Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, October 5, 2019

Free internet for patrons of Nāʻālehu Public Library will be delayed, as it, the school, and Pāhala Library are all on 

the same connection. Photo by The Kaʻū Calendar

NĀʻĀLEHU LIBRARY is open in its new temporary location at Nāʻālehu Civic Center. The facility opened on Thursday, Oct. 3, with internet connectivity coming soon. The space is air conditioned, so the door is closed, but unlocked during the hours it is open.

     Nāʻālehu Public Library will continue the same service schedule, but close on Hawaiʻi County Council Committee and Council Meeting days, the first and third Tuesday and Wednesday of the month. For more details about the dates and times of the Hawaiʻi County Council meetings, visit hawaiicounty.gov.

Nāʻālehu Public Library's new, temporary location. 

Photo by The Kaʻū Calendar

     Except for these meeting dates, the library's hours will be: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

     Due to the small space of the new, temporary location of the library, all regular monthly and weekly programs will be postponed until the new permanent location is open.about a year from now. The renovated library will be three times as large as the one that served the community for many years.

     During the opening celebration, the temporary library offered free lemonade, fresh water, and freshly made popcorn.

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A BRUSH FIRE AT SOUTH POINT, THAT STARTED THURSDAY around 10 p.m., is 100 percent contained within the firebreak area. 

     The first unit came on the scene about 10:30 p.m. Thursday night. It eventually took 16 units – including two fire engines, two tankers, 9 other units, a medic unit, and a helicopter – plus a bulldozer from Isemoto Contracting, and a total of 33 people, to contain the fire. The bulldozer was used to make a firebreak on the makai edge of the fire.

Nāʻālehu Public Library's reopening at the temporary location featured 

snacks and drinks. Photo by The Kaʻū Calendar

     Before containment, South Point Road was blocked. Gusty trade winds helped the fire spread from its origination to the west. The fire mostly burned open grassland, owned by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a total of 130 acres. No damage to structures or people was reported.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY'S MOBILE SPAY & NEUTER WAGGIN' APPOINTMENTS FOR NOVEMBER are open. October 15 appointments are full. Call 808-796-0107 to schedule a surgery a neuter or space procedure. They take place in the Humane Society's mobile van which will park at  St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

     HIHS continues to pursue innovative ways to eliminate pet overpopulation on Hawaiʻi Island, determining that increasing the availability of spay and neuter services within the island's rural communities would be highly effective. The Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin' continues its rural outreach services.

     Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society Executive Chief Executive Officer Charles Brown said, "Eliminating pet overpopulation is a primary goal of the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society. Taking our spay and neuter program on the road eliminates barriers by bringing our services to areas of need around the island. Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society's Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin' will enable pet owners with limited financial means or transportation issues to fix their pets, and eliminate the possibility of accidental litters which become a community problem and add to our organization's challenge of addressing pet overpopulation."

Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society's Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin'.
Photo from Facebook

     The Waggin' is staffed with a professionally trained and fully licensed veterinarian and supported by veterinary assistants and volunteers. The veterinary team follows all guidelines by nationally recognized organizations regarding high-quality, high volume spay/neuter clinics.

     HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaiʻi to enforce certain animal-related laws. HIHS offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, micro-chipping, and more. Learn more at hihs.org or call 808-329-1175.

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THE GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF MAUNA LOA'S SOUTHEAST FLANK, revealed in a new map, is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

     The recently published Geologic map of the central-southeast flank of Mauna Loa volcano is the culmination of years of field work by USGS. This updated map supersedes the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawaiʻi (1996) and the Geologic Map of the State of Hawai‘i for the Mauna Loa region.

     The new map encompasses 195 square miles (506 sq km) of the southeast flank of Mauna Loa – an area equivalent to the islands of Kaho‘olawe and Lānaʻi combined – and ranges from an elevation of 10,350 feet (3155 m) to sea level.

     It includes areas adjacent to and downslope of Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone, as well as regions east and directly downslope of Moku‘āweoweo, the volcano's summit caldera. From high on Mauna Loa's east flank, the mapped area extends toward Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the community of Volcano – population of approximately 2,000 residents – in the northeast. At the southern boundary of the mapped area is Punalu‘u Bay.

The recently published Geologic map of the central-southeast flank of Mauna Loa, pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/sim2932B, shown here, uses color to depict ages of geologic units, with warm colors denoting younger units and cool colors indicating older units. It is the second in a series of maps that will cover Mauna Loa. The first, a geologic map of the northeast flank of the volcano, was published in 2017 and is posted at pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/sim2932A. USGS map

     Lava flows from the middle and upper reaches of the Northeast Rift Zone dominate the northern part of the map, comprising about 40 percent of the total area. The map's southern portion contains flows from the upper Southwest Rift Zone that make up about 2 percent of the total area. Lava from the upper reaches of both rift zones generally forms narrow flow lobes.

     The remaining 58 percent of the map (center area) consists of lava flows from the summit of Mauna Loa. In contrast to flows from the rift zones, lava flows derived from the summit caldera form voluminous, broad expansive sheets of pāhoehoe that cover large areas. ‘A‘ā flows occur in this area but are inconsequential when compared to the pāhoehoe flows.

     Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, is known to have erupted 33 times since written descriptions became available in 1832. Some eruptions were preceded by only brief seismic unrest, while others followed several months to a year of increased seismicity.

     Most Mauna Loa eruptions begin in its summit area at or above the 12,000-ft (3658-m) elevation. The central-southeast flank has not been the source of any volcanic activity, although two historical eruptions that began along the Northeast Rift Zone sent flows into the mapped region in 1880 and 1984.

     The map shows the distribution of 96 eruptive units (flows) separated into 15 age groups ranging from more than 30,000 years before present to 1984. The map also shows the relationships between volcanic and surficial sedimentary deposits. The color scheme is based on the ages of the volcanic deposits. Warm colors (red, pink, and orange) represent recent epochs of time while cool colors (blue and purple) represent older deposits.

     From the geologic record, we can deduce several generalized facts about the geologic history of Mauna Loa's southeast flank. For example, geologic mapping and radiocarbon ages of the flows indicate that there was a period of sustained summit activity from about 2,000 to 1,300 years before present. Lava flows of this age cover more than 75 percent of the area directly downslope from the summit in this new map.

Mauna Loa in January of 1985. USGS/J.D.Griggs photo

     There are a few kīpuka of older flows, but they are limited in number and extent. This means that Mauna Loa experienced approximately 700 years of nearly continuous activity, significantly longer than the 35-year-long eruption that occurred on Kīlauea in 1983-2018.

     Other interesting tidbits gleaned from the new map include the following:

     About 55 percent of the map area is covered by layers of volcanic ash of varying thicknesses, which indicate explosive volcanic eruptions. The ages and origins of these ash deposits still need to be determined.

     An historically active tectonic zone on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa, known as the Ka‘ōiki Fault Zone, is the site of some recent large tectonic earthquakes. In 1983, a magnitude-6.6 earthquake on the Ka‘ōiki Fault Zone preceded Mauna Loa’s 1984 eruption. Earthquakes greater than magnitude-5.5 also occurred there in 1974, 1963, and 1962.

     The Geologic map of the central-southeast flank of Mauna Loa volcano provides fundamental information on the long-term eruptive behavior of Mauna Loa volcano. It also offers valuable base information on which collaborative studies in geology and biology can be launched. The map can be viewed or freely downloaded from the USGS Publications website at pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/sim2932B.

     Volcano Activity Updates

     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. Monitoring continues to show steady rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emission, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. Water continues to pond at the bottom of Halemaʻumaʻu inside the summit caldera.

     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain.

    Two earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.2 quake 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Honokaʻa at 25 km (16 mi) depth on Sept. 29 at 12:06 a.m., and a magnitude-3.1 quake 11 km (7 mi) west of Pāhala at 9 km (6 mi) depth on Sept. 28 at 10:17 p.m.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo) for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. 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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo/

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 6 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, OCT. 7

Hawai‘i Public School Fall Break - Monday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 11.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Oct. 7, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Oct. 7 and 21 (field-trip), 1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Monday, Oct. 7 and 21 – 1st and 3rd Monday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Oct. 7, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano Draft General Plan Mini Speakout Event, Monday, Oct. 7, 6-8p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Information provided on specific topics most relevant to the region. Thoughts from the community welcome. 961-8228, hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Shape America's Future: Find Your Fit in the Federal Government, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park Ranger Ben Hayes shows attendees how to find career opportunities in the Federal Government including navigating the USAJobs website, share resume writing tips, etc. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9

AdvoCATS, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Final Day to Register at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Thursday, Oct. 10. Grades K-8. 808-985-9800, volcanoschool.net

Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Oct. 10, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Oct. 11, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Oct. 11, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

Every Kid Outdoors Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, all National Parks. Kid-friendly activities offered throughout the park. New Junior Ranger program at Kahuku unit. 4th grade students earn a free entrance pass to all national parks - everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm, print voucher and present, completed, at main entrance station. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Oct. 12, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Skate Club Fundraiser for Kahuku Roller Rink in Ocean View: Yard Sale, Saturday, Oct. 12, 9a.m.-3p.m., 92-8907 Paradise Parkway, Ocean View. Donations welcome. Ka‘ū Skate Club President Lzena Barrett, 747-1147

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Oct. 12, 9a.m.-12:30p.m., outside (weather permitting) at Volcano Art Center. Students complete one 9"x12" project. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. All materials supplied. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Palm Trail, Sunday, Oct. 12, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately d

difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo/

Zentangle Inspired Art: Milagros with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, Oct. 12, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Art supplies provided (students encouraged to bring favorite art supplies). Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Jazz in the Forest with Jean Pierre Thoma, Autumn Leaves & Jeannine Guillory-Kane, Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Doors open 5p.m. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town Band performance, Saturday, Oct. 12, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.

     SpeakOut meetings will be held in Volcano Village, Monday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cooper Center; Kona, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Liquor Commission Boardroom; Capt. Cook, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pukaʻana United Church of Christ; and Waikaloa, Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 12 on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economic Development from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; and Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.

     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

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