Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017

Eruption crew rangers Rob Ely and John Moraes mark the closed area at the coastal cliffs with a white rope line.
  NPS Photo/Janice Wei

A NEW LAVA VIEWING AREA AT KAMOKUNA was established by park rangers on Tuesday, following the large lava delta collapse on New Year’s Eve. The new lookout is approximately 900 feet east of a cascade of lava pouring into the ocean, and about 60 feet inland of the coastal cliffs. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park rangers, in conjunction with USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists, thoroughly assessed the area, and established the new viewing site with white rope lines and numerous signs that clearly mark hazardous closed areas.
    Visitors are strongly urged to stay out of closed areas and heed all posted warning signs and park rangers.

New lava cascade at Kamokuna in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on
Monday, Jan. 2. NPS Photo/J.Ferracane

    “Visitors who do not heed warnings not only endanger themselves but the lives of others, including our park rangers, who work tirelessly to ensure a safe visitor experience,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
    After the delta collapse on New Year’s Eve, a group of five visitors ignored rangers and warning signs and slipped beneath the white rope lines into a closed area at the coast. Two park rangers had to chase after them, and made them turn around – 15 minutes before the area they were standing on collapsed into the ocean.
    In addition to the threat of another land collapse, the toxic plume of volcanic particles and acidic gas generated by lava mixed with ocean water is very dangerous, and irritates the lungs, skin and eyes. Land collapses, which trigger tsunami-like waves, and the toxic gas plume, are also a serious threat to aircraft and boats. There is currently a 1,000-foot above-ground-level temporary flight restriction at Kamokuna.
    HVO scientists estimate that nearly all of the 26-acre lava delta is now gone, along with more than four acres of older coastal cliff area, which included the former lava viewing site. The collapse on New Year’s Eve started in the afternoon and lasted several hours, creating blasts of volcanic rock and a series of damaging waves, in addition to a thick, dark plume of debris and gas.

Visitors begin the five-mile hike to Kamokuna shortly after the
 park opened the lava viewing area on Tuesday, January 3, the
34th anniversary of the eruption of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent on Kīlauea,
the source of the lava flows going into the ocean today.
  NPS Photo/Janice Wei

    It is closer from the east entrance to reach the new lava viewing area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. From the east, or Kalapana/County of Hawai‘i side, visitors must hike about 4.2 miles one way along the gravel emergency access road. This entrance is open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. From the park, or west side, visitors can hike out from the Coastal Ranger Station at the end of Chain of Craters Road, about five miles one-way. About one mile of the hike goes inland of the gas plume over hardened, uneven lava flows. The park entrance is open 24 hours a day.
    Hikers need to be prepared for a long trek. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, gloves to protect the hands, and long pants to protect against lava rock abrasions. Carry plenty of water (three to four quart/liters per person). Wear sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Visitors who plan to stay after dark need a flashlight and/or headlight with extra batteries.
    For hiking tips, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/Hiking-Tips.pdf. For County of Hawai‘i Lava Viewing information, call (808) 430-1966. For the latest eruption updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php. Monitor air quality at http://www.hawaiiso2network.com/.

A FLOAT NAMED SPIRIT OF HAWAI`I took top prize in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade on Monday. The annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA. was attended by about 700,000 people and viewed on television by about 70 million. It was held on Jan. 2, since the traditional New Year's Day parade date fell on a Sunday.
     The float featured a 10-foot tall sculpture of King Kamehameha, an erupting Hawai`i Island volcano, four waterfalls utilizing 2,000 gallons of recycled water, and floral sculpted animals including parrots, sea turtles and geckos decorated in tropical flowers. Fruits featured on the float were provided by Dole Packaged Foods, including bananas, pineapples, and mangoes. The float was 55 feet long, 18 feet wide and over 28 feet tall.

Spirit of Hawai`i took first place in the Tournament of Roses Parade in
Pasadena, CA on Monday.

    In a statement, the company said “Dole is proud to announce its 2017 Rose Parade float, "Spirit of Hawaii," took home the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy for this year's Tournament of Roses Parade for its outstanding floral presentation and design. Dole has received much recognition from the Tournament, holding the Rose Parade record for most Sweepstakes Trophy wins, having won the award six out of the seven times it has participated.”
     Spirit of Hawai`i celebrates Dole Packaged Foods' origins in Hawaii in 1899. The company is currently based in California. The float featured non GMO fruits, showcasing Dole’s “commitment to preserving natural resources around the world”.

A BILL RELATED TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM goes before the County of Hawai`i's Windard Planning Commission on Thursday, Jan. 5 at the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street in Hilo. The bill aims to define "agricultural tourism" and include new definitions for "agricultural products" and "agriculturally related products." It also would define requirements for plan approval review and regulation for ag tourism operations. Agricultural tourism is considered a way to promote Hawai`i agriculture and subsidize farmers who face a high cost of doing business in Hawai`i. It has also been a cause for concern in some neighborhoods where tourists cars line the neighborhood roads.

Visiting the drying floor of Ka`u Coffee Mill would be an example of acceptable
agricultural tourism, according to the newly proposed regulations.
  Photo from Ka`u Coffee Mill

    The proposed measure says that, "Agricultural t tourism means visiting an agribusiness, horticultural, aquacultural or agricultural operation that is managed by the owner or by an operator resident at the subject property for the purpose of recreation, education, or active involvement in the operation, other than as a contractor or employee of the operation, and includes the sale of agricultural products and agriculturally-related products. The term agricultural tourism does not include educational tours sponsors and conducted by public or private schools located within the County."

     The proposed legislation also says, "Agricultural products means the commodities resulting from income producing activities or uses such as the cultivation of crops, including but not limited to flowers, vegetables, foliage, fruits, forage, and timber; apriary activities, including but not limited to royal  jellly, bee pollen, and beeswax; farming or ranching activities or uses related to animal husbandry, aquaculture, or game and fish propagation; and production of compost or mulch.

     The bill describes two types of operators:

     Agricultural tourism major "means an agricultural tourism operation that qualifies to host between five thousand and thirty thousand visitors annually."

A visit to Earth Matters farm to see organic agriculture in on South
Point Road  would be another example of agrotourism.
Photo from Earth Matters

     Agricultural tourism minor "means an agricultural tourism operation that qualifies to host less than five thousand visitors annually."

     Agricultural tourism major requires plan approval prior to operation. Both major and minor operations require approval prior to construction or installation of any new structure and for any addition to that exceeds ten percent of the existing structure.

        Plan approval applications require such information as whether there will be visits by buses and the carrying capacity of the busses, proof of adequate on street or off street parking, loading, unlaoding and turn around space, adequate legal acces to a public highway, and a plan for vehicular and pedistrian access ways. 

     Ag tourism revenue cannot exceed the revenue that comes from the agricultural enterprise, the legislation states. If the farm or ranch shuts down, so does the related ag tourism, the bill states.

     For the entire bill, see http://www.hiagtourism.org/wordpress/hata-wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bill-amendch25-agtourism-final.pdf.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan 4 and 5 at 9 a.m. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed. Jan. 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kilauea Millitary Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, bands, comedians are welcome. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 and 928-2015.

www.kaucalendar.com

Ka`u News Briefs, Monday, Jan. 2, 2017

A ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park helps educate visitors whose numbers surged in the park over the holidays. See story below.

KA`U'S MEMBERS OF THE U.S. SENATE AND U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES take their seats Tuesday, Jan. 3 when the 115th Congress convenes in Washington, D.C. Sen. Brian Schatz will serve on the Senate's Appropriations, Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Indian Affairs Committees. He will also serve on the Select Committee on Ethics. Sen. Mazie Hirono will serve on the Judiciary Committee, as well as the  Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Veterans' Affairs. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he will fight for the environment as he joins Hawai`i's
congressional delegation Tuesday for the convening of the 115 Congress of
the United States. Photo from Brian Schatz

 All three are expected to fight for the environment and work to retain many aspects of Obamacare, Medicare and Medicaid, including health insurance for adult dependent children, and a prohibition against denying insurance based on preconditions. The Republicans and President-Elect Donald Trump have vowed to repeal Obamacare.

     On environmental issues, Sen. Brian Schatz is expected to fight to defend President Obama's declaration on Dec. 20, which put a permanent ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in large areas of the Arctic and Atlantic. "This is a major step toward protecting our oceans and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels," said Schatz.  The Hawai`i senator said that while Obama "called his action a permanent ban, Donald J. Trump, and a Republican Congress will be able to roll back some recent environmental regulations." 

       Schatz said he will do everything he can to block the nomination of climate change denier Scott Pruitt, named by Trump to head the Environmental Protection Agency. He called the nomination of Pruitt a "four alarm fire for the environmental community and anybody who cares about clean air and clean water." Pruitt has sued the EPA several times as Attorney General for Oklahoma, to overturn bans on such pollutants as smog, soot, arsenic and mercury. Schatz said Pruitt is "on the wrong side of science, on the wrong side of history." Schatz said Pruitt "is not qualified to lead the EPA."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will serve on the Armed
Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

Sen. Mazie Hirono will serve on the
Judiciary, Veterans Affairs, Armed
Services and more committees.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

    Schatz called the Pruitt nomination "a-historical" without any historical precedent. He noted that the Republican administrations of both Presidents Bush did not appoint  EPA administrators who intended to dismantle the EPA. Schatz called Pruitt "someone who has made a professional out of denying the science of climate change. This is someone who has made a profession out of undermining the ability of the EPA to enforce the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act." He said the "EPA has an obligation to administer the law. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act are still on the books. This is scary stuff."

     Concerning the Paris Agreement with nearly 200 countries signing on to policies that could reduce global warming and adopt clean energy,  Schatz said it would be sad for the U.S. to abdicate its world leadership in clean energy. He said China would like to take that lead and the U.S. could lose not only the moral high ground but also much business associated with producing clean energy.   

      Schatz said the U.S. Senate has 48 Democrats who could vote against Trump's EPA nomination and would need 51 votes against Pruitt to deny him the EPA post. Schatz said there are four or five Republicans who could cross over. He is asking them "to put their country first, to put the next generation first, to put the planet first and put partisan politics aside and reject the climate denier. ...Here's the litmus test for them: If you are not a climate denier, you can not vote for this administrator of the EPA," said Schatz.  

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The delta collapse at Kamokuna in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Dec. 31. Photo from NPS

THE COLLAPSE OF THE LAVA DELTA INTO THE OCEAN on New Years Eve at Kamokuna is drawing more analysis by U.S. Geological Service scientists, who are also issuing cautionary notices to onlookers.  

    They reported today that "The episode 61g flow is still active and entering the ocean at Kamokuna. Nearly all of the lava delta at Kamokuna collapsed into the ocean on Dec. 31. Also, a large section of the older sea cliff east of the lava delta collapsed into the sea. The collapsed part of the sea cliff extended about 180 m (590 ft) east of the delta edge, and cut inland about 70 m (230 ft) from the shoreline!
     "As a strong caution to visitors viewing the episode 61g flow ocean entry (where lava meets the sea), there are additional significant hazards besides walking on uneven surfaces and around unstable, extremely steep sea cliffs. Venturing too close to an ocean entry exposes you to flying debris created by the explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the new land created is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. In several instances, such collapses, once started, have also incorporated parts of the older sea cliff.       

     "Prominent cracks observed in the surface of the relatively large eastern lava delta at Kamokuna indicate instability and an increased potential for larger collapse events. Finally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs."
     See  fact sheets for additional information: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2000/fs152-00/
For comprehensive information on volcanic air pollution, see the vog dashboard at: www.ivhhn.org/vog/

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VISITATION TO HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK surged over the holidays. Parking lots at popular destinations like Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Jaggar Museum and Kīlauea Visitor Center were at capacity.  "With Kīlauea erupting from two locations, the park remains a powerful draw for visitors who want to see volcanic activity. As a result, the park is very crowded, especially during peak hours between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.," said an HVNP statement.
     Chief Ranger John Broward said,  “We’ve had some visitors wait up to an hour to park, and we have park rangers working in traffic control. We remind everyone to please be patient and treat rangers and other drivers with respect and aloha.”      
     Park rangers offer these tips so all visitors have a positive and memorable time in the national park:

- Plan to arrive early and explore Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) before 9 a.m. Not only is parking available, but the lava tube is often empty of people. Birdwatching at Nāhuku is best in the early morning. - Want to hike Kīlauea Iki Trail? This four-mile trek is one of the most scenic and popular trails in the park. Plan to hit the trail by 7 a.m., and be out by 10 a.m. - Drive and explore Chain of Craters Road. This historic and scenic road originates at the summit of Kīlauea and stretches 19 miles to Hōlei Sea Arch. Many overlooks, pullouts, and lesser-known hikes (Mauna Ulu, Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs) abound – and it’s an ideal way to avoid the crowds and see more of what the park offers. The Coastal Ranger Station at the end of Chain of Craters Road is the starting point for a 10-mile roundtrip hike to see lava enter the ocean at Kamokuna.
- Night owl or early riser? The best time to observe the glow from Halema‘uma‘u is before sunrise, or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day. Visitors can see what Kīlauea is doing before arrival by checking the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcams.                            
- Jaggar Museum is the closest visitors can get to the summit eruption’s glowing lava lake, and it’s the park’s most popular spot after 5 p.m. (More than 8,000 people were counted one evening at Jaggar Museum during the holidays.) Those who can’t avoid peak hours, consider observing the glow from a less-crowded location, like Keanakāko‘i, ‘Akanikōlea (Steam Vents), or Kīlauea Overlook. From Kīlauea Overlook, it’s a short walk to Jaggar Museum along Crater Rim Trail, but bring a flashlight and a jacket.  
- Mauna Loa Road is well worth exploring during peak hours, especially in good weather. Kīpukapuaulu offers an easy, forested hike, and the views and birdwatching are excellent along the way to the Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet.
- Visit Kahuku. Kahuku is free, never crowded, and is open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month. Located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 in Ka‘ū.
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34 YEARS AND COUNTING is the talk by Tina Neal, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist in Charge on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. She will discuss the ongoing eruption and etail the past year's activity at Kilauea Volcano. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS MEETING is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., Pahala Community Center.

Ka`u News Briefs, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2016

This lava viewing area is closed after a large section of the 26-acre delta fell into the ocean. It was created by a lava flow, then
hardened, then undercut by ocean waves and crashed into the water yesterday at Kamokuna. This image was taken on Dec. 25. 
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

A large plume of rock debris and gas emanates from the Kamokuna lava ocean entry within
Hawai`i Volcanoes NationalPark, yesterday, just moments after the lava delta began

to collapse. NPS Photo/Travis Delimont

NEW LAND FORMED BY KILAUEA VOLCANO crashed into the ocean at Kamokuna on New Years Eve. A large section of the 26-acre lava delta formed by the 61g lava flow collapsed into the water around 2:45 p.m., launching showers of volcanic rock into the air, and creating a flurry of large waves that eroded away a portion of the older sea cliff and viewing area.
     As a result, the Kamokuna ocean entry within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remained closed today as park rangers and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists surveyed the area. Rangers on duty New Year’s Day reported that the former viewing area is gone, and that loud cracks continue to be heard throughout the unstable area.
     Although park rangers temporarily closed the Kamokuna lava viewing area last night, five visitors ducked beneath the white rope closure line and made a beeline for the coastal cliffs around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Eruption Crew Ranger Travis Delimont and a co-worker had to chase after them before they turned around. Within 15 minutes, the section of cliff where the visitors were standing crashed into the ocean.
     “It was a really close brush with death for them,” Ranger Delimont said. “Luckily, they finally listened to us and turned around in time,” he said.
     The lava viewing area will remain closed until it is determined safe to reopen. The County of Hawai‘i also closed the Kalapana access to the park.
      “Fortunately, there were no aircraft or boats reported in the area at the time of the collapse, nor were any visitors on the delta itself, which is closed for public safety,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Had anyone been close by on land, water or air, lives would have surely been lost,” she said.
     There is a temporary flight restriction of 1,000 feet above ground level at the Kamokuna ocean entry.

      Lava deltas are extremely hazardous volcanic features and are formed when lava enters the ocean and builds new land on loose and unstable substrate. In addition to the threat of collapse, lava entering the ocean produces a highly a corrosive plume of hydrochloric acid and volcanic particles that irritate the lungs, skin and eyes. Visitors are strongly urged to stay out of closed areas and heed all posted warning signs.  See additional images and video from the park's official Flickr site.
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Leo Norberte celebrates a banner harvest of Ka`u Coffee on
New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS celebrated New Year's Eve last night at homes throughout the district, which huge fireworks displays, celebrating a massive crop and good sales this season. Leo Norberte, who farms 30 acres in Moa`ula and Wood Valley, said pickers harvested 7,000 pounds on his busiest one day. His harvest is more than half done for the year and very
successful, he said.
      Norberte's coffee is sold under his own brand name, and to Starbucks and other buyers. He provides housing for pickers and his extended family does much of the processing. His wife Hermie, a retired Ka`u High School teacher does much of the bookkeeping and helps with the lab and packaging. Their JN brand is one of the most prosperous in Ka`u. Leo and Herme circle the island two to three times a week, delivering their coffee in person to stores from Waikoloa to Kona, Waimea and Hilo.
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GUN CONTROL ADVOCATE ROSS RAMMELMEYER, of Volcano, who sends out daily email on news of gun control and gun violence. is urging residents to start the New Year by supporting various gun safety organizations like the Americans for Responsible Solutions, led by Gabby Giffords and her husband, astronaut and retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly.  Giffords, a congresswoman from Arizona, was shot is the head and severely injured at a public function. She and her Kelly became leaders in gun control campaigns. "When gun violence prevention was on the ballot, we won," said Giffords and Kelly in a New Year's message to Rammelmeyer.

Mark Kelly and Gabby Gifford's work on gun safety, supported
by Ross Rammelmeyer, of Volcano. Photo from Americans
for Responsible Solutions.

     Giffords is also the namesake of a new 421-long trimaran ship called the USS Gabrielle Giffords, which was delivered to the U.S. Navy on Dec. 23. "Courage comes in many, many forms - physical, mental, spiritual and political. Gabby has truly modeled courage and resilience," said Vice Admiral Phillip Cullom during the christening ceremony.

    Another organization supported by Rammelmeyer is Everytown for Gun Safety. Its News Year's message says, "We'll never stop fighting when our children's futures are at stake. (President-elect Donald's) Trump's election presents and unprecedented threat to that future---which is why we need to be ready on Day One of his presidency to fight back.

      "Gun extremists are afraid of losing their guns. We're afraid of losing our kids. You tell me who's going to win. This movement is not stranger to setbacks --and this past election is no different. Every time we've gotten knocked down, we've dusted ourselves off and picked each other up. Right now, we're (sometimes literally) pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps."

     Contract Rammelmeyer at rossrammelmeyer@hawaiiantel.net.
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VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 2 at Ocean View community Center at 4 p.m. 939-7033.

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS MEETING is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., Pahala Community Center.

34 YEARS AND COUNTING is the talk by Tina Neal, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist in Charge on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. She will discuss the ongoing eruption and etail the past year's activity at Kilauea Volcano. Free; park entrance fees apply.

www.kaucalendar.com