Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, December 23, 2019

Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church invites the public to a musical Christmas Eve with a bell choir, singing,
and many musical instruments at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES GREW THE MOST of Kaʻū towns, according to a five-year American Survey released by the U.S. Census bureau on Thursday. The estimates compare changes in populations of 42 Hawaiʻi Island towns from 2014 to 2018. All towns in Kaʻū showed a population increase.

     The estimates show 26.49 percent population growth in HOVE, from 3,747 to 4,891, an increase of 1,144 people. The estimated increase in Pāhala is 25.5 percent, from 1,396 to 1,804, an addition of 408 people. Volcano is close behind, with an increase of 21.93 percent, from 2,582 to 3,218, an increase of 636 people. The estimated increase in Waiʻōhinu is shown as 21.37 percent, an increase of 56 people, from 234 to 290. Discovery Harbour's estimated population increase is 21.04 percent, from 923 to 1,140, an addition of 217 people. Nāʻālehu showed the smallest increase in population, at only 3.56 percent, an increase of 34 people, from 938 to 972.

     The five-year American Community Survey estimates are based off a sample size of residents in each town, and have an error margin that's largely due to small population sizes. The 2020 census is meant to document exact numbers. Both sets of data are important, as the population of an area influences how funding from the federal and state governments are allocated, how the area is represented at state and federal legislatures, and how much aid the area receives for community development and business planning. These estimates are also important because they're the only detailed estimates for areas with populations under 20,000 people.

     Hawaiʻi Island leads the state in population growth, with an overall estimated increase of 5.52 percent, or 10,614 people, from 187,044 in 2014 to 197,658 in 2018. Laupahoehoe lost an estimated 23 percent, 159 people, in the same time period. Of the 42 towns on the island, 15 lost population, with six losing over ten percent. Kurtistown is estimated to have the largest increase, 457 more people, from 862 to 1,319, a 37.73 percent increase, in the same time period.

     The Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald reported that Mayor Harry Kim understands the population loss in the northern portions of the island; that the macadamia nut industry was supposed to take over after the sugar plantations closed at the turn of the century, but that didn't happen. Kim said the Hamakua Coast is "a beautiful place to live but a very difficult place to make a living, because no matter where you live, you have to find a place to work." He also said that the comparatively short commute from Kurtistown to Hilo has sparked that growth.

     HOVE, said Kim, is a longer commute from Kona – 47 miles – but with the increase in housing prices, he also said he "knows at least one family that moved there because of the cost of living in Kailua-Kona," reported the Tribune.

     Between 2014 and 2018, Maui's population grew an estimated 5.52 percent, Kauaʻi 5.16 percent, and Oʻahu 2.38 percent, reported the Tribune.

     Kim, reported the Tribune, is unsurprised by the numbers. He told the paper that Hawaiʻi Island is attracting more people because the median price of a home on the Big Island is less than $400,000, about half the price of homes on the other islands. "The census means more than numbers to me," Kim told the Tribune. "It's a very good picture of who we are and what our needs are."

Approval ratings for Pres. Donald Trump versus Pres.
Barack Obama. Chart from FiveThirtyEight

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A GENERAL ELECTION UNITY PROGRAM, sponsored by the Democratic National Committee, was announced this week by the Hawaiʻi Democratic Party.
     The initiative is meant "to ensure Democrats enter the general election unified behind our eventual nominee and ready to defeat Trump in 2020," according to an announcement. Presidential candidate campaigns have been briefed on this effort, according to DNC.

     Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez said, "Leading up to the general election, we'll need every Democrat working together in order to defeat Donald Trump. That's why the DNC is proud to partner with our presidential candidates and Democratic state parties in this effort so that our eventual nominee has the full support of the entire party behind them. By coming together, we will put our eventual nominee in the strongest possible position to win the White House and help Democrats secure victories at every level of the ballot in 2020."

Approval ratings for Pres. Donald Trump versus Pres.
George W. Bush. Chart from FiveThirtyEight

     The program includes six key components: 

     The Democratic Unity Fund is dedicated to raising the resources and immediately investing in the infrastructure needed to elect the Democratic party's eventual presidential nominee.

     Presidential Campaign Unity Ambassadors will be a senior member of each campaign who will remain the point of contact between their candidate's campaign and supporters and the nominee's campaign, "helping ensure a strong transition between the primary and general election" and "help unify Democrats from all parts of the party behind the eventual nominee."

     Commitment from Candidates to Campaign for the Eventual Nominee. DNC will ask all candidates to support the Democratic nominee and "to serve as surrogates, particularly in the weeks following the Democratic National Convention, helping to flood the battleground states or take other actions as appropriate on behalf of the eventual nominee."

Approval ratings for Pres. Donald Trump versus Pres.
Bill Clinton. Chart from FiveThirtyEight

     Developing State Party Unity Strategies for incorporating inclusivity at party-run events; encouraging state party chairs and vice chairs to remain neutral until after their state's contest if they have not already endorsed a candidate (or to disclose their support for a campaign if they do endorse); and offering best practices transition the party to a general election infrastructure.

     Resume Bank of Democratic Staff on Campaigns and Continued Trainings. The DNC will work with campaigns to maintain a resume bank of talent coming off primary presidential campaigns so that the nominee's campaign can utilize this trained workforce, including organizers. Throughout the primary, the DNC will continue training all levels of potential campaign staff to ensure the eventual nominee has a strong pool of talented staff.

     Coordinated Social Media Unity Campaign. On Sunday, Nov. 3 the Democratic presidential campaigns and other Democratic organizations participated in a coordinated social media push across multiple platforms "highlighting the field's commitment to unity and to support the eventual nominee in the general election," using the hashtag #OneYearOneTeam.

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Vortex Series #4 by Mats Fogelvik will be for sale at

The Woodworker's Journey: Concept to Creation show 

for $18,000. Photo from Fogelvik

AWARD-WINNING FURNITURE MAKER MATS FOGELVIK, of Ocean View, will display a new work at the prestigious, invitation-only The Woodworker's Journey: Concept to Creation show on Maui from Tuesday, Jan. 7 to Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Schaefer International Gallery. The artists' reception is held Sunday, Jan. 5.
     The show features 25 artists from Hawaiʻi and the mainland "with distinguished careers in Woodworking. The combination of their ideas, materials, and know-how exemplifies functional and conceptual innovation," states an announcement of the event.

     Fogelvik designed and hand crafted the table he will display at the exhibit – Vortex Series #4 – using koa, wenge, ebony, rosewood, and pheasant woods. The mirror-like high gloss finish is a trademark look of Fogelvik's work. He told The Kaʻū Calendar that this is achieved by extra buffing, which enhances the natural wood grain and protects the furniture. The table will be offered for $18,000 at the show.

Mats Fogelvik

     Fogelvik was born in Sweden and lived on Maui before moving to Ocean View. He has been building high-end custom furniture for more than 20 years. He has won many awards at the annual Hawaiʻi Wood Show in Honolulu for his work, including Best of Show in 2016 and People's Choice Award this year, for the piece he will exhibit on Maui. Fogelvik is also a mainstay artist of the annual week-long retreat that creates pieces for auction in Holualoa each fall.

     Learn more about the artists and his work at fogelvik.com.

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HAWAIʻI COUNTY FIRE CHIEF DARREN ROSARIO issued a statement to remind the public of rules regarding fireworks:

Aerial fireworks displays shining over homes in Pāhala 

on New Years Eve are a shining but illegal sight. 
Photo by Michael Worthington

     It is illegal for anyone to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework, or to throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle. Fireworks must only be set off between 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Permits shall be visibly displayed at the site of use, during the time of the firing.
     It is also illegal to set off any fireworks within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church while services are held: set off any fireworks on any school property without authorization from said school official(s); set off any fireworks on any public way, such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
    Offering for sale, selling, or giving any fireworks to minors is illegal, as is possession, purchase, selling, setting off, igniting, or otherwise causing to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult. Setting off any aerial luminary devices – commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns – or any other aerial devices – such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells – is also illegal.

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala

Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Boys Basketball

Sat., Dec. 28 host Kohala

Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA

Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa

Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Soccer

Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm

Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA

Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm

Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Bell Choir and Singing at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church, Tuesday, Dec. 24,  7:30 p.m. Open to the public. Christmas Eve celebration.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25

Kōnane, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Ancient Hawaiian game similar to checkers. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Christmas Buffet, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, in HVNP. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 26

Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday – last Thursday, monthly – Dec. 26, 11a.m.-noon, Pāhala Community Center. 928-3102

FRIDAY, DEC. 27

Kahuku Coffee Talk: Artist in the Park, Friday, Dec. 27, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

Monthly Mele & Hula ‘Auana Performances, Friday, Dec. 27, 4-5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Weather permitting performance held outdoors. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Amahl & Night Visitors Show, Friday, Dec. 27-Jan. 3, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Theater, in HVNP. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 28

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Dec. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View Skatepark Design Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 28, 3-5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Help create a design plan and drawings of skatepark features to present to County Council. Organized by Kalanihale 501- 3c NPO. Public welcome. Kaimi Kaupiko, 808-937-1310

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

Final Gymkhana Event of 2019, Sunday, Dec. 29, 9a.m., Nā‘ālehu Rodeo Arena. Sign-in and check-in 8:30a.m. Hosted by Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association.

People and Land, Sunday, Dec. 29, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend  

Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, December 22, 2019

Ramses, Kiaʻi, David, and Ocean from Tūtū & Me enjoyed the Christmas decorations in front of Kaʻū Hospital.
See what is being offered by the program, below. Photo from Tūtu & Me

SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR THIS ISLAND AND ALL OF HAWAIʻI, Kauaʻi reached a milestone with 11 days in the past month month supplying the island's energy needs using only renewable energy.

     KIUC claims that for five hours last Tuesday, all electricity on Kauaʻi was generated by renewable resources. The community owned electrical cooperative provides power to a population of about 100,000, including visitors.

     "We didn't use a drop of fossil fuel for a cumulative total of more than 32 hours during that time frame," said KIUC's President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell. "We believe this is a unique accomplishment for a standalone electrical grid relying on small-scale renewable generation."

     KIUC is a not-for-profit generation, transmission, and distribution cooperative owned by the members it serves. Headquartered in Lihuʻe, the cooperative serves 33,000 electrical accounts on the island of Kauaʻi.

     For the past two years, KIUC says, it has routinely achieved 90 percent or more renewable generation during the middle of the day on sunny days.

     Noting this important milestone, energy guru Henry Curtis wrote: "The Big Island also could achieve that same result with the addition of cheap wind and/or solar energy.

     "Even with the loss of Puna Geothermal Ventures, the Big Island currently has a firm generation of 213.3 MW and plenty of variable renewable generation."

Fields of solar panels.

     Curtis noted that HELCO has 143 MW of "green energy" operational, including 31 MW of wind, 17 MW of hydro, and 95 MW of customer-sited solar energy (generally known as "roof top").

     Under development is 60 MW of solar and 38 MW of geothermal. The solar power will come from two projects, Hale Kuawehi and Waikaloa. Hale Kuawehi will be located on 300 acres on Parker Ranch near Waimea. The Waikaloa facility will be built near the village of Waikaloa.

     Curtis pointed out that power from the Hū Honua project, which faces some opposition, would be sold to ratepayers for 22 cents per kilowatt hour, while the Waikaloa and Hale Kuawehi systems would supply power for either 8c or 9c per kWh. The industrial Ocean View solar project in Kaʻū, if allowed to go forward, would charge Big Island ratepayers 23.8c per kWh.
     Last month on Kauaʻi, the energy cooperative took steps toward full deployment of renewables by investing in utility-scale battery storage systems at both its Tesla solar facility in Kapaia and AES Distributed Energy facility in Lawaʻi. The storage systems contributed significantly to grid stability, according to the KIUC press release.

     Both facilities on Kauaʻi can simultaneously feed solar power to the grid and the batteries for storage and use after sunset. The Lawaʻi facility can provide up to 20 MW of direct-to-grid power during the day, and 100 MW after sunset.

     KIUC media contact Beth Tokioka told The Kaʻū Calendar that last year the co-op was able to save $700,000 by using solar instead of burning diesel oil, a reduction of 7 percent on the island's annual energy bill.

     "The price of diesel is volatile - at the moment it is 15c per kWh and climbing, while solar is about 12c per kWh and dropping," she said. "We estimate that the average user saved about $180 last year. Our operations personnel needed ample time to put all the necessary pieces into place before pushing the envelope to 100 percent renewable. Now we're doing it routinely."

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Tūtū & Me families (David, Ramses, Kiaʻi, and caregivers) singing 

Christmas carols for Kaʻū Hospital residents. Photo from Tūtu & Me

TŪTŪ & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL, part of the community for many years, is ramping up its services in Pāhala. The free community service, organized by Partners in Development, is in the process of developing a Home Visiting program in Pāhala. Tūtū & Me staff will be able to bring activities for keiki and resources for caregivers right into the home. Tūtū & Me is accepting enrollment applications for the new program.

     Applications are also open for the preschool site in Waiʻōhinu. Call the office at 808-929-8571 for more information on the programs.

     The Tūtū & Me staff members are seek ways to serve the community and participate in professional development. They volunteer at Pāhala Elementary School and Library three times a week, and participate in events supporting county Parks & Recreation, Boys & Girls Club, Nāʻālehu Elementary, Kahuku Park, and more. One day a week is dedicated to cultural, safety, and early childhood professional development opportunities. "If you see us around, please wave," said Hawaiʻi South Program Site Manager Michelle Buck.

Tūtū & Me keiki (Kiaʻi, David, Ramses, Dillon, Ocean, and Geneva) 

outside Kaʻū Hospital waiting to sing. Photo from Tūtu & Me

     Recently, the Tūtū & Me families and staff participated in holiday events in the community. On Dec. 18, a group of keiki, caregivers, and staff visited Kaʻū Hospital to sing for the residents. Said Buck, "The children had a wonderful time spreading Christmas cheer. Mahalo, Kaʻū Hospital, for allowing us to spend the morning with you."
     Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool has been a part of the Kaʻū community for many years. Children from birth to five, accompanied by an adult caregiver, can attend the preschool from 8:45-10:45 am on Mondays and Wednesdays at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. Each month's activities are based on a theme, such as My Community, Healthy Living, Insects, or Ocean Animals. Keiki interact with each other and their caregivers as they participate in nearly 20 different centers. Each month a huakaʻi, field trip, is planned, and Tūtū and Me families gather together to experience the resources in the nearby communities. Special guests, Nurse Becky and Auntie Barbara, from Something Good In the World, visit monthly.

Tūtū & Me staff – Melody Espejo, Stacy Davis, Michelle Buck, and
Jenny Doi – experience a cultural professional development
opportunity at Kahuku Park. Photo from Tūtu & Me

     Said Buck, "The Tūtū & Me staff enjoy planning and preparing activities, providing resources to families, collaborating with other local partners, and serving this beautiful community. Thank you for supporting us through the years. It is an honor to educate the young children of Kaʻū."

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AN EXTENSION FOR COMMENTS ON U.S. DOMESTIC HEMP PRODUCTION PROGRAM interim final rule  allows input to be sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture until Wednesday, Jan. 29. Comments received by that date will be considered before a final rule is issued.

     USDA published the interim final rule on Oct. 31, under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill. The rule outlines provisions for USDA to approve plans submitted by states and Indian tribes for the domestic production of hemp. It also establishes a federal plan for producers in states or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan.  The program includes provisions for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements, licensing requirements, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new part.

     Submit written comments online at regulations.gov/document?D=AMS-SC-19-0042-0001. Comments may also be submitted by mail to Docket Clerk, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; or by fax at (202) 720-8938. All comments will be made available to the public. More information about the provisions of the interim final rule is available on the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program web page on the Agricultural Marketing Service website.

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HAWAIʻI FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES that fireworks permits will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, Dec. 26 and ending at midnight on New Year's Eve at the following locations for the upcoming New Year's celebration:

     Fire Administration Office located at the Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, 

Suite 2501, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26, 27, 30, and 31.

     Kona Fire Prevention Office, located at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 

Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg E, second floor from, by appointment only on 

Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Call 808-323-4760 to make appointment.

     Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, from 10 a.m. to 

2 p.m. on Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

Many fire works display will send lights, smoke, booms and bangs into 

the air across Kaʻū on New Years Eve. Photo by Michael Worthington

     Fireworks permits will also be sold at the following firecracker vending outlets:

     J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown

     BJ Alan Tent, 325 E. Maka‘ala St., Hilo

     BJ Alan Tent, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     TNT Tent, 381 E. Maka‘ala St., Hilo

     KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako Street, Hilo

     KTA Kona; Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd., Kona

     Pacific Fireworks, 74-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 155, Kona

     BJ Alan Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd., Kona 

     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits shall only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Permits are not required for purchasing novelties and paperless firecrackers. Setting off of fireworks are allowed between the hours of 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year's Day. Permits shall be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of the firing.
      For more information on purchasing fireworks permits or use of fireworks, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 in Hilo or 323-4760 in Kona.

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MEASURING A VOLCANO'S SHAPE WITH GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist Sarah Conway:

     An important point: measuring the volcano's shape with high precision GNSS.

     When you think of GPS, what typically comes to mind? Your phone, the navigation in your car, or maybe your watch? The Global Positioning System is a U.S. satellite-navigation system originally designed for military use, but now an extremely popular and widely used technology.

     In addition to the U.S. constellation, there are three other GNSS: GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European), and BeiDou (China). New GNSS receivers can simultaneously track multiple constellations of satellites – for example eight GPS satellites, three GLONASS, and two Galileo – that provide improved accuracy.

     HVO operates a 67-station GNSS network spread out across the island but concentrated near persistent deforming features like rift zones. These high-precision GNSS stations give scientists a 24/7 record, called a time-series, of the precise position of the antenna every second through time.

     How does this work? GNSS satellites send out radio waves that travel at the speed of light and transmit information about the exact position of the satellite and the current time. The antenna on the ground listens to the radio signals from multiple satellites and passes them to the receiver which calculates the exact location using a process called trilateration.

     Handheld GPS like that in your phone can determine your position within a few meters or yards, but high-precision GNSS equipment and analysis can determine a location down to a fraction of an inch.

     Currently, the American GPS constellation has 33 operational satellites orbiting at an altitude of 20,000 km (12,500 mi). To accurately pinpoint the location of a high-precision GNSS station, the receiver must "lock-on" or continuously receive data for six hours as satellites arc across the horizon in view of the station. Only four satellites are needed to calculate a 3-D location, but typically a GNSS receiver will track 8 or more to calculate a more precise position.

GPS unit. USGS HVO photo

     There are several factors that affect the GNSS signal and accuracy of derived locations. The ionosphere and troposphere, layers of the atmosphere through which the radio waves travel, introduce delays in the radio signals that can be corrected with atmospheric models. Noise from signals reflected off nearby objects, such as tall buildings or trees, is called multipath. This makes it especially important for GNSS antennas to have enough clear "sky view" without object interference. This is also why the GPS on your phone does not work well inside a building.

     To get a more complete view of the deforming volcano, HVO also conducts yearly campaign surveys on Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. During these surveys, HVO staff place temporary GPS receivers and antennas on benchmarks and leave the equipment in place for a couple of days at each site. Benchmarks are permanent brass disks that have been drilled into the ground. The benchmark typically has a cross inside a triangle that serves as a reference point for centering of the antenna.

     During each survey, we return to these benchmarks to collect data and determine how the point has moved. Data collected allow us to calculate both a horizontal and vertical location, similar to latitude, longitude, and altitude and thus to evaluate the change from prior surveys.

     Campaign GPS surveys have been conducted on both Mauna Loa and Kīlauea since the mid-1990s providing extraordinary time-series records of volcano deformation. Along with Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, Hualālai and Haleakalā volcanoes are surveyed periodically – approximately every three to five years – as part of our volcano monitoring program. This past October, HVO surveyed the western flank of Mauna Loa to add to the picture of volcano deformation provided by the continuous network.

     Measuring the changing shape of the volcano helps us refine models of what is happening beneath the surface, for example, the inflation of a magma reservoir.  A combination of improved technology and new data processing techniques is providing our best data yet in the history of satellite-based geodesy at HVO.

     Volcano Activity Update

     Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. Kīlauea monitoring data continue to show steady rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. Rates of seismicity have been relatively consistent, although at the summit, episodic increased rates appear to be coincident with the inflated phase of the DI events. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and are below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone. The pond at the bottom of Halemaʻumaʻu, which began forming on July 25 continues to slowly expand and deepen.

     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain.

     This past week, about 53 small-magnitude earthquakes (nearly all smaller than M2.0) were detected beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa. Most of the earthquakes occurred at shallow depths of less than 6 km (~4 miles) below sea level. Deformation measurements show continued summit inflation. Fumarole temperature and gas concentrations on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable.

     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala

Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Boys Basketball

Sat., Dec. 28 host Kohala

Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA

Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa

Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Soccer

Mon., Dec. 23 Boys host Kohala, 3pm

Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm

Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA

Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm

Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

UPCOMING

MONDAY, DEC. 23

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Kapa Aloha ‘Āina, the fabric of Hawai‘i with Puakea Forester, Monday, Dec. 23, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25

Kōnane, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Ancient Hawaiian game similar to checkers. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Christmas Buffet, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, in HVNP. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 26

Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday – last Thursday, monthly – Dec. 26, 11a.m.-noon, Pāhala Community Center. 928-3102

FRIDAY, DEC. 27

Kahuku Coffee Talk: Artist in the Park, Friday, Dec. 27, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

Monthly Mele & Hula ‘Auana Performances, Friday, Dec. 27, 4-5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Weather permitting performance held outdoors. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Amahl & Night Visitors Show, Friday, Dec. 27-Jan. 3, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Theater, in HVNP. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 28

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Dec. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View Skatepark Design Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 28, 3-5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Help create a design plan and drawings of skatepark features to present to County Council. Organized by Kalanihale 501- 3c NPO. Public welcome. Kaimi Kaupiko, 808-937-1310

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

Final Gymkhana Event of 2019, Sunday, Dec. 29, 9a.m., Nā‘ālehu Rodeo Arena. Sign-in and check-in 8:30a.m. Hosted by Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association.

People and Land, Sunday, Dec. 29, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays,

Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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.