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| Ethnic dance is part of this Saturday's Ka`u Plantation Days celebration of Sweet Memories. Photo by Julia Neal |
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| Little fire ants are considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture |
Little fire ants are not aggressive and sting only when disturbed, but the sting produces large, painful, raised red welts, followed by more pain and intense itching. Little fire ants sting humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Multiple stings in the eye can cause damage and blindness.
In a statement, the Department of Parks & Recreation thanked park users and the general public for their patience and understanding while it works to control this invasive species.
For more information, contact Public Information Officer Jason Armstrong at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@hawaiicounty.gov.
AN ENTIRE TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE, from start to finish, will be visible from Ka`u tonight if the sky is clear, reported Lew Cook, who writes a monthly astronomy column for The Ka`u Calendar. Mid-eclipse time is 12:55 a.m. tomorrow morning. “It will be interesting to see what color the moon is then!” Cook said. “You’ll be able to notice there is a nibble taken out of the moon cookie an hour and a half earlier,” at 11:25 p.m.
MASTER LEI MAKER AND KA`U RESIDENT Kilohana Domingo presents the intricate art of feather work during a lei hulu demonstration tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.
In a statement, the Department of Parks & Recreation thanked park users and the general public for their patience and understanding while it works to control this invasive species.
For more information, contact Public Information Officer Jason Armstrong at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@hawaiicounty.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| The possibility of having a Superferry in Hawai`i was the topic at a public conference yesterday. Photo from wikipedia |
IDEAS REGARDING AN INTERISLAND FERRY system were floated at the Superferry’s original terminal in Honolulu yesterday.
Nathan Eagle reported in Civil Beat that one idea brought up at the public conference is to have a foreign carrier that would offer gambling during trips among the islands. Capt. Ed Enos, a state harbor pilot, said allowing gambling would attract initial investors, appeal to travelers and be an “easy cash source,” Eagle reported.
The Superferry ended operations more than five and a half years ago after the state Supreme Court supported environmental groups who appealed to the court to require an environmental review.
According to Eagle, other concerns with the Superferry were the spread of invasive species, the possible influx of drugs and homeless people, risks of harm to whales and marine life and the potential degradation of the Neighbor Islands’ rural lifestyle.
To counteract nausea, which passengers experienced especially in rough seas during winter months, Enos suggested using longer, single-hulled ships rather than double-hulled ones like those used before. The trade-off would be that they are slower.
See civilbeat.com.
See hawaiinewsnow.com.
The Superferry ended operations more than five and a half years ago after the state Supreme Court supported environmental groups who appealed to the court to require an environmental review.
According to Eagle, other concerns with the Superferry were the spread of invasive species, the possible influx of drugs and homeless people, risks of harm to whales and marine life and the potential degradation of the Neighbor Islands’ rural lifestyle.
To counteract nausea, which passengers experienced especially in rough seas during winter months, Enos suggested using longer, single-hulled ships rather than double-hulled ones like those used before. The trade-off would be that they are slower.
See civilbeat.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has projected the path of lava as it moves toward Pahoa. Photo from HVO |
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS reported advancement of the lava flow heading toward Pahoa. The map shown here uses a satellite image provided by Digital Globe as a base to show the area around the front of the June 27th lava flow. The area of the flow on Oct. 3 at 9:20 a.m. is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as mapped on Oct. 6 at 12:15 p.m. is shown in red. The flow front advanced about 390 yards since Oct. 3, 2014. This puts the flow front about 1.1 miles directly upslope from Apa`a Street. The distance is 1.2 miles when measured along the path of steepest-descent.
The blue line and arrowhead show the projected path of the flow over the next 10 days, to Oct. 16, based on the steepest-descent path and the average advance rate of 130 yards per day achieved since Oct. 3. This projection is subject to change, HVO said, because the amount of lava erupted from the June 27th vent and the advance rate of the resulting lava flow have been variable. The flow could speed up or slow down; the flow front could stall again, and a new active flow front could start again farther upslope; or the flow could stop altogether.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
The blue line and arrowhead show the projected path of the flow over the next 10 days, to Oct. 16, based on the steepest-descent path and the average advance rate of 130 yards per day achieved since Oct. 3. This projection is subject to change, HVO said, because the amount of lava erupted from the June 27th vent and the advance rate of the resulting lava flow have been variable. The flow could speed up or slow down; the flow front could stall again, and a new active flow front could start again farther upslope; or the flow could stop altogether.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Airspace is now restricted in the lava-flow area near Pahoa. Map from FAA |
THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION is now restricting air space in the Puna lava flow area. “No pilots may operate aircraft in the areas covered,” the Notice to Airmen states. “Only relief aircraft operations under direction of state Civil Defense are authorized in the airspace,” which extends from ground level to an elevation of 4,000 feet.
Prior to the restrictions, aircraft were allowed above 500 feet. The new rules are in response to tour groups that were getting too close to each other and to the flow. “This is not new,” Hawai`i County Civil Defense Directory Darryl Oliveira told Hawai`i News Now. “It’s the same type of regulations and procedures that were implemented with Kalapana as well.” See hawaiinewsnow.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
WHILE HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE reported this morning that current lava flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to Pahoa-area communities and no evacuation is needed at this time, it said that the state Department of Health “advises residents dependent on medical services, treatment or supplies and who live in communities that may be cut off by the advancing lava flow to relocate outside the affected area to ensure continued access to necessary medical support. If the lava flow crosses Highway 130, medical services and supplies will be severely limited, and emergency medical service response time may be significantly delayed.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HAWAI`I HEALTH CONNECTOR HAS A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Jeffrey M. Kissel, a chief executive with a proven track record of leading successful organizations, replaces Interim Executive Director Tom Matsuda as head of the state’s health insurance marketplace. Kissel will be responsible for directing the organization’s efforts to bring high-quality, affordable health care coverage to Hawai`i residents.
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| Jeffrey M. Kissel |
“I believe that everyone deserves to have health insurance coverage, and the Hawai`i Health Connector is a highly viable resource for reasonably priced, high quality health care,” Kissel said. “I’m at a place in my career where I can really give back to the community and do something that will make a difference in people’s lives. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running to prepare for open enrollment, which starts November 15.”
Most recently, Kissel was president and CEO of Hawai`i GAS, where he grew what started as a small business into a diversified, thriving organization in five years. He also previously served in senior roles and led strategy at URS, one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies, among other companies.
“The Board believes that Jeff is the ideal person to lead the Connector forward for the longterm,” Board Chair Clifford Alakai said. “His prior experience leading prominent and successful companies, as well as his drive and enthusiasm, will serve the Connector well to secure affordable health coverage for the residents of Hawai`i.
“We are also extremely grateful to Tom Matsuda for his service shepherding the Connector through a very difficult time. He helped educate state policymakers and the community on the value of the Connector, and, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his service.”
Active in community and professional organizations, Kissel sits on the board of directors of Pacific Rim Bank and is a member of the National Petroleum Council. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and MBA from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, where he was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.
Most recently, Kissel was president and CEO of Hawai`i GAS, where he grew what started as a small business into a diversified, thriving organization in five years. He also previously served in senior roles and led strategy at URS, one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies, among other companies.
“The Board believes that Jeff is the ideal person to lead the Connector forward for the longterm,” Board Chair Clifford Alakai said. “His prior experience leading prominent and successful companies, as well as his drive and enthusiasm, will serve the Connector well to secure affordable health coverage for the residents of Hawai`i.
“We are also extremely grateful to Tom Matsuda for his service shepherding the Connector through a very difficult time. He helped educate state policymakers and the community on the value of the Connector, and, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his service.”
Active in community and professional organizations, Kissel sits on the board of directors of Pacific Rim Bank and is a member of the National Petroleum Council. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and MBA from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, where he was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
VOLUNTEERS ARE SOUGHT FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT through December. Participants protect the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive, non-native plant species.
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| Paul and Jane Field lead Stewardship at the Summit. Photo from NPS |
Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The dates from October through December are: Oct. 8, 18, 24 and 31; Nov. 7, 15, 21 and 29; and Dec. 3, 12, 19 and 27.
Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. on any of the above dates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, daypack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate. Park entrance fees apply.
Volunteers spent more than 2,000 hours restoring more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park this past year. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kilauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.
Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. on any of the above dates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, daypack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate. Park entrance fees apply.
Volunteers spent more than 2,000 hours restoring more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park this past year. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kilauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.
KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to a free governor candidate forum Thursday at Sangha Hall, 424 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo on Thursday at 6 p.m. Duke Aiona, Mufi Hannemann and Sen. David Ige will participate. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The forum will also be live-streamed at hawaii247.com.
The candidates also debate this evening at 7 p.m. on KHON Channel Two. Email questions to debate@khon2.com.
The candidates also debate this evening at 7 p.m. on KHON Channel Two. Email questions to debate@khon2.com.
KA`U PLANTATION DAYS CELEBRATES Sweet Memories Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.
A WEEK FROM TODAY, AFTER DARK IN THE PARK presents The Settlement of the Pacific and Hawaiian Origins: A Perspective from Archaeology as part of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s celebration of Hawaiian Archaeology Week.
When Captain James Cook and other European explorers entered the Pacific in the 18th century, they were astounded to find that virtually every single island was already populated by indigenous island cultures. Where had the ancestors of these island people come from, and how did they manage to discover and settle even the most remote islands, including Hawai`i? Over the past century, archaeologists have sought the answers to these questions. Dr. Patrick V. Kirch, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, reviews the history and presents current evidence for the history of human settlement throughout the Pacific.
The one-hour program begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
A WEEK FROM TODAY, AFTER DARK IN THE PARK presents The Settlement of the Pacific and Hawaiian Origins: A Perspective from Archaeology as part of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s celebration of Hawaiian Archaeology Week.
When Captain James Cook and other European explorers entered the Pacific in the 18th century, they were astounded to find that virtually every single island was already populated by indigenous island cultures. Where had the ancestors of these island people come from, and how did they manage to discover and settle even the most remote islands, including Hawai`i? Over the past century, archaeologists have sought the answers to these questions. Dr. Patrick V. Kirch, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, reviews the history and presents current evidence for the history of human settlement throughout the Pacific.
The one-hour program begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
