Ka`ū News Briefs Thursday, August 9, 2018

Ed Rau of the Discovery Harbour CERT team was activated to help with possible affects of Hurricane Hector on
Wednesday. He took this photo at dawn and calls it Red Sky in Morning, Sailor Take Warning. See a photo
below of Hurricane Hector taken by a NASA astronaut today. Photo by Ed Rau

KEAUHOU RANCH FIRE WAS 51 PERCENT CONTAINED THIS MORNING, after spreading to 3,679 acres. Twenty-one firefighters from the Folsom Lake Veterans Crew out of Placerville, CA, are assisting local National Park Service, Hawai`i County, state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Volcano's Company 19, and volunteer firefighters.
     On Friday, a Type II Incident Management Team from the mainland will arrive to help manage the fire, says a release from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
     In making headway on the fire, crews protected the Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, including some of the tallest, old grown native trees in Hawai`i. They also helped to protect the Volcano Golf Course community and Kapāpala Ranch.

     HVNP says the fire on the slopes of Mauna Loa grew 474 acres yesterday, taking it to 3,679 acres. Minimal precipitation occurred over the fire yesterday.

Map from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

     Firefighters used chainsaws and hand tools to remove dry vegetation from a rugged, uneven old `a`ā lava flow bordering Kīpuka Kī, improving the natural barrier, says the release. Crews used five-gallon water backpacks and coordinated aerial water drops to battle the flames.
     Plumes of smoke are widely visible from Highway 11, and motorists are urged to drive with caution, roll up windows and use air conditioning if possible, and to stop for emergencies only. The fire is approximately one mile north of Highway 11. Wood Valley residents reported smoke today.

     The cause of the fire, which started Aug. 5 outside the park on Keauhou Ranch, is under investigation. 

Firefighters call in for an aerial water drop. NPS photo

     Kīpuka Kī is a treasured Special Ecological Area for its natural and cultural resources. It is one of the rarest old-growth native forests of its kind in the world. Its towering ʻōhiʻa, koa and mānele trees are essential for the survival of threatened and endangered native plant and animal species. Unlike forests in other areas of the world, Hawaiian forests are not adapted to wildfire. The introduction of non-native grass and other plant species fuel fires that can quickly destroy centuries of growth.

     The release says the park appreciates the continued support from the community. Mauna Loa Road and most of the park have been closed since May 11 due to hazardous seismic activity.
     For updates, more information and photos, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6114.

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An aerial view of Fissure 8 from Aug. 7, with a small lava lake
that has now reduced further in size. USGS photo

A 4.4 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRUCK THIS MORNING at 6:51 a.m., 13 miles SSW of Leilani Estates. Its depth was 5.2 miles. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that several minutes later, the earthquake appeared to generate a brief dust plume from Pu`u `Ō`ō. There was no apparent activity from the quake at Halema`uma`u Crater.

     Today's USGS update reminds residents that lava eruption could resume at any time.

     Eruptive activity remains minimal at the lower east rift zone from Fissure 8 and seismic activity at the summit is low with few earthquakes.

     An overflight this morning confirmed that activity at Fissure 8 remains low and there have been no signs of reactivation or new intrusion. Up-rift of Fissure 8, Fissures 9, 10, and 24, and down-rift Fissures 13, 23, 3, 21, and 7, continue to steam. This morning's overflight crew observed a crusted lava pond deep inside the steaming cone at a level significantly lower than when viewed Tuesday morning.

     The significance of this change is not yet clear and hazardous conditions remain in the area. HVO field crews and the UAS team will monitor activity throughout the day and overnight.

Fissure 8's spatter cone has gone mostly quiet. USGS photo

     The volcano's summit remains quiet, except for the occasional small rockfall, following the most recent collapse at 11:55 a.m. HST on August 2nd. This continues a significant departure from the pattern of seismicity and deformation over the past several months, with very low rates of seismicity continuing today. Except for a very gradual deflation, the deformation at the summit as measured by tiltmeter and GPS instruments has stopped.
     Summit and LERZ changes considered together imply that the rate of magma leaving the summit to feed the lower East Rift Zone eruption has significantly decreased. How long this condition will persist is unknown. It is possible that outflow will pick up again, resulting in renewed summit area deflation, leading to another collapse event and renewed eruption vigor on the LERZ.

     The following guidelines remain in effect: Do not access the flow field due to extreme hazard. In the Volcano area, motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 mile marker near Kīlauea Caldera are advised to stay on the pavement, be alert for changes in road conditions, and drive with caution.
     Residents should remain informed and heed Hawai`i County Civil Defense messages and warnings. HVO will continue to monitor Kīlauea closely for any signs of change in activity.

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This morning, Aug. 9, numerous small streams of lava were oozing into the ocean near Ahalanui, creating weak plumes of laze. The southern flow margin remained close to the Isaac Hale Beach park, but had not appreciably advanced toward the Poho`iki boat ramp. Lava was also observed entering the ocean along the northern Kapoho lobe. USGS video

IS KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT AND RIFT ZONE ACTIVITY PAU OR PAUSED? Volcano Watch, by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates, gives their answer:
     NOTE: This article was written on August 9, 2018. Given Kīlauea Volcano's dynamic nature, activity described here could change in coming days. For up-to-date info, please go to daily Status Reports at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/status.html.

     Since the morning of August 4, activity at Kīlauea Volcano's summit and its lower East Rift Zone has diminished dramatically -- and the slowdown continues.  

     But what does it mean? Are Kīlauea's Fissure 8 lava flow and summit collapses pau (over)? Or are they merely paused (taking a break)?

     Here's the situation as of August 9:

     At Kīlauea's summit, earthquake counts -- which were 30–40 per hour in prior weeks -- have decreased to as few as 1–2 per hour. A collapse event has not occurred since August 2, and no significant subsidence has been evident since August 4. Major rockfalls within Halema`uma`u and along the summit caldera walls have not been observed the past few days. Monitoring instruments show little change in summit deformation and seismicity.

On August 9, lava oozing into the ocean near Isaac Hale Beach Park still 

potentially threaten the beloved recreation area and Poho`iki baot ramp. 

USGS photo by I. Johanson

     On the volcano's LERZ, the eruption of lava and emission of sulfur dioxide gas have decreased dramatically. Only a small pond of crusted lava remains deep within the Fissure 8 cone and the lava channel is mostly empty. The ocean entry is minimally active, with small streams of lava oozing into the ocean, mostly near Isaac Hale Beach Park, and the laze plume is diminished. Earthquake and deformation data continue to show no net storage or withdrawal of subsurface magma.

     At Pu`u `Ō`ō on Kīlauea's middle East Rift Zone, a white plume was observed above the cone in recent weeks. On August 2–3, gas measurements indicated that SO2 emissions at Pu`u `Ō`ō had increased significantly. Since then, however, SO2 values have decreased to low levels of the past three months. Coincident with the summit activity slowdown, deflation along the middle East Rift Zone stalled.

     Why the LERZ eruption and summit subsidence abated so quickly is not certain, but one possibility is that it could be a response to reduced magma supply to the LERZ as the summit reservoir progressively emptied. It might also reflect a blockage within the magma system between the summit and the LERZ. However, the lack of seismicity and deformation, which generally indicate pressurization associated with a blockage, suggest that this is perhaps unlikely. Other possibilities also exist.

     The changes at Kīlauea were not completely unexpected. Subtle hints of decreasing lava effusion and changes in summit collapse characteristics, detected as early as mid-July, included decreasing background summit tilt rate, increasing repose times between summit collapses, and fluctuating Fissure 8 lava output.

The flat ledge, center, is part of the former Halema`uma`u crater floor, which
dropped precipitously between mid-May and early August. USGS photo

     The significance of these changes is not clear. It's possible that the slowdown is just a pause, and that an eruption on the East Rift Zone and subsidence at the summit of Kīlauea could resume. In 1955, two pauses of 5 and 16 days occurred during that 88-day-long LERZ eruption.  

     It's also possible that the slowdown reflects the end of the LERZ eruption and summit subsidence. But it will take days, or possibly weeks, to determine with certainty if the activity is pau or merely paused.

     What is known for sure, however, is that hazardous conditions remain in both areas of Kīlauea.

     LERZ hazards include: (1) possible reactivation of existing fissures, or the opening of new fissures, leading to new lava flows and inundation; (2) still-hot, unstable lava in the Fissure 8 flow field; (3) ongoing, albeit lower, sulfur dioxide gas emissions; and (4) potential hydrovolcanic explosions, lava delta collapse, and laze plumes at the ocean entry.

     Summit hazards include: (1) additional and potentially damaging earthquakes; (2) additional rockfalls, ground cracking, and collapse of crater walls; (3) ash deposits resuspended by strong winds; and (4) potential gas- or groundwater-driven explosions.

As Halema`uma`u collapsed, older volcanic deposits -- layers of ash and
old lava flows -- and features hidden for decades have been
revealed in the crater walls. USGS photo

     The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is closely monitoring Kīlauea. This includes overflights of the volcano's East Rift Zone and summit as needed, supplemented with USGS Unmanned Aerial Systems (drone) flights. Daily visual observations are also conducted from the ground, with USGS field crews deployed in the LERZ and summit areas to collect data and document activity, as well as to install and repair monitoring instruments.

     HVO continues to issue daily status reports, and posts photos, videos, and maps on our website, to keep emergency managers and the public informed. Stay tuned as we work to answer the question, "pau or paused?"

Volcano Activity Updates

     Activity on Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone and at the summit of the volcano remained greatly diminished as of August 9. LERZ activity was limited to a small pond of lava deep within the Fissure 8 cone and small streams of lava entering the ocean near Isaac Hale Beach Park and at Kapoho Bay -- see photo. Summit earthquakes were greatly reduced, with only 1-2 per hour. The last collapse event occurred on August 2, and no significant subsidence has been observed since August 4. However, hazardous conditions remain in both areas. Eighteen earthquakes were reported felt in Hawai`i this past week, a drop from reports in recent weeks.   

     Visit HVO's website at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

American astronaut Ricky Arnold caught this view of Hurricane

Hector's brilliant form. Photo by Ricky Arnold/NASA

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HURRICANE HECTOR maintained strength today, as a Category 3, skirting the southern waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Hector slid past South Point yesterday and is well past Kaua`i this evening.
     American astronauts and and Russian cosmonauts photographed the brilliant form of Hurricane Hector as he plowed past Hawai`i, below the International Space Station.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka`ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka`ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka`ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka`ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`Ū TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

Football:

   Fri, Aug 17, 10am, Scrimmage @ Kea`au

   Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea

   Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa

   Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala

   Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Kea`au

Girls Volleyball:

   Tue, Aug 14, 6pm, host Waiakea

   Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani

   Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo

   Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney

   Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney

   Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa

   Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty

   Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha

   Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe

   Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala

   Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a

   Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA

   Fri, Sept 28, 6pm, host Kona

Cross Country:

   Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)

   Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA

   Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha

   Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au

   Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPA
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

NEW and UPCOMING

POP WARNER FOOTBALL FOR KEIKI 8 TO 14 YEARS is held at Nā`ālehu Community Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. For more details, contact Richard Karasuda at 939-2510 or visit the community center during business hours: Monday through Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., and Friday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A RANGE OF SPORTS PROGRAMS ARE OPEN TO KEIKI AND ADULTS at Ka`ū District Gym during August and September. The gym is located on the Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary School campus, in Pāhala.

     Instructional Volleyball for keiki 5 to 14 years of age, August 13 through October 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Register by August 10. Covered shoes are necessary for all players. Mondays and Wednesdays: 5 to 8 years old and 9 to 10 years old. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 to 12 years old and 13 to 14 years old.

     Volleyball Clinic for keiki in grades 3-12 on Thursday, September 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration open through September 5. Covered shoes are necessary.

     Ping Pong and Fooseball open Monday through Friday, through September 27, from 3 to 7:45 p.m., for age 12 and up. Registration is ongoing.

     Billiards and the Recreation Room (Fitness Station) open Monday through Friday, through September 27, from 3 to 7:45 p.m., for age 15 and up. Registration is ongoing. 

     General gym use for adults, Monday through Thursday, through September 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. Covered shoes are necessary. Registration is ongoing.

     For more, call 928-3102 or visit the gym during business hours: Monday through Thursday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

VOTE: 2018 Primary Election Day Polling Places in Ka`ū, Sat, Aug 11, 7-6pm. Senate District 2: Cooper Center on Wright Rd in Volcano Village, Ka`ū High/Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria. Senate District 3: Nā`ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center, Miloli`i Halau Pavilion. elections.hawaii.gov/voters/polling-places

Hi`iaka & Pele, Sat, Aug 11, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Kāwā Community Workday, Sat, Aug 11, meet at 9:30 am at Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

A Coffee Quality Workshop held by Ka`ū Coffee Growers Cooperative this weekend. It "will enable our members to produce high quality coffee and superior profits," says a statement from the cooperative. Supported by funding from a HI USDA-SDGG grant, members can attend at Pāhala Community Center this Sunday, August 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Potluck at 1 p.m.

     Keynote speaker and presenter is Dr. Shawn Steiman, PhD. He is the owner, co-founder, and Chief Science Officer of Daylight Mind Coffee Company. Steiman will make farm and processing facility visits to evaluate and guide farmers who "are interested in implementing a quality programme."

     Members are encouraged to bring 165 grams of green bean, which will be roasted and cupped by Steiman. Samples should be placed in zip lock bags, labeled with the farmer's name, telephone number, and email address. The results will be discussed with each farmer.

     For more information on Mayne's coffee farm, the workshop, and the evaluations, call 928-0106.

`Ōhi`a Lehua, Sun, Aug 12, and Sat, Aug 25, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of `ōhi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of `ōhi`a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, AUGUST 13

Ka`ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Aug 13 and 27, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka`ū. Contact prior to attending to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā`ālehu, Tue, Aug 14, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Aug 15, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Aug 16, 10:30-noon, Nā`ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawai`i Disability Legal Services, Thu, Aug 16, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`ū, Thu, Aug 16, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church in Nā`ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

ONGOING

5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs resumed August 7 and 8.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.

     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.

Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Ka`ū News Briefs Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Keauhou Ranch fire rages through more than 3,200 acres on Mauna Loa, above now-quiet Halema`uma`u Crater.
Both are in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the fire starting outside park boundaries and burning native forest.
See stories, below. USGS photo

A FIRE HEADED TOWARD KAPĀPALA RANCH, and also within .2 miles of Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area, doubled in size, burning over 3,200 acres by this morning and coming within two miles north of Hwy 11. Called the Keauhou Ranch Fire after its place of origin, it burns mainly within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. According to the National Park Service, no structures are threatened and a crew from the mainland arrived today to help fight the fire.

Flames in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park 

approach Kapāpala Ranch. NPS photo

     Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area is one of the rarest old-growth native forests of its kind in the world. It is comprised of tall `ōhi`a, koa, and mānele trees that are essential for the survival of threatened and endangered native plant and animal species, says a statement from NPS. One mānele, soapberry tree, within the park, earned the title of Hawai`i Big Tree Champion in 2017, standing 71 feet tall. It is currently the National Champion.

National Park Service fire crew fights the
Keauhou Ranch Fire today, which threatens
some of the oldest and tallest
native trees in Hawai`i. NPS photo

     Fire Management Officer Matt Desimone said, "We are focusing our suppression efforts on Kīpuka Kī and are working carefully to back the fire up against a natural barrier of wide hardened lava flow so it doesn't progress further downslope." The fire was 5 percent contained this afternoon, progressing through native forest, as strong, gusty winds and dry conditions at the 4,500- to 4,800-foot elevation made the fire difficult to control with limited resources. It continued to burn both upslope and downslope on Mauna Loa, on both sides of Mauna Loa Road.

This native mānele, like those threatened 

in the Keauhou Ranch Fire, won Hawai`i 

Big Tree Champion for 2017, standing 71 

feet. It also won National 

Champion. Photo from DLNR

     Tackling the fire is a blended Type III Incident Management Team with Hawai`i County, state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, volunteer, and National Park Service firefighters. NPS flew in 30 additional firefighters from the mainland today. The team employs six engines, a bulldozer, two helicopters, and a water tender.

     The cause of the fire, which started August 5 outside the park on Keauhou Ranch, is under investigation. Mauna Loa Road and most of the park remain closed and have been off limits to the public since May 11 due to hazardous seismic activity. 

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HURRICANE HECTOR PASSED 170 MILES BELOW SOUTH POINT MIDDAY, with winds of 115 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts that on Thursday, Hector will pass south of Maui County around 2 a.m., O`ahu at 8 a.m., and Kaua`i by 2 p.m.
     On Tuesday, Hector's impacts were expected on all of Hawai`i Island. By 11 p.m. yesterday, only half the island was expected to be affected. At 5 a.m. today, only South Point was in the cone of affect. Ka`ū residents experienced a few bands of light rain and short periods of gusty winds, but there were no reports of damage.
     As a precaution, Punalu`u, Whittington, and Miloli`i Beach Parks were closed today, as were the Pāhoa and Pāhala early voting stations. Tomorrow is the last day for early voting -- see more, below. The first day of the whole student body attending Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary school was today. Nā`ālehu Elementary and Volcano School of Arts & Sciences also held classes. Civil Defense would like to remind the public that high surf warnings are still in effect for the southern coasts of Hawai`i Island.
     Tropical Storm Kristy, with 45 mile an hour winds, is about 1,700 miles east-southeast of South Point. Kristy's forecast trajectory will take her north of her current position, with a downgrade to tropical depression in a few days.

Hurricane Hector's cone of affect is forecast to miss all the islands. See the progression of the hurricane.
Image from prh.noaa.gov

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KĪLAUEA REMAINED QUIET TODAY, as did the lower East Rift Zone and Pu`u `Ō`ō. Though there is still seismic activity at the summit, the quakes are few and of a low magnitude. Deformation at the summit as measured by tiltmeter and GPS instruments has "virtually stopped," reports Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. HVO field crews overnight reported a lava pond confined to Fissure 8. Laze from oozing ocean entries is greatly reduced, and Poho`iki boat ramp is still there.

Greatly reduced laze at ocean entries near Isaac Hale Park.
Poho`iki boat ramp still remains, though active lava
lurks close by. USGS photo

     Hawai`i County Civil Defense reminds the public to not access the flow field due to extreme hazard, as the lava eruption could resume at any time. Motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 mile marker are advised to stay on the pavement, be alert for changes in road conditions, and drive with caution.

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SILVER CLOUD COFFEE FARM took first place in the Ka`ū District Division competition in the recent tenth annual Statewide Cupping Contest of the Hawai`i Coffee Association. Grown on the Silver Cloud Farm in Wood Valley, owned by the Miles Mayne family, the variety of the winning coffee is Typica and Catuai, produced with Wet Processing and Conventional Growing methods.

Miles Mayne of Silver Cloud Coffee Farm

     Second Place went to William Tabios' Rising Sun coffee of the Typica variety, Washed and Conventional methods. Third went to Miranda's Farms, with Typica variety, Wet Fermented and Conventional Growing methods.

     Mayne is a member of the Ka`ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, which will hold a coffee qulaity workshop this weekend. It "will enable our members to produce high quality coffee and superior profits," says a statement from the cooperative. Supported by funding from a HI USDA-SDGG grant, members can attend at Pāhala Community Center this Sunday, August 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Potluck at 1 p.m.

     Keynote speaker and presenter is Dr. Shawn Steiman, PhD. He is the owner, co-founder, and Chief Science Officer of Daylight Mind Coffee Company.

     Members are encouraged to bring 165 grams of green bean, which will be roasted and cupped by Steiman. Samples should be placed in zip lock bags, labeled with the farmer's name, telephone number, and email address. The results will be discussed with each farmer.

     Steiman will make farm and processing facility visits to evaluate and guide farmers who "are interested in implementing a quality programme."

     For more information on Mayne's coffee farm, the workshop, and the evaluations, call 928-0106.

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FIFTEEN CANDIDATES ARE RUNNING for three open statewide at-large Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees positions. Robert Lindsey, Hawai`i Island's elected OHA representative, is not up for reelection for two years. The candidates are: Leina`ala Ahu Isa, William Aila, Rowena Noelani Akana, Alvin Akina, Charles Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam, Faye Hanohano, Brendon Kalei`aina Lee, Landen Paikai, Keali`i Makekau, Makana Paris, Pohai Ryan, John Waihee IV, Marcus Bruce Kalai Pa`aluhi Sr., Kali Pu`uohau and Eleanor Sharsh-Davis.

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LAST DAY FOR WALK-IN REGISTRATION AND EARLY VOTING IS TOMORROW, Thursday, Aug. 9. Locations to register and vote island-wide are:

   - Pāhala Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.), at 96-1149 Kamani St.;

   - Pāhoa Community Center, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 15-3022 Kauhale St.;

   - West Hawai`i Civic Center community Room, Bldg G, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy;

   - County of Hawai`i Aupuni Center Conference Room, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 101 Pauahi St., Suite 1;

   - Waimea Community Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.

     See elections.hawaii.gov/voters/early-voting.

     Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registered voters can mail their ballots until Aug. 11. Local polls are open at:

   - Cooper Center, 19430 Wright Road in Volcano

   - Ka`ū High & Pāhala Elementary, 96-3150 Pikake Street

   - Nā`ālehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy

   - Ocean View Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale Street
   - Miloli`i Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in the Village of Miloli`i

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KA`Ū HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS IS NOT WORKING WITH SPARTAN SPORTS. D. Kalei Namohala, KHPES Athletic Director and BIIF Football Coordinator, wants to let the public know that business in the Ka`ū District have been receiving phone solicitations regarding sponsoring Ka`ū High School Athletic Department from Spartan Sports. However, Ka`u Athletic is not working with Spartan Sports.
     "We appreciate all the sponsorship we've received from numerous businesses in the past," says Namohala. Questions? Contact Namohala at 313-4161.

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See public Ka`ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka`ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka`ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka`ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`Ū TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
Fri, Aug 17, 10am, Scrimmage @ Kea`au
Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea
Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa
Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala

Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Kea`au

Girls Volleyball:
Tue, Aug 14, 6pm, host Waiakea
Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani
Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo
Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney
Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney
Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa
Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty
Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha
Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala
Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a

Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA

Fri, Sept 28, 6pm, host Kona

Cross Country:
Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)
Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA
Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au

Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPA

NEW and UPCOMING

BASKETBALL INSTRUCTION FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 at Hawai`i County Parks and Recreation's Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, from 2 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 14. Balls provided. For more details, call 929-9113. Find a schedule of programs at hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Frank Bonaccorso speaks at Coffee Talk at Kahuku on
Friday, August 31. Photo from USGS

`ŌPE`APE`A: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HAWAIIAN HORAY BAT -- the only endemic land mammal in Hawai`i -- on Friday, August 31, for Coffee Talk at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center. The free event takes place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Frank Bonaccorso, who has been studying the bat for the past 14 years, presents.

     Bonaccorso will examine a typical 24 hour day and night in the life of Hawai`i's official state mammal, the `Ōpe`ape`a. According to the event flyer, he will answer the following questions and more: "How far do they fly each night? How do they find insects with echolocation? What is the reproductive cycle of the bat and how does it care for its pups? Where did Hawaiian bats come from, how long ago, and how are they surviving here? What are the emerging threats to bat populations of Hawai`i?"

`Ōpe`ape`a Hawaiian Hoary Bat. Photo from USGS

     Bonaccorso previously served as Chief Curator of Natural History at the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, conducting research on marine mammals, bats, birds, and tree kangaroos.
     Join the informal conversation with other park visitors and rangers on a wide variety of topics on the last Friday of every month. No entrance fees, no event costs. Ka`ū coffee, tea, and pastries are available for purchase. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

VOTE: 2018 Primary Election Day Polling Places in Ka`ū, Sat, Aug 11, 7am-6pm. Senate District 2: Cooper Center on Wright Rd in Volcano Village, Ka`ū High/Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria. Senate District 3: Nā`ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center, Miloli`i Halau Pavilion. elections.hawaii.gov/voters/polling-places

Hi`iaka & Pele, Sat, Aug 11, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Kāwā Community Workday, Sat, Aug 11, meet at 9:30 am at Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org

Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

`Ōhi`a Lehua, Sun, Aug 12, and Sat, Aug 25, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of `ōhi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of `ōhi`a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, AUGUST 13

Ka`ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Aug 13 and 27, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka`ū. Contact prior to attending to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā`ālehu, Tue, Aug 14, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Aug 15, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Walk-In Registration and Voting Continues at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.

5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs resumed this week.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.

     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.

Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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