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| Pahala Hongwanji is preparing for Sunday's Bon Dance. The yagura, built by Eddie Andrade while working for Ka`u Sugar, is assembled and awaiting decoration and dancers. Photo by William Neal |
The products include a booklet of frequently asked questions, a brochure and poster about protecting yourself during vog episodes and a web-based dashboard that provides comprehensive links to a wide range of vog resources, including vog forecasts and air-quality information.
The products were co-developed by Elias and Jeff Sutton at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, John Peard and other officials at Hawai`i Department of Health, and Horwell, with participation by Hawai`i County Civil Defense and other agencies.
“The diverse partnership has allowed us to develop new, consistent products that more fully address the needs of the community,” Peard said.
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| Dr. Clair Horwell, seated at left, and HVO scientist Tamar Elias, standing, discussed new vog informational products at Pahala Public & School Library. Photo by Ron Johnson |
The products offer advice on vog protection measures, such as staying indoors, limiting physical activity, and staying hydrated when vog levels are high. “Providing relevant, up-to-date information to a population living with decades of an ongoing volcanic eruption may help people to better cope with the frequent vog conditions,” Horwell said.
The new, mobile-friendly vog dashboard is hosted by the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network, a clearinghouse for information on the health impacts of volcanic eruptions. All of the new Hawai`i vog products are available online and are accessible through the dashboard.
Vog, the pollution formed from acidic gases and particles released by active volcanoes, is composed primarily of sulfur dioxide gas and its oxidation products, such as sulfate aerosol. Sulfur dioxide from Kilauea Volcano, now in its 34th year of nearly continuous eruption, leads to the vog that challenges communities, agriculture and infrastructure on Hawai`i Island and across the state. Scientists at HVO regularly monitor the quantity and composition of gases released from Kilauea. Among other things, HVO data are used as input for vog models that forecast the volcanic plume dispersion and vog locations.
Horwell’s study in 2015 investigated how Hawaiian communities perceive vog, how they protect themselves and their preferences for receiving advice. Results from the study support the need for consistent online advice from all federal, state and local agencies, increased access to web- and non-web-based information on vog exposure and protection, and updated guidance on how to access resources about vog. HVO’s long involvement in vog studies, coupled with the community studies about perception and needs, led to the development of the new vog informational products.
During her study, Horwell found that 70 percent of those surveyed use air purifiers, and that 75 percent of those consider them helpful in reducing vog in their homes. Along with going indoors, other methods people use include taking over-the-counter medications, drinking tea and water to stay hydrated, and doing yoga and other relaxation exercises. Some said they sit under a tree, which Horwell said could help because trees clean the air around them.
Horwell also said many people do not take action regarding vog for several reasons. Many said vog doesn’t affect them. Others were unaware of actions they could take. Ka`u residents pointed to their older homes that cannot be sealed against vog. Horwell said that an air purifier could be helpful even in those homes.
Horwell said her research will help people in other locations near degassing volcanoes, including the U.K., which can be affected by Icelandic volcanoes.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Vog, the pollution formed from acidic gases and particles released by active volcanoes, is composed primarily of sulfur dioxide gas and its oxidation products, such as sulfate aerosol. Sulfur dioxide from Kilauea Volcano, now in its 34th year of nearly continuous eruption, leads to the vog that challenges communities, agriculture and infrastructure on Hawai`i Island and across the state. Scientists at HVO regularly monitor the quantity and composition of gases released from Kilauea. Among other things, HVO data are used as input for vog models that forecast the volcanic plume dispersion and vog locations.
Horwell’s study in 2015 investigated how Hawaiian communities perceive vog, how they protect themselves and their preferences for receiving advice. Results from the study support the need for consistent online advice from all federal, state and local agencies, increased access to web- and non-web-based information on vog exposure and protection, and updated guidance on how to access resources about vog. HVO’s long involvement in vog studies, coupled with the community studies about perception and needs, led to the development of the new vog informational products.
During her study, Horwell found that 70 percent of those surveyed use air purifiers, and that 75 percent of those consider them helpful in reducing vog in their homes. Along with going indoors, other methods people use include taking over-the-counter medications, drinking tea and water to stay hydrated, and doing yoga and other relaxation exercises. Some said they sit under a tree, which Horwell said could help because trees clean the air around them.
Horwell also said many people do not take action regarding vog for several reasons. Many said vog doesn’t affect them. Others were unaware of actions they could take. Ka`u residents pointed to their older homes that cannot be sealed against vog. Horwell said that an air purifier could be helpful even in those homes.
Horwell said her research will help people in other locations near degassing volcanoes, including the U.K., which can be affected by Icelandic volcanoes.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Scott Morishige |
GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY signed a sixth supplemental proclamation on homelessness that will remain in effect until Oct. 19. The supplemental proclamation provides 60 additional days in which to further expand the state’s collaborative efforts to house the most visible and chronic homeless individuals. In the past year, the proclamations have helped more than 4,800 people – representing 1,353 families – move out of homelessness or prevent it altogether.
“The tide is turning,” said Scott Morishige, the governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “Collectively, our state is moving forward with a unified strategy that addresses three levers of change: affordable housing, health and human services, and public safety. All stakeholders are working together in unison across multiple sectors. This coordinated and persistent approach is moving people off the streets,” he said.
A major priority for the Ige Administration is to increase affordable housing. The proclamations allowed for emergency housing of approximately 300 homeless individuals who were in jeopardy of being displaced after federal budget cuts to seven local organizations.
Additionally, the proclamations reduced the development time of nine different joint projects with the counties by up to a year per project.
The proclamations allowed faster distribution of financial resources for permanent housing and to prevent homelessness. Between August 2015 and July 2016, there was a 51 percent increase in the number of individuals and families moving into housing or preserving housing, as compared to the prior 12-month period. This includes a 47 percent increase on the neighbor islands. The State Homeless Emergency Grant provides one-time assistance for housing, food, medical and other types of expenses arising from emergency needs. Housing Placement Program provides first month’s rent or security deposit, as well as temporary case management, for homeless families with minor children. Coordinated Statewide Homeless Initiative provides homelessness prevention and Rapid Re-Housing statewide and increases coordination for the statewide telephone navigation service (2-1-1) for homeless individuals.
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A major priority for the Ige Administration is to increase affordable housing. The proclamations allowed for emergency housing of approximately 300 homeless individuals who were in jeopardy of being displaced after federal budget cuts to seven local organizations.
Additionally, the proclamations reduced the development time of nine different joint projects with the counties by up to a year per project.
The proclamations allowed faster distribution of financial resources for permanent housing and to prevent homelessness. Between August 2015 and July 2016, there was a 51 percent increase in the number of individuals and families moving into housing or preserving housing, as compared to the prior 12-month period. This includes a 47 percent increase on the neighbor islands. The State Homeless Emergency Grant provides one-time assistance for housing, food, medical and other types of expenses arising from emergency needs. Housing Placement Program provides first month’s rent or security deposit, as well as temporary case management, for homeless families with minor children. Coordinated Statewide Homeless Initiative provides homelessness prevention and Rapid Re-Housing statewide and increases coordination for the statewide telephone navigation service (2-1-1) for homeless individuals.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Flags are at half-staff in honor of the late Rep. Mark Takai. |
A MEMORIAL SERVICE for the late Rep. K. Mark Takai takes place today, with private interment scheduled for Monday.
“Today, we say a painful goodbye to my friend, and son of Hawai`i, Mark Takai,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “In life, Mark devoted himself to realizing his vision for a healthier, safer and better world and in death, will be remembered for having so much more to give. Whether it was in the Hawai`i Army National Guard, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature or in the U.S. Congress, Mark was a true champion for the people of Hawai`i. We will long remember Mark for his smile, his kindness, his optimism and the love he gave to his `ohana and all he served. Mark’s voice will forever resonate in the halls of Congress, and his memory will never fade from our hearts. Goodbye, my friend. May you rest in peace.”
Flags are at half-staff through Monday.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Flags are at half-staff through Monday.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Hapu`u ferns tower above Volcano Rain Forest Runners. Photo from Sharron Faff |
VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS take place tomorrow in Volcano Village. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; 5K, 8 a.m.; and Keiki Runs, 10 a.m.
A Zero-Mile Instant Gratification event benefiting Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park begins at 11 a.m.
See volcanorainforestruns.com.
See volcanorainforestruns.com.
TAKE A WALK INTO THE PAST, Saturday Participants meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park for an easy walk with a ranger to Volcano House to learn about its role in shaping early park history.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
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| Na Kumu Hula Keikilani Curnan and Liana Aveiro with Halau Waiau perform tomorrow. Photo from VAC |
NA KUMU HULA KEIKILANI CURNAN and Liana Aveiro with Halau Waiau perform hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Loke Kamanu and `ohana present Na Mea Hula at 11 a.m.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
For more information, call 967-8222.
For more information, call 967-8222.
KA`U HIGH ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ 15th annual potluck reunion takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All alumni and interested people are invited to attend and enjoy a day of fun, good food and live music.
For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.
For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.
PAHALA HONGWANJI’S FIRST BON DANCE of the 21st century takes place Sunday. Service begins at 4 p.m., with dancing at 6 p.m. The event includes food and fellowship.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| Click on document to enlarge. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf. |
