog, the introduction of smelly H2S can be curious or even disconcerting. As Kīlauea Volcano's next chapter of activity unfolds, when magma eventually rises toward the surface, we can expect a decrease in H2S emissions and a return to the more familiar smell of the SO2 and particle-dominated vog.

     No Hawaiʻi earthquakes received three or more felt reports this past week.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule 

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Nov. 23 and 24, Fri. and Sat., Kaʻū Tourney
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Nov. 24, Sat., @Konawaena
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
LITTLE FIRE ANTS IN KA‘Ū, and other invasive species, is the featured Coffee Talk topic on Friday, Nov. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     Little Fire Ants are a recent arrival on Hawai‘i Island and a threat to the environment, pets and people. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has created a program to help people work in neighborhood teams to test for and treat them. Franny Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee Communications Director for four years, will talk about ongoing issues with LFA and other invasive species. She worked in conservation with the U.S. Forest Service, and in education on Hawai‘i Island for 12 years before her work with Big Island Invasive Species Committee. There will be some survey kits available to take home to test your yards for Little Fire Ant.

     Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase.Entrance is located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Highway 11. Free. See nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23

6th Annual Preseason Food Drive Girls Basketball Tournament at Kaʻū District Gym happens Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Teams from Kaʻū, Laupāhoehoe, Lanaʻi, Kealakehe, Keaʻau, and Pāhoa will play. Entry costs are: Free with a canned good item, for those five and under, or for students with a BIIF card; $1 for keiki grades K-8; $2 for seniors; $3 for students without a BIIF card and adults.

Registration for Charades, open Nov. 23-30, Kahuku Park, HOVE Program, for ages 6-12, held Dec. 7, 2-3pm. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kīlauea Military Camp Holiday Challenge, daily, Nov. 23-Jan. 1, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. All invited to see and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Volcano Village Artists Hui 32nd Annual Studio Tour & Sale, Fri.-Sun., Nov. 23-25, 10-4pm, see map at volcanovillageartistshui.com. Meet artists and view wide variety of artwork on display and available for purchase.

Kamahalo Craft Fair, Fri., Nov. 23, 9-4pm, Sat., Nov. 24, 9-3pm, Cooper Center on Wright Rd, Volcano Village. More than 30 vendors on hand with homemade, handmade, and homegrown items. Volunteers provide soups and food. Sponsored by Cooper Center Council. Proceeds used to fund community activities and Volcano Friends Feeding Friends hot meal program. See thecoopercenter.org for vendor form. Linda Ugalde, 936-9705, kilaueatutu@gmail.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Small Business Saturday takes place at Kalae Coffee and Hawaiian Flowers at 94-2166 South Point Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 24. The event aims help residents of Ka‘ū "Show your love for local" by connecting customers to local small businesses so they may easily buy local for the holidays.

     The following local vendors will be present: Karen Dusenbery DoTERRA Essential Oils; Heidi's LuLaRoe; Crooked C Ranch; Yolanda's Gifts & Creations; Art by tabby; Navarro Coffee Farm; Sticks and Stones; J & J Farm; Hawaiian Inspired Jewelry by Malia; Hawaiian Grindz; Infinite High; Fresh Pit; Gallery on the Go; Tropical Trappings; Paparazzi Accessories by CindyE; KaLae Therapeutic Massage; Jacquolyn McMurray, Author; Nurturing Gemstones; Alena Griffey Norwex Consultant; Beyond Organic Consulting; alikka TAG; KULOLO made by the Pua's; Dr. Frederick Kennedy, Chiropractor; Ariix; LeiMona; Ohi‘a Soap Lodge; Kanahele Jewelers and Shaved Ice.

Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat., Nov. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Meeting, Sat., Nov. 24, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Reoccurring every last Saturday of the month sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

8th Annual Floating Lantern Celebration, "Honoring Past, Present & Future Generations," happens Saturday, Nov. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. The event is a scholarship fundraiser, with lanterns and limited edition t-shirts for sale. Entertainment includes Hilo Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Drummers, Tai Chi and Qidong demonstrations, and local musicians. The celebration is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and funded by Kaʻū Council member Maile David. Call 928-0101 for more.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Artist's Volunteer Clean-up at Kamilo, Sun., Nov. 25, contact in advance for meet up time. Limited seats available, BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Nov. 25, 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. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Free Diabetes Management Program held by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi in Kaʻū on Monday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Registration required; sign up to be a Hui Mālama client at hmono.org or call 808-969-9220. Location of classes given to attendees after signing up. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Keep up to date at facebook.com/HMONO.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Registration for Christmas Cards & Ornaments open Nov. 27-30, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for ages 5-12, held Dec. 1 and 8. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Nov. 27, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

After Dark in the Park, Return to the Wild, One Year Later: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ‘Alalā, Tue., Nov. 27, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 reintroduced ‘Alalā – endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow – have survived in native Hawaiian forest for over a year. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 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

Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

ONGOING

Annual Christmas in the Country Event is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Sunday, Nov. 26, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; Park entrance fees apply. In addition to the artwork, gallery visitors can find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including Volcano Art Center exclusives. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing starting Friday, Nov. 23, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes on Thanksgiving, or between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

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