Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015

When it arrives in Hawai`i, Guillermo will still be a tropical storm, packing high winds and heavy rains. Map from Weather Underground

ROUNDUP AND OTHER HERBICIDES come before Hawai`i County Council once again. The Environmental Management Committee considers Kohala Council member Margaret Wille’s Bill 71 Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. The bill would limit spraying at county parks and along county-maintained and county-owned roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails and waterways to herbicides labeled “caution.” All herbicides labeled “dangerous,” “warning,” “toxic to fish” or “toxic to fish and wildlife” or that indicate a risk of groundwater contamination would be prohibited. Products listed to be banned include glyphosate, atrazine, dioxin, picloram, bipyridinium, diphenyl ether and tyrosine.

Warren Lee

      “You’ve got kids and animals playing in it and not being aware that it’s been sprayed,” Wille told Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today. “There is great concern about the cumulative impact of toxins on our kids and what we can do to decrease that and take some responsibility.”
      According to Cook Lauer, Wille said she’s sponsoring the bill on behalf of “the birds and the bees that can’t come testify.”
      Public Works Director Warren Lee told Cook Lauer his budget doesn’t have enough money for staff to clear weeds by hand on 1,000 miles of roadway. Currently, the county uses herbicides to control weeks on 25 to 30 percent of roadsides. Mowers maintain about 60 to 65 percent of roads, and another 10 percent is done manually.
      Ka`u residents can participate in the committee meeting via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. The meeting is streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER in Honolulu is issuing advisories on Hurricane Guillermo following the storm leaving the East Pacific at 140 degrees latitude on its track toward Hawai`i. Guillermo is about 845 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest near 14 miles an hour.
      Guillermo is expected to continue to move toward the northwest, placing it near the Hawaiian Islands by Wednesday as a tropical storm with high winds and heavy rain.
      According to CPHC, it is important for those in the main Hawaiian Islands not to focus too closely on the exact forecast track of Guillermo. With an average 72-hour forecast track error of about 150 statute miles, it is still too soon to determine with certainty which islands are most likely to experience the greatest impacts from Guillermo. It is also important to note that significant impacts from tropical cyclones can extend well away from the center.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

OHA Trustee Peter Apo

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS Trustee Peter Apo explores the possibility of a Thirty Meter Telescope Temple on his website at peterapo.com. TMT is facing opposition to its construction at the summit of Mauna Kea by people who consider the mountain sacred and their supporters. State officials imposed emergency rules limiting access to the summit and have made arrests and issued citations to those who broke the rules.
      “Given the debate over the TMT, it is ironic that the telescope may end up being the most culturally sensitive one of them all,” Apo says. “The people behind it persevered through a seven-year planning and permitting process and met all the requirements of federal and state law. They continue their outreach to embrace legitimate cultural issues, but not a request to leave the mountain.
      “Much knowledge of the stars came from centuries of sitting on mountaintops observing and memorizing star paths. For Polynesians, the centuries spent studying the stars and building sky maps that provided the navigational knowledge to explore and discover many specks of land over one-third of the earth’s surface is a singular distinguishing characteristic that may be unmatched by any other society on earth. All of this was accomplished long before Magellan ventured into the Pacific.
      “This is all part of why there is little reason to think our ancestors would have brushed aside the TMT. Their quest for knowledge about the stars was too important to them. The truth is that no one knows for sure what they would or wouldn’t feel about the TMT if they were here now. For all we know, they might have been in favor of building a temple — as they often did for important purposes — so they could place the TMT on it.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hard copies of this star map and instructions are in the August issue
of The Ka`u Calendar. Map from Jerry Hudson and Lew Cook

THE AUGUST ISSUE OF STARS OVER KA`U by astronomer Lew Cook includes information about Venus, Pluto and several nebulae. 

      “Venus is still bright this month, all the while growing larger,” Cook wrote. “By the end of the month, it has become larger but has slimmed down into a thinner crescent than last month. It sets before the time the chart is drawn for, but as soon as it is getting dark, it stands out brilliantly in the west.
      “Pluto made a spectacular splash in the news last month. The New Horizons spacecraft passed Pluto after traveling for ten years to get there. The results were magnificent! Pluto is in Sagittarius, and its position is marked on the chart with its symbol, a run together “PL,” but again, please, don’t waste your time looking for it because it is so very faint (14th magnitude) and in an area packed with stars. Without a large telescope and good star charts there is no way to distinguish it from the background stars. The symbol and the name, Pluto, honor Percival Lowell, who founded the observatory at Flagstaff, AZ. Lowell began and funded the search for Pluto. Clyde Tombaugh actually discovered the planet on photographic plates in 1930. 

      “Those of you who have telescopes or large binoculars can enjoy several nebulae in Sagittarius. Remember also, the center of the Milky Way (our home galaxy) is in Sagittarius. There, the massive black hole dominates its neighbors. The black hole’s effects on its neighboring stars can’t be seen in optical views, but due to its effects on the nearby stars, it’s location can be determined quite closely. It is near the spout of the teapot. 

      “To the north of the teapot there are several beautiful nebulae. We discussed the Lagoon nebula last month. This month we’ll mention several more. About a degree north of the Lagoon Nebula, those of you with telescopes can look for and enjoy the Trifid Nebula. Then, continue further northwest, about eight degrees. There you will find (after concentrating on the task at hand and not letting yourself get distracted by the beauty of the night sky) the Omega nebula and two degrees to the north to the Eagle nebula. The Eagle contains what NASA termed “The Pillars of Creation” in what may be the Hubble Space Telescope’s most beautiful photo. All these nebulae are marked on the chart.” 

      See your copy of The Ka`u Calendar or kaucalendar.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL is currently enrolling students for the 2015-16 school year. The no-cost mobile preschool nurtures the bond between tutu, caregivers and their keiki. The program is open to children ages birth to five and their caregivers. 

      Sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center on Monday and Wednesday and Pahala Community Center on Tuesday and Thursday.
      Call 929-8571 for more information and to register.

THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY is Ka`u High School Alumni and Friends’ 14th annual Community Potluck. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to Pahala Community Center on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a day of fun, good food and live music.
      The theme is Back to the Future. All attendees will be going back in time to their high school days to celebrate their sixteenth birthday. The Class of 1958, celebrating their 75th birthday, is donating a cake with 16 candles.
      Chase Cabudol’s group will start the entertainment, blending old melodies and more recent ones. Makanau, led by Barbara Baruz and her daughters Sophia and Denise, will follow and take the crowd back to the good old days and stir up memories. Ernest Kalani will join in and add to the nostalgia. Pahala Kupuna Halau will be performing a few hula numbers. Others are welcome to join in and share their talents.
      For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday during A Walk into the Past. Programs begin at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants then take a short walk to the Whitney Vault, where Jaggar conducted seismic and other research.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015

A guided hike of Kahuku's Palm Trail tomorrow offers expansive vistas. NPS Photo by Mark Wasser

HURRICANE GUILLEMO IS EXPECTED to weaken to a tropical storm as it travels toward Hawai`i, according to the National Hurricane Center. Although models show it tracking north of the islands, Hawai`i Island is still in the storm’s cone of uncertainty. NHC explains that, due to uncertainties in longer-range track predictions, it is important for users not to focus on the exact track forecasts. Given the large spread of the models beyond 72 hours in this case, the forecast uncertainty is particularly high at those time periods.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WITH THE APPROACH OF HURRICANE GUILLERMO, Hawai`i Electric Light Company reminds customers that electricity can be dangerous and electrical safety should never be taken for granted, especially during an emergency situation. 

      HELCO urges customers to consider the following safety measures before, during and after a disaster or power outage:

• Before a storm hits or if there is a power outage, unplug all unnecessary electric equipment and appliances until the storm has passed or until power is restored.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized and dangerous. If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for help. 
• Should you need to evacuate, take emergency supplies and remember to shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch. 
• Make plans in advance to go to a safe location where electricity will be available if someone in your home depends on an electrically powered life support system and you don’t have a backup generator. Some shelters are designed for people with health needs – just remember to take your own medical equipment and medications. 
• When using a portable generator, carefully read and follow instructions in the manufacturer's manual. Do not plug the generator into your household electrical outlets. 
• If you have a rooftop photovoltaic system, consult with your licensed solar contractor regarding normal and emergency operation procedures for your solar system. As a safety precaution, most photovoltaic systems are designed to safely shut down during outages. PV systems typically have monitoring systems that allow owners to check on the status of their system. 
• If you become trapped in an elevator during a power outage, relax and stay calm until help arrives. Use elevator emergency communication systems to report where you are and who is with you. Do not try to force open elevator doors. Never try to exit a stalled elevator car. Always wait for trained and qualified emergency personnel. 

      Hawaiian Electric Companies’ free Information Handbook for Emergency Preparedness includes these tips and more. It can be downloaded at http://hawaiianelectric.com/prepare. The handbook includes key numbers to have on hand, checklists for emergency supplies (such as a home survival kit and first aid kit), electrical safety information, power outage preparedness and recovery information, and household and food safety tips. It also provides references and links to related resources, such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and civil defense agencies.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Robert Lindsey

ROBERT LINDSEY, CHAIR OF THE OFFICE of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, issued a statement about actions against Thirty Meter Telescope opponents early Friday morning. Officials made seven arrests and issued citations to six others who were in violation of an emergency rule limiting access to the summit of Mauna Kea. 

      “The Office of Hawaiian Affairs urges the state to cease further enforcement action and arrests until legal questions relating to the Mauna Kea emergency rules are properly resolved,” Lindsey said. “Native Hawaiians have constitutionally protected rights to reasonably engage in traditional and customary practices, and regulations cannot eliminate the exercise of these rights. We hope for a resolution that ensures our beneficiaries’ rights are protected instead of violated.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists describe their research of historic photos in the current issue of Volcano Watch. They compare archival material with current observations to gain a better understanding of past events and future possibilities for Hawaiian volcanoes. 

      In the beginning, outdoor photography was difficult and demanding, the article states. Essential equipment included a large camera, tripod and heavy boxes of glass plates. To create a negative, volatile chemicals were applied to the glass plate when the photo was taken. Eruption photographs were particularly challenging because volcanic fumes could spoil the chemical process that produced the negative.
      Who were these intrepid pioneer photographers? A few scientists began taking photographs in the 19th century, but most early images of Hawaiian volcanoes were captured by professional photographers for commercial purposes. Photographers, such as Henry L. Chase, Menzies Dickson and James J. Williams, captured views of volcanic activity and sold their prints from photographic parlors. 

      Unfortunately, early photographers often failed to label or date their work. As a result, photo collections in Hawai`i museums are filled with old prints that provide a picture but nothing more. Without key information, such as image date and location, such prints are of little scientific value. However, with some detective work, a photo can be transformed from a meaningless image to a valuable window into the past. 

      We begin sleuthing important information from old photos by carefully recording any and all writing on the front or back of the print. These words and numbers often provide important clues to its source. For instance, words such as “Volcano, Hawai`i” convey little information, but the label’s appearance and its penmanship can help identify the photographer.

      Even when labels are missing from old prints, we can often identify the photographers, because most had their own photographic style. Also, many early photographers took photos in Hawai`i for only a few years. So, knowledge of photographers’ careers and camera work can provide a range of dates for unlabeled photos.

Raymond and Whitcomb party "making lava speciments" at Kilauea in 1893.
Photograph by J.J. Williams from HVO Photo Archives

      Once we determine the photographer and time frame for a photo, we can often find more information about it from old newspapers, magazines, or other sources, such as the Volcano House guest register.
      Now, let’s go detecting! The photo of people on the edge of a Kilauea summit lava lake (included with this article) is from HVO’s archives. Combing through other Hawai`i archives, we discovered another copy of this print labeled, Raymond and Whitcomb Party, 1893. Using that clue, Martha Hoverson, a volunteer at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, discovered a letter to the Hawaiian Gazette written by Henry C. Lyon, who described the Raymond and Whitcomb excursion in great detail.
      The group, which included photographer J.J. Williams, who probably took the photo, visited Halema`uma`u on April 1, 1893. Mr. Lyons noted that the crater had filled at the rate of 10 feet a month, or over 125 feet during the past year, and that the molten lake covered nearly 15 acres.
      Riding horseback from Volcano House, the party reached Halema`uma`u, where a viewing shelter provided a dry place to view the eruption. Mr. Lyons wrote, “A telephone is the latest addition to this house, and you can now talk to your friends in any part of Hawai`i and report every new ‛flop’ which Madame Pele gives to the seething caldron just below you.” Confirming the letter’s accuracy, the Volcano House guest register includes entries on April 1, 1893, by Mr. Lyons and Mr. Williams.
      Through detective work, we established the photo’s date, where it was taken and the photographer’s identity, as well as an interesting description of a lava lake that existed over a century ago. These details breathe new life into the image.
      Hopefully, some of our tips might help you identify old prints in your family collection. If you have photos of Hawaiian volcanoes from 1950 or earlier, please drop us a note at askHVO@usgs.gov. The photo in your attic could provide helpful insights into Hawai`i’s volcanic past.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A GUIDED HIKE OF PALM TRAIL takes place at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offering some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
      Call 985-6011 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 31, 2015

Hurricane Guillermo, currently between latitudes 130 and 135, is forecast to strengthen and then weaken before reaching the vicinity of Hawai`i. Map from NOAA

GUILLERMO IS ON HIS WAY TOWARD HAWAI`I. This year’s seventh named Pacific tropical storm that developed in the Eastern Pacific became a hurricane this morning. 

      The current environment of low shear and a warm ocean is favorable for Guillermo to intensify further in the short term, and the National Hurricane Center forecast shows winds increasing.
      Beyond two days, the hurricane will begin to move into a less favorable shear environment as it approaches prevailing upper-level westerlies. By the end of the forecast period, when Guillermo is expected to be nearing the Hawai`i, most guidance, including NHC’s forecast, indicates that it should have weakened to a tropical storm.
      The storm continues to move west-northwestward. Guillermo will likely continue at this fast pace for another 24 to 36 hours while embedded within a layer of deep easterlies to the south of the subtropical ridge. After that time, the hurricane is expected to slow down as it approaches the southwestern edge of the subtropical ridge and encounters weaker steering currents.
      The track of the storm is still in question, with forecasters saying it could eventually head north of the islands.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Officers arrested seven more people on the summit of Mauna Kea
this morning. Photo from DLNR

OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement arrested seven men on Mauna Kea early this morning. Pueo McGuire Turcotte, of Na`alehu, was one of them. Most bails were either $250 or $400. McGuire Turcotte’s bail was set at $2,850 for additional charges and outstanding warrants, according to DLNR. 

      Under the emergency rule approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources and signed by Gov. David Ige, it is illegal to be in the restricted area along Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The state put the rule into place after Thirty Meter Telescope opponents blocked passage of construction vehicles.
      Hawai`i County Police Department provided transportation support, and rangers from the Office of Mauna Kea Management provided logistical support. An additional six men were issued citations and voluntarily left the mountain. The arrests and citations follow more than a week of awareness efforts by the state to ensure people knew the particulars of the rule. Efforts included placing signage around the Mauna Kea Visitors Center and handing out educational flyers which detail the rule’s specific provisions. Additional law enforcement efforts can continue at anytime while the rule is in effect.
      “The emergency rules were enacted to ensure public safety and access after the road was blocked by boulders,” Ige said. The state has made sure people are aware of and understand the emergency rules before taking the next step. While we had hoped arrests would not have to be made in the process of citing violators last night, we were prepared to take action, and we did so.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The entrance to Thurston Lava Tube will also be the exit during the two-week
closure of the usual exit route. NPS Photo by Michael Szoenyi

THE EXIT ROUTE TRAIL LEADING out of Thurston Lava Tube in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will close starting Monday, while workers replace an electrical line. The lava tube will remain open, and the trail that leads into it will be used as both exit and entry. 

      The closed area extends from the far end of the lava tube toward the restrooms. The restrooms will remain open. Escape Road, from Hwy 11 to Thurston Lava Tube, will also be closed during the project.
      Thurston Lava Tube, or Nahuku, is one of the most popular features in the park. Visitation is heaviest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To reduce congestion in the parking lot and lava tube, visitors are encouraged to enjoy it in the early morning or late afternoon.
      In a statement, park officials said they regret any impact to visitors and residents. Dates and times are subject to change, and the public will be notified if changes are necessary.
      The route is scheduled to re-open Aug. 14.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

George D. Szigeti

VISITOR SPENDING ON PACE for a fourth consecutive record-breaking year, according to Hawai`i Tourism Authority. The first half of 2015 started off strong with year-to-date expenditures reaching a record $7.6 billion (plus 3.5 percent) and contributing $806.92 million in state tax revenue. While visitor spending is slightly behind target, arrivals are pacing ahead, and HTA anticipates finishing the year ahead of 2014’s record-breaking numbers. 

       With more than 1,053 flights per week to the Hawaiian Islands, providing both visitors and residents with the ability to travel to and from the state, airlift remains the key to tourism’s success. “We continue to work with our partners to grow and maintain airlift, and through our collaborative efforts, project reaching a record 11.9 million total air seats to Hawai`i by the end of the year,” said HTA President and CEO George D. Szigeti.
      To strengthen ties with the airlines and continue to highlight the unique attributes of the islands, HTA will also be hosting its first-ever Airline Summit, during which HTA leaders will meet with 15 to 20 airline network planners from across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific regions. The summit will be held in conjunction with the 2015 Hawai`i Tourism Conference, the state’s premier tourism event, which includes informative sessions and workshops that provide insight, updates, trends and forecasts for the state’s lead economic driver.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO VOTED TO PASS the highway bill, which, if enacted, will increase highway and bus funding for Hawai`i. The six-year bill will give transportation agencies more certainty to plan for the long-term building and repair of our roads, bridges, public transit systems and other infrastructure needs. The bill also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank, which supports jobs and small businesses in Hawai`i. 

      “This highway bill that passed the Senate today is imperfect,” Hirono said. There are many provisions that concern me, perhaps the most important being adequate funding. Republicans were unwilling to have a real discussion about how to pay for this bill. Particularly unacceptable was their initial idea to pay for the bill by cutting Social Security, among other programs.
      “The bill also raised safety concerns that I hope will be addressed in conference. I introduced an amendment to strike a provision that may jeopardize the safety of port workers and supported amendments to require manufacturers to more quickly report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the need for a vehicle recall or face imprisonment, require manufacturers to secure their vehicles from malicious hackers, ensure a broader federal complete street policy and other priorities.”
      Highway funding is set to expire today. Earlier this week, the House recessed, which prevents a six-year highway bill from reaching the President’s desk before expiration. As a result, Hirono also reluctantly supported a three-month extension of current funding, which prevents reckless shutdowns of critical ongoing projects.
      Under the transportation bill that passed the Senate, Hawai`i’s highway funding increases from a current level of $163 million to $171 million in the first year of the bill, a nearly five-percent increase, and up to $197 million in fiscal year 2021, a 20-percent increase from current funding levels. However, currently, the bill does not provide funding for the full six years.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents are invited to hike Kahuku's Palm Trail Sunday.
Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S Kahuku Unit presents free programs this weekend. 

      During People and Lands of Kahuku tomorrow at 9:30 a.m, participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work there and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land.
      A guided hike of Palm Trail takes place Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
      Enter on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.
      Call 985-6011 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.