Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016

Cutting back trees that fall on power lines is one expense listed in HELCO’s new rate hike proposal. Above, power
was knocked out when Hurricane Iselle hit Wood Valley in 2014. Photo by Anne Celeste

HELCO’s  6.5 to 12.5 PERCENT RATE HIKE PROPOSAL IS OPEN FOR COMMENT. Hawai’i county residents may see a hike in Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company electric bills by as early as summer 2017.

      The public can offer testimony at two Public Utilities Commission hearings.  The first hearing will be on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Hilo High School Cafeteria on Waiʻanuenue Ave. in Hilo.  The second hearing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Hawaiʻi County Council Chambers in West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Keohokalole Highway in Kailua-Kona. Both meetings are expected to be well-attended.

     HELCO’s 8,000-page rate case application to the PUC comes in 18 volumes, or on 991 megabytes. It is supported by 26 witnesses, who are offering over 400 exhibits. This is the third HELCO rate case since 2009.

    HELCO is asking the PUC for two alternative rate hikes – either a 12.5 per cent rate hike if the proposed purchase of a power generating plant is approved by the PUC, or a 6.5 per cent rate hike if the purchase is not approved.   

Tawhiri wind power at South Point has helped to make Hawaiʻi Island
less oil dependent. Photo by Ann Bosted

     To attempt to justify the proposed 6.5 percent rate increases, HELCO cites long-term integration of alternative energy sources. The company notes that its alternative energy portfolio has increased renewables from 35 percent in 2010 to 49 percent, to include more hydroelectric, wind (including Tawhiri windmills at South Point), solar and geothermal replacing oil. HELCO also points to increasing energy security by investing in on-the-ground improvements such as spending $14 million to down and trim Albesia trees that fell and knocked out power during tropical storms in recent years. This leads to fewer power outages, HELCO points out. 

     HELCO attempts to justify a 12.5 percent rate increase to include buying a source of energy it is leasing. It seeks both a permanent, and a temporary, rate increase to acquire the naphtha fossil fuel-burning $84.5 million plant in Hamakua. The electric company requires a separate approval for the purchase. In 2015 HELCO signed a purchase agreement for the 60-megawatt Hamakua Energy Partners generating plant from an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners LLC of Boston. The PUC must approve the agreement.

     HELCO Pres. Jay Ignacio issued a letter to the public in September saying that electric bills have gone down due to the drop in oil prices. In January of 2015 a bill for a family using 500 kilowatt hours was $189.62. This September it was $161.85. If the 6.5 percent rate hike is approved, the bill would go up to $171.16, still less than the 2015 bill. However, if oil prices rise to their former levels, electric bills will rise again. 

     The electric company also wants the PUC to approve adding performance incentives and adjustments to the energy cost adjustments rules.

      The state’s Consumer Advocate has filed 85 pages of questions on the proposed rate increase in the case docket.  HELCO must answer these questions before the Consumer Advocate can take a position on the case.

     Members of the public can weigh in on one or both scenarios. Comments can be e-mailed to the PUC using the address, puc.comments@hawaii.gov.  The docket number 2015-0170 should be in the subject line.  Written testimony (reference Docket No. 2015-0170) can be sent by postal mail to Public Utilities Commission 465 South King Street #103 Honolulu, HI 96813.

     Organizations, agencies or individuals proposing to intervene or participate in the rate case must make file their motions by Tuesday, Dec. 27.

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NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS FOR HAWAIʻI? The “Forbidden Topic” of building nuclear power plants in Hawaiʻi is to be discussed at the Maui Energy Conference, set for March 22-23, according to reporter Duane Shimogawa of Pacific Business News.
 The issue is a topic for a panel on “emerging trends in energy policy — debating the role of nuclear power.”
     There is new interest in all sides of whether to build nuclear power plants, Shimogawa reports, as the State of Hawaiʻi seeks the goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
     Generating electricity with nuclear power is forbidden by the Hawaiʻi state constitution: “no nuclear fission power plant shall be constructed or radioactive material disposed of in the state without the prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature.”






    The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission describes Hawaiʻi as having no nuclear power reactors and no facilities undergoing decommissioning. Its website at www.nrc.org says that “Hawaiʻi is not an Agreement State.”
     A preview of the panel discussion states: “[Join] us as we discuss what has been the ‘forbidden topic’ in Hawaiʻi, the appropriate role of nuclear power in reducing carbon emissions, what is allowed under Hawaiʻi law, what is the status of fusion and how are rate structures on the Mainland subsidizing nuclear plants based on carbon reductions.”

Next year's statewide energy conference will take up the pros and cons of
nuclear power. Photo from Maui Energy Conference

     
The Friends of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority cites reasons beyond state law that have kept nuclear power plants out of Hawaiʻi: the small size of the Islands, the geographic isolation of the state, waste disposal issues and losing self-sufficiency.


Shimogawa added: “Around the world, 30 countries operate 444 reactors to generate electricity with 63 new plants underway in 15 countries, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear energy provides about 11 percent of the world’s electricity. However, at least one nation, Germany, plans to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022 and focus on renewable energy.”

     For more information on the energy conference called All Things Energy: Pursuing New Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond, go to www.mauienergyconference.com. Also see Pacific Business News.

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Kaʻū Hospital Foundation is raising money
to upgrade its lanai to accommodate people
in wheelchairs and hospital beds.

Photo from Kaʻū Hospital Foundation

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL FOUNDATION is raising funds for its long-term care garden-lanai accessibility project for hospital residents. Ursula D’Angelo, who is managing the project for the Foundation, said that Kaʻū Hospital is long-term residents’ “forever home, and many have expressed their desire to regularly enjoy the outdoors again.” Currently, the garden-lanai area is not totally accessible to people in wheelchairs and hospital beds. “The Foundation needs $35,000 to complete the garden/lanai project, to provide all long-term care residents with access to the outdoors,” she said.
     In November, the foundation raised approximately $11,000, and “we are well on our way to seeing this dream come true. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible,” said D’Angelo.
 Donate to Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Organization,
PO Box 773, Pahala, Hawaii 96777. Donate through kau-hospital-foundation-inc.networkforgood.com . For more information, email Ka’uHCF@gmail.com .

Pu`u O Lokuana hike is this morning at Kahuku Unit of
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from HVNP

PUʻU O LOKUANA HIKE today at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile walk to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the mauka  side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

HAM RADIO OPERATOR'S POTLUCK and gathering today at Manuaka Park. Call Dennis Smith 989-3028.

BEGINNING HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES are today at 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Youth Center, taught by Jeannette Howard, followed by kanikapila with songs of Ka`u. Call Beverly Byouck at 936-7262.

INAUGURATION FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS IS TOMORROW. Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Hilo. Location is Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.  Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David, Mayor Harry Kim and county Prosecutor Mitch Roth are among those to be sworn in by Judge Ronald Ibarra. Hawai`i County Band and Waiakea High School students will perform.

Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

HAWAIʻI COUNTY COUNCIL, Monday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. & Wednesday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, Monday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS monthly meeting is this Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park, Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTING FOR JAMI BECK at Facebook.com  is available to help her win Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi pageant. Voting online ends on Dec. 12. The pageant is in Honolulu on Dec. 17. Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant held at Kaʻū Coffee Mill.

    She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

NEXT FRIDAY IS ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament . It will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Tutu & Me at Pāhala Christmas Parade, next Sunday.
Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

Lava Entering the Ocean by Peter Bosted, of Ranchos, earned Honorable
 Mention in photography at the recent Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show.
 It was taken shortly after sunset with enough light to illuminate the clouds.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016

Scientists held a summit to plan the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, which threatens
Kaʻū's native forests. The fungus can kill a tree in a month or less.
Photo from College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

AGAINST MORE MISSILES FOR SYRIA, Kaʻu’s Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard voted yesterday against the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. She said: “This bill contains the same deeply concerning and dangerous Syria train and equip measures that I’ve fought against since the program's inception.
     “First, it creates the potential for dangerous ground-to-air missiles getting in the hands of ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups. Several months ago, as this bill was being crafted, I and many of my colleagues voted for an amendment that would have prohibited the Department of Defense from transferring any Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems to fighters in Syria. In the wrong hands, these dangerous weapons are capable of shooting American planes out of the sky.
    “The final bill that passed today allows for the transfer of MANPADs, with some weak restrictions, which could allow terrorist groups to get a hold of them and use them against the United States and our allies," said Gabbard. See her statement at facebook.com.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE is throwing its support behind Miss Teen Kaʻū Jami Beck who is running for Miss Teen Hawaiʻi in Honolulu on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Neil Blasdell Center’s Pikake Room at 5 p.m.

     Kaʻū Coffee Farmers Cooperative President Gloria Camba reminds everyone that online voting for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi contest takes place through Dec. 12 online. Vote at Facebook.com.
     Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant held at Kaʻū Coffee Mill.

     She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice. She was born in Kaʻū and attended public school in Nāʻālehu and Pāhala. Her mother is Sharon Beck, principal of Kaʻū High & Elementary School, and former vice principal at Nāʻālehu School who started her teaching career in Pāhala. Jami Beck’s father is James Beck who works at Dorvin Leis Mechanical Contracting in Kona and has made the drive to work in Kona for more than two decades.

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THE RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SUMMIT in Honolulu this week saw Kaʻū well represented in the fight against the fungus that is killing thousands of acres of native forest here. The meeting on Wednesday brought together front-line researchers, forest managers and policy makers who have worked since late 2014 to identify cause of the disease and how it spreads. Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is devastating the native tree that is integral to the pristine forest life and watershed of Kaʻū. The disease has also led to a ban on exporting live ʻōhiʻa and its wood from this island.

     At the meeting, a new Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Strategic Response Plan was presented. It calls for funding of over $10 million for three years for “research, response, recommendations, outreach, and management strategies.” Rob Hauff, a forester with the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, explained, “The goal of this plan is to provide a road map that conveys what the situation is and where we need to go to manage this.” 

     The lead scientists in the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death on Hawaiʻi Island joined Gov. David Ige and other top policy makers for the first-ever Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Summit, at the Hawaii’i state Capitol Auditorium.

Locations where Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has been found, as of November 18.   

     Speakers provided situation reports on the disease and presented the recently completed, strategic response plan to guide statewide response to this dire threat to Hawaiʻi’s most iconic tree species.
     This fungal disease Ceratocystis fimbriata has devastated more than 50,000 acres of ʻōhiʻa.
     Understanding the disease and how to prevent or slow further spread is a top priority of the executive branch. The governor, who provided the welcome and opening remarks said, “Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has prompted the mobilization of several state and federal agencies and is a top priority for leading researchers who are learning more about this disease as they work to stop it from spreading.”

    The Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Summit was open to the public, and included a presentation on the biocultural importance of ʻōhiʻa by Dr. Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ōhi‘a Gon III, of The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi, which manages thousands of acres in Kaʻū. Gon explained that primary cultural underpinnings of ʻōhiʻa support the notion that it is the most significant cultural tree in Hawaiʻi. It is also considered the most important tree for the protection of Hawaiʻi’s forest watersheds.
     A panel of state and federal experts discussed and updated the latest research and management actions. Dr. Lisa Keith of the U.S. Department of Agricultural Research Service explained, “The identification of the ceratocystis fungus used to take two-four weeks to confirm in the lab. We can now test very small samples of a tree’s DNA and determine within 24 hours if this fungus is killing it."
      “Unfortunately” she continued, “there is no silver bullet (for a treatment) and the science is important for informing management decisions.”
     Dr. Flint Hughes with the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry painted a grim picture for the future of ʻōhiʻa forests if the disease continues unchecked. He said, “We currently have 52, one-quarter acre monitoring plots on Hawaiʻi island. These are in places where the fungus has killed trees and our data shows that 11 percent of the ʻōhiʻa, on average, in these plots, will die each year. In some areas the mortality has been 100 percent.”

The crown of the ʻōhiʻa tree can turn brown within days to weeks.
Photo from College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

     Dr. Gordon Bennett of the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources is one of the researchers collaboratively investigating the linkage between non-native beetles and the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. He explained that these wood boring beetles are attracted to unhealthy trees and set up homes (galleries) in them. He and other researchers are looking at pest control and management strategies based on science. Bennett said, “We’re just starting in this area. It’s a new challenge.”

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is prompting a Strategic Response Plan
with a request for over $10 million in funding.
Photo from state Division of Forestry & Wildlife

   Dr. Greg Asner of Stanford University’s Carnegie Airborne Observatory detailed the use of laser guided imaging spectroscopy to produce 3D imaging that shows the size and precise location of trees to within six inches. He explained, “We’re trying to use this technology to look ahead in time. This technology even allows us to measure 15 different chemicals in tree foliage, which is like going to a doctor for a blood test.” Data from the 3D aerial surveys conducted in January of this year is currently being analyzed and results are expected to be available around the first of the year.
    The findings of Wednesday’s presenters earlier prompted a strict state Dept. of Agriculture quarantine against movement of all ʻōhiʻa wood, soil, and Metrosideros species plants and plant parts from Hawaiʻi Island to other islands. The state also publicized and distributed protocols to inform the public and forest users about steps to prevent spread of this disease (see www.rapidohiadeath.org).
   Hauff and Christy Martin of the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species organized the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Summit. Martin said, “This is the first time we’ve had all the principal players in the fight against this disease in one place, to provide background to decision-makers and the public. People are eager to understand what’s happening to ʻōhiʻa, and what more they can do.”

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Just before sunset Friday, Mauna Loa weather observatory
was covered with snow. Photo from NOAA

HEAVY RAINS FLOODED HWY 11 AT KAWA YESTERDAY, blocking access between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. In Volcano, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and the Kahuku Unit at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park shut down with heavy rainfall and flash flooding. On Friday, the floor of Thurston Lava Tube flooded and rainwater covered the electrical conduit system. Park staff shut off the power and announced that visitor access is prohibited until further notice. With heavy snow, the summit of Mauna Loa remained closed to all day use and overnight camping. Closures remain in effect until it is safe to reopen. 
     Kahuku Unit,  usually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, was closed for the day due to flooding and a road closure on Highway 11. Staff will reassess conditions today, and determine if Kahuku will open for the weekend.
     The summit closure is in effect above the Red Hill (Pu‘u‘ula‘ula) Cabin. Hikers can still obtain a backcountry permit to hike to and stay at Red Hill Cabin, but backcountry permits to areas above 10,000 feet are suspended and day hiking is prohibited. Hikers going to Red Hill will be advised during the permit process to proceed with caution and carry appropriate gear.
    “Park rangers will constantly monitor the roads and destinations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park during this storm, and additional closures may be warranted,” said Chief Ranger John Broward.

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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES: Kīlauea’s summit lake exploded again early Friday morning for the second time this week. Both events were caused by large portions of the vent wall breaking away, without warning, and falling into the molten lava. 

At 6:58 a.m. yesterday, a large slab of the summit vent wall below HVO’s HMcam,
collapsed. Rocks falling into the lava lake triggered a small explosive event that 

bombarded the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with fragments of molten lava, similar to
Monday’s event. Rockfalls, explosions and SO2 emissions are why hazardous areas
are closed. See hvo.wr.usgs.gov

Image and video from USGS

     The falling rock stirred up the lava lake, causing it to explode – releasing clouds of gas and flinging hundreds of fragments of molten lava into the air. 
     Yesterday’s explosion at 6:58 a.m. happened when “a large slab of the summit vent wall, located directly below HVO’s web cam, collapsed,” according to USGS. The camera is located at the Jaggar Museum, overlooking the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The camera operates continuously so that events such as yesterday’s rockfall and explosion can be recorded for scientists to study, analyze and interpret.
     According to the USGS website: “Rocks falling into the lava lake triggered a small explosive event that bombarded the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with spatter (fragments of molten lava), similar to Monday's (Nov. 28) event. These rockfalls and explosions, which occur without warning, in addition to sulfur dioxide gas emissions, are why this hazardous area remains closed.”
     The USGS also reported that Kīlauea continues to erupt at its summit and East Rift Zone. This past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 6.5 and 20 m (21–66 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g lava flow continued to enter the ocean near Kamokuna. On Dec. 1, a new breakout from the 61g vent area on the flank of Pu'u 'Ō'ō sent a small surface flow to the east, on top of existing 61g flows. The 61g lava flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. During the past week, about a dozen small earthquakes occurred primarily northwest of the summit caldera at depths less than 5 km (3 mi). Deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone continues, with inflation occurring mainly in the southwestern part of the magma storage complex.

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Rockfall from the south wall of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater triggered  a small

explosive event in the summit lava lake on Nov. 28.The explosion
threw fragments of molten lava onto the rim of the crater, mostly
to the west of the former visitor overlook. The area has been closed
since 2008 due to ongoing volcanic hazards.
See video at hvo.wr.usgs.gov. 

BEST PRACTICES IN VOLCANO HAZARD ASSESSMENT is the subject of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist’s Volcano Watch this week:
    “There are more than 1500 active volcanoes on Earth. With many millions of people living and working in their shadows, developing ways to co-exist safely with potential volcanic threat is essential. To do so, those at risk need to know the type and severity of hazards they may face.
   “One of the primary jobs of volcanologists is to prepare evaluations or assessments of volcano hazards. This information – often in the form of maps and reports – is intended for use by a wide range of individuals and groups that would potentially be impacted by future volcanic activity or are responsible for planning and responding to eruptions. These include residents, emergency managers, land use planners, utility providers, and insurers.

   “In mid-November, 70 representatives of volcano observatories from 20 volcanically active nations around the world came together in Vancouver, Washington, to share techniques, lessons learned, and challenges faced in preparing effective, useful volcano hazard maps and analyses. This meeting was the third in a series of Volcano Observatory Best Practices workshops, and the first to be held in the United States.  
   “Sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the International Association of Volcanology and the Earth's Interior, the World Organization of Volcano Observatories, and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica and Volcanologia, the four-day workshop featured formal presentations about volcano hazard assessments in Indonesia, Colombia, the Philippines, Ecuador, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Italy, and the U.S.

Close-up of stream of lava stream entering the ocean at the front of
Kamokuna lava delta on Kīlauea's south flank, Nov. 30. The billowy
white plume formed by interaction of hot lava and seawater may look
harmless, but it is a mixture of superheated steam, hydrochloric acid,
and tiny shards of volcanic glass – all of which should be avoided.
USGS photo. Video at hvo.wr.usgs

    “Throughout the workshop, participants shared examples of hazard assessment products developed for specific volcanoes in their respective countries, and described the science behind the products and how they have been used. Not surprisingly, styles and approaches vary from country to country, but some commonalities emerged.
    “To create such assessments, volcanologists must determine what hazards are likely to affect a particular area. In order to answer this question, scientists must have a thorough understanding of a volcano’s past eruptive history and behavior. This understanding requires extensive and careful hvo.wr.usgs geologic studies of a volcano to completely characterize its style and frequency of activity.

     “Even further work is required to develop a conceptual model for how that volcano actually behaves over time, an effort that can take many years to complete. Not all volcano observatories have the necessary resources to conduct the detailed work that many in the scientific community consider absolutely essential. In those cases, early assessments must be done with the geologic information that is available, even if it is incomplete.
     “Other workshop presentations focused on tools for portraying volcano hazards. Increasingly, scientists are using mathematical models and modern computer graphics to simulate volcanic processes, such as lava flows or lahars (mudflows). These models can help people visualize areas that would likely be affected during a variety of eruption conditions. This approach is more quantitative and provides more detail, but models require assumptions that contain some degree of uncertainty.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist
Frank Trusdell (right) discusses methodologies for lava flow
hazard assessment in Hawaiʻi with a volcanology colleague
from Ethiopia during the Volcano Observatory Best
Practices Workshop in Vancouver, Washington. Eruptions
in the East African Rift bear some broad similarities to
Hawaiian volcano rift zone eruptions.

USGS photo

    “Another topic addressed in the workshop is how to ensure that users of hazard assessments understand the information provided in the assessments and know how to incorporate conclusions of the assessments into their decision-making process. Workshop participants agreed that engaging stakeholders prior to the creation of hazard assessments is critical to make certain that the resulting information is understandable and useful. Lively discussion ensued as colleagues gathered around several dozen posters displaying examples of hazard assessments from around the world.
   “A tangible outcome of the workshop will be a report identifying initial best practices for preparing volcano hazard assessments. The report can help guide scientists and their nation's policies as they complete this work. Closer to home, U.S. participants renewed their commitment to develop a plan to guide the ‘next generation’ of volcano hazard assessments for the highest priority volcanoes, including those in Hawaiʻi.”

     For information on the current long-term hazard assessment for Hawaiian volcanoes, see: hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Pāhala Filipino Community Association takes part in Pāhala Christmas 

Parade each year on the second Sunday, Dec. 11 this year.

Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS DECORATION VOTING IS ON AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP. The stone cottages across from the parade field are decorated with lights and displays for Christmas. The public can stroll along the sidewalk with Christmas cottages lights and vote for best decorated units. Ballots for the voting are available at the front desk, KMC General Store, Crater Room Cafe, Lava Lounge and Bowling Alley. The competition is between groups of KMC staff members.

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Don Elwing’s depicting of a pair of ʻAlala
took third in woodworking.
Photo by Ann Bosted

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. Among the winners is Don Elwing’s  sculpture depicting of a  pair of ʻAlala , which took third in woodworking. The ʻAlala is the critcally endangered Hawaiian Crow.
     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

               SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM 
                               AND   KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, Dec. 2, 2016

PARENTS, Inc., serving Hawai‘i families since 1975, recently set up shop in Nāʻālehu with many

services. Call 808-333-3460. See story below. Photo from PARENTS

PARENTS, INC. IS SERVING KAʻŪ with a program entitled Promoting Safe and Stable Families, contracted through the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services Child Welfare. Location is Nāʻālehu Shopping Center.  PARENTS stands for Providing Awareness, Referrals, Education, Nurturing, Therapy, Support.

     Program counselor Leʻa Moses Alcover, MSW is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. Brenda Larson, a Kaʻū resident, is the program’s Parent Educator. She facilitates Parent Education classes. Larson is graduate of UH West Hawaiʻi and holds a Certificate In Substance Abuse and Addiction Studies. She has worked with Big Island keiki in West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū for more than 20 years. Clinical supervisor is Marvin St. Clair, who holds a Masters in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is a 15-year resident of Hawaiʻi Island with prior experience working in the district. 

     St. Clair said the program is seeking a full time bachelor degree level case manager to provide parenting skills training services to clients in their homes and to manage the program’s data reporting procedures. He noted that the program would especially welcome a Kaʻū resident.

PARENTS encourages reading time with dad.

Photo form PARENTS

     PARENTS, Inc. has helped families in Hawaiʻi since 1975. Last year, 3,401 parents and children were served. According to PARENTS, of those who benefited, 69 percent showed an increase in their parenting knowledge, and services received a 98 percent satisfaction rating. Last year, 58 percent of families served were single parents, and 43 percent of participants were native Hawaiian or part-native Hawaiian.

    St. Clair explained that the program Promoting Safe and Stable Families “uses professional educators, counselors, and facilitators to focus on the healthy growth and development of all family members. The organization provides a full range of parenting education, skill building and support services to men, women and children. Parenting classes include a nine week Confident Parenting Class, open to the general public, and a 12 or 16-week Positive Parenting Class open to those referred through Child Welfare Services.”

     Parenting intervention with parents referred for issues involving child abuse or neglect may include home visits and therapy for families, case management; crisis intervention; outreach; and many different types of skill building. All services are multiethnic, non-judgmental, non-threatening, supportive, and easily accessible, said St. Clair.

     PARENTS, Inc. will host its 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament in Hilo this April. Everyone is invited to help Kick Child Abuse out of Hawaiʻi,  said St. Clair.

     Call 333-3460 for inquiries about the program and for information on the case manager position. See more on PARENTS at www.hawaiiparents.org.

INAUGURATION FOR MAILE DAVID IS MONDAY. Kaʻū’s County Council member will be sworn into her second term by Judge Ronald Ibarra on Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Hilo. Location is Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.

Maile David at her 2014 swearing in ceremony.
She renews her vows to serve Kaʻū again
this Monday. Photo by Julia Neal

    The ceremony will include inauguration of Mayor Harry Kim for his third four-year term after a two-term break. Also reelected is Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth and County Council Chair Valerie T. Poindexter. All nine council members will take the oath on Monday.

    The program will begin with music from the Hawaiʻi County Band, which will accompany the procession.  J.E. Orozco will serve as master of ceremonies. Kim, Roth and Poindexter will deliver addresses. 

   There will be a Presentation of Colors by Hilo High School JROTC Color Guards, and Waiakea High School students will perform musical renderings. The National and State Anthems will be sung by Alexandra Roth accompanied by the Hawaiʻi County Band. Senior Pastor Sheldon Lacsina of New Hope-Hilo will provide the Invocation, and the Benediction will be provided by Kahu Charles Kama, of Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou.

      Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN ADVANCE OF TULSI GABBARD’S TRIP TO STANDING ROCK this Sunday, the Congresswoman took to the floor in opposition. She said she is standing with the Sioux tribe to protest the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline for shipping fracked oil from North Dakota to Illinois.
    In her speech she asks Pres. Barack Obama  to “immediately halt the construction of this pipeline, respect the sacred lands of the Standing Rock Sioux, and respect their right to clean water.”
     Gabbard said, “Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I learned the value of caring for our home, caring for our planet, and the basic principle that we are all connected in a great chain of cause and effect. The Dakota Access Pipeline is a threat to this great balance of life.

U.S. Rep. Gabbard asks President Obama to
stop the pipeline at Standing Rock.
Photo from CSPAN

    “Despite strong opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux and serious concerns raised by the EPA, the Department of Interior, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other Federal agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers approved permits to construct the Dakota Access Pipeline without adequately consulting the tribes, and without fully evaluating the potential impacts to neighboring tribal lands, sacred sites, and their water supply. Just one spill near the tribe’s reservation could release thousands of barrels of crude oil, contaminating the tribe’s drinking water.”
     Gabbard is going to the construction site with a group of veterans. The video of her speech on the House floor can be seen on youtube.com.

SNOW PILED UP ON MAUNA LOA while a fire burned below,  yesterday morning at Punaluʻu. The National Weather Service issued a storm warning for high elevations as snow began to fall, the day after the end of Hurricane Season. Rain bands, with thunder passed over Kaʻū mid morning. The wildfire, following days of strong winds and dry weather, burned makai of the highway at Punaluʻu,  the rain giving firefighters some assistance.    

Mauna Loa weather observatory blanketed in snow yesterday.

     High winds and heavy snow led Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to close the summit of Mauna Loa on Thursday to day use and overnight camping until it is safe to reopen. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the summit of Mauna Loa in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park early Thursday morning. Heavy rain, high winds, and a foot of snow were expected, and by afternoon, a thick blanket of snow was visible as low as 10,000 feet. Visitors at the park’s Jaggar Museum were treated periodically with views of snow-capped Mauna Loa, a novelty for many who don’t expect snow in Hawai‘i.

     The summit closure is in effect above the Red Hill (Pu‘u‘ula‘ula) Cabin. Hikers can still obtain a backcountry permit to hike to and stay at Red Hill Cabin, but backcountry permits to areas above 10,000 feet are suspended and day hiking is prohibited. Hikers going to Red Hill will be advised to proceed with caution and carry appropriate gear. In January 2014, park rangers and a helicopter pilot rescued a backcountry hiker stranded on Mauna Loa in an unexpected blizzard. The weather observatory on Mauna Loa was also blanketed with fresh snow yesterday.  

     An unusual storm left snow on Mauna Loa in late July, as Tropical Storm Darby passed over Kaʻū.
   

MORE DETAILS ON THE VOLCANO FARM & FOOD EVENT have been released by the Volcano Community Foundation. The new farm to table tour on Saturday, Jan. 14 will feature Chef Audrey Wilson with a gourmet lunch.

Chef Audrey Wilson will prepare a gourmet lunch
for participants in the Volcano Farm to Table
event on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Photo from Volcano Community Foundation

     The tour takes participants to three working farms, one growing tea where attendees will learn about processing for green, white, oolong and black and enjoy tea and pastry tasting. The second is a flower farm with cut orchids shipped worldwide. A greenhouse visit features a demonstration on separating and repotting orchids. The third is a vegetable and berry farm, where the owners will explain their work of growing in their greenhouse for market. At the lunch, the chef, a cookbook author and food columnist, will show off her specialty of using the freshest local ingredients, inspiring a pivot from using the 80 percent of food consumed here – food that is imported.
    Funds raised from this event support a scholarship that is awarded each year to an outstanding high school senior from Volcano. To reserve space, contact volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call 967-7366. Reservations will be confirmed when payment is received.

DEADLINE FOR THE ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM is today, Friday, Dec. 2. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with five players maximum per team. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To sign up or donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

VOTING IS ONGOING AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP. The stone cottages across from the parade field are decorated with lights and displays for Christmas. The public can stroll along the sidewalk with Christmas cottages lights and vote for best decorated units. Ballots for the voting are available at the front desk, KMC General Store, Crater Room Cafe, Lava Lounge and Bowling Alley. The competition is between groups of KMC staff members.

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The

Eddie Andrade has been organizing the
annual Christmas parade in Pāhala for
38 years, including Sunday, Dec. 11
Photo by Julia Neal

parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

Olivia Ling holds one of  her three masks
that won first place in sculpture.
Photo by Ann Bosted

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
     One of the winners of the recent Chamber Art show whose work will be included is Olivia Ling holds whose three masks  won first place in the sculpture category. She built them by hand from clay, using Hawaiian rocks as the hump mold. She pit-fired them and colored them with acrylic paints, before adding natural or synthetic fibers for the hair. Her entries are part of a collection called Indigenous People of the World.
     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com