The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Friday, February 18, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday Feb. 18, 2022

The earliest comprehensive geological studies in Hawai'i documented lava flow and water sources, in Kaʻū, including horizontal tunnels dug to carry water from Mauna Loa volcano to the sugar plantations. Photo courtesy of Olson Trust

KAʻŪ DISTRICT WAS THE SITE OF EARLIEST GEOLOGICAL MAPPING IN THESE ISLANDS on a comprehensive scale, the mapping showing lava flows and water resources, including those tapped by

the sugar plantation digging horizontal tunnels into Mauna Loa Volcano. The water is still used by ranchers and farmers, as well as for potable water for the community of Wood Valley.

This week's Volcano Watch by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates give some history on the evolution of geological mapping on this island and notes the maps have been updated to include the 2018 eruption and lava flows at Halema'umau, which is located in Kaʻū and into Puna:

The earliest comprehensive mapping of Hawaiian geology began in the Kaʻū District, Island of Hawaiʻi, in the 1920s by USGS geologists William Clark, Levi Noble, and Harold Stearns.

Stearns oversaw the expansion of geologic mapping of the eight Hawaiian Islands starting with Oʻahu and continuing with Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, and Niʻihau. Stearns and a new recruit, USGS geologist Gordon Macdonald, mapped the geology of Maui, Molokaʻi, and the Island of Hawaiʻi. Geologic maps of all the islands except Kauaʻi were completed in the 1940s. Gordon Macdonald oversaw publication of the geologic map of Kauaʻi in 1960.

These early geologic maps identified individual lava flows erupted since Western contact and basic volcanic structure of the Hawaiian volcanoes. Dating of lava flow by analysis of decaying radioactive elements was not yet available so the progression of lava flows was deduced by mapping successive overlap of newer over older lava flows. In that way, a general sequence of volcanic activity was deduced, but resulted in older flows being grouped in larger units.

Chemical analysis of rocks from each of these lava flows revealed how magmas changed with time within each volcano. Each volcano followed a general progression of vigorous voluminous eruptions that built most of the volume of each volcano. Their outputs dwindled and changed chemically as each volcano aged before they finally became inactive and succumbed to erosion.

Historic photo of Noguchi tunnel carrying water
to Wood Valley. Photo courtesy of Olson Trust

The life cycle of Hawaiian volcanoes and the observation that Hawaiian volcanoes get younger to the southeast (toward the Island of Hawaiʻi), along with other geologic data, led to the idea of mantle hotspots over which the islands and the oceanic crust on which they’re built moves. Hawaiian volcanoes are born over the hotspot and slowly die as the oceanic crust carries them off in a northwest direction.
The next major revision of geologic mapping was launched in the 1980s. With a firm understanding of plate tectonics, hotspots, and radiometric dating, USGS geologists remapped the geology of the Island of Hawaiʻi in more detail. Mapping techniques had improved and included use of aerial photography. The map, published in 1996 by USGS geologist Ed Wolfe and Hilo resident Jean Morris, included lava flows from the first 12 years of the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption and every other eruption of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa since 1942. Using the data from this map, the USGS published the first Lava Flow Hazard Map showing the relative hazard from lava flows on the Island of Hawaiʻi.
A newly published (2021) geologic map of our state, updated from a preliminary 2007 version, includes the early mapping of Stearns and Macdonald, the 1996 geologic map of the Island of Hawaiʻi, new mapping of East Maui, West Oʻahu, and West Molokaʻi volcanoes, and the Halemaʻumaʻu overflows and Puna lava flows of 2018.
USGS geologist Dave Sherrod worked with University of Hawaiʻi geologist John Sinton to make the most up-to-date geologic map of a very active volcanic chain of islands. The 2021 map can be thought of as compiling the long history of geologic mapping to characterize the much longer history of an active island archipelago.
But wait, there’s more! The pamphlet that accompanies the maps compiled new ideas about the way each island formed with the upgraded geologic framework of the islands. On Kauaʻi, the Līhuʻe basin probably formed by subsidence but there is still a question about whether one or two volcanoes formed the island. Oʻahu was built by three volcanoes, not two as Stearns thought. Haleakalā erupts every 200 to 500 years and its most recent eruption was probably more than 400 years ago—not in the late 1700s as previously thought.
Want to know more? The 2021 map is available as pdf files (pamphlet and maps as well as a GIS database). A printed version of the map is also in the works, but the publication date has not been finalized yet.

Geologic maps of Hawaii are always going to be a work in progress. Kīlauea volcano, on the Island of Hawai‘i, continues to
erupt from Halemaʻumaʻu. Let these flows, as well as new geologic mapping of Mauna Loa volcano now being published, be reflected in the next geologic map for Hawaiʻi nei. Map from USGS

FARMERS ARE INVITED TO A COFFEE LEAF RUST MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION with Cafedak, a certified organic biostimulant. The method is designed for healthy growth of the coffee plant and to activate natural defense mechanisms with microelements, according to a message from University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture.

Two sessions will be held, one in English, next Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-leaf-rust-management-cafedak-biostimulant-workshop-in-english-tickets-270055662757.

Another En Espanol will be on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Register at the same address.

Both will be available via zoom, but also live at Kona Cooperative Extension Conference Room at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy in Kealakekua. Registration is required.

The event has also been posted by the Hawai'i Coffee Association's Executive Director Chris Manfredi to encourage coffee farmers to attend.

MONEY RELEASED BY GOVERNOR DAVID IGE FOR CAPTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, announced Friday, include no specific projects in Kaʻū and Volcano but do include improvements that affect residents here.

Within the more than $350 million in funding statewide, is $37.9 million to finance a new taxiway and runway lighting at Hilo International Airpot for completion by September of 2023. An additional half million dollars will finance design to be completed by this May.
Another project is partial funding for new housing at Hawai'i Community Correctional Center in Hilo, which is budgeted at $19.9 million. For the Works of Art special fund, required for public buildings, $163,600 will be set aside for the Correctional Center. Another $34,000 goes toward $1.12 million for fire protection and life safety improvements at HCCC's Hale Nanu Annex.

See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com
SEE MORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS
http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html

MASK MAKING AT VOLCANO ART CENTER, Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn the basics of paper mask-making with artist Lee Michael Walczuk at Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus. Workshop fee is $35/$30 VAC member plus a $8 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING on Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Disaster Recovery Project. Thursday, Feb. 24, 12 - 1 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m. To join the 12 p.m. meeting: https://swca.zoom.us/j/91430664015. Those without internet access can join by phone: (888) 475-4499 US Toll-free; Meeting ID: 914 3066 4015. To join the 6 p.m. meeting: https://swca.zoom.us/j/97252271515. Those without internet access can join by phone: (888) 475-4499 US Toll-free; Meeting ID: 972 5227 1515.

COVID-19 PFIZER VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC at Ocean View Community Center. Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Open to ages 5 and up. Home test kits will be available while supplies last. Walk-ins and uninsured are welcome. Bring ID. Contact (808) 932-4205 for any questions.

MILOLIʻI ʻOHANA FUNDRAISER at Park Halau in Miloliʻi. Saturday, Feb. 26 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Food, crafts, music, silent auction, and more. For more information, contact (808) 937-1310 or visit www.Kalanihale.com.

SEE MORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS

http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday Feb. 17, 2022

Kaʻū paniolo will head to the Pana'ewa Stampede this Saturday and Sunday. See more below. This photo shows earlier
Stampede bull riding winner Tristyn Kalawaia, with the rodeo clown on alert. Photo by Brad H. Ballesteros

ENSURING DIGITAL EQUITY FOR KAʻŪ AND ALL ISLAND RESIDENTS is a goal of the Hawai'i County Community Development Plan Team, which encourages participation in a survey from 'Auamo Collaborative. The survey is part of Rural Broadband Mapping Initiative.
'Auamo Collaborative, in partnership with Kamehameha Schools, Papa Ola Kahi, and others, has initiated a broadband mapping survey to better inform the extent of broadband coverage at a household level. This project will gather data on broadband access in rural communities across Hawai'i by deploying community members to monitor quality of coverage, ability to access broadband services, and gauge broadband utility.

https://www.auamocollaborative.org/rural-broadband

The aim is to provide a clear map of actual vs. claimed coverage to better address needs of communities by informing policy efforts that aim to create community-led solutions. The data will inform efforts towards creative solutions in creating community networks, advocacy for underserved communities, as well as providing a snapshot of what community members need access for.
'Auamo Collaborative's stated mission is to "advocate for rural and indigenous communities and narrow the equity gap for the underserved." The non-profit "is committed to assisting underserved indigenous and indigent communities and families through direct service projects to meet immediate areas of need, free educational programs, connection to community resources, and compassionate educational and community advocacy."
A statement from the organization says," 'Auamo can be defined as a burden or a service. It is also a pole used to distribute and share a load across the shoulders or between more than one individual. 'Auamo Collaborative was founded to focus on community service based on indigenous values and serving those who get left behind by western systems."

To access the survey or use the QR code. See the 'Auamo website at https://www.auamocollaborative.org/rural-broadband

A FLOOD ADVISORY was issued for District of Kaʻū through Thursday evening. Flares were placed at Kawa along Hwy 11 and motorists reported flooding on the highway toward Punalu'u. Hawai'i Civil Defense sent out an alert saying, "All Residents in flood prone areas are asked to remain alert for flooding conditions. Heavy rainfall and ponding can cause hazardous driving conditions. Be aware that road closures may occur without warning. Do not attempt to cross flowing water in your vehicle or on foot; turn around don't drown.You will be informed of changes in conditions that may affect your safety."

Jennifer Helle is missing

JENNIFER HELLE OF OCEAN VIEW IS MISSING, according to Hawai‘i Island police. The police department requests public assistance locating the 40-year-old, described as Caucasian, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 130 pounds, with hazel eyes and blond hair.
Police initiated an investigation looking for Helle after her family reported her missing on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. Family members stated they last heard from Helle on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, after she was released from Kona District Court in Kailua-Kona.
Anyone with information on Helle’s whereabouts is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Sergeant Duffy Duldulao at (808) 939-2520, or email Duffy.Duldulao@hawaiicounty.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

CONTINUING SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A MINOR is one of three crimes charged against an Ocean View man on Thursday. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 43 year-old John Lee Franks was charged sexual assault of a minor between November 2021 and February of 2022. This marks the second time this week that an individual was charged by Prosecutors with offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor.
As the Complaint alleges, Franks is charged with two counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree and a

John Lee Franks, of Ocean View.
Photo from Hawai'i Police Department

single count of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years. Sexual Assault in the First Degree and Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years are both class A felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison.

On Thursday, Kona District Court granted Franks’ request for a bail reduction, over Prosecutors’ objection, reducing Franks’ total bail from $150,000 to $50,000. The Court also ordered Franks to appear for his preliminary hearing on Friday at 1:30 p.m..

The lead investigator was Detective Kevin Brodie, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai’i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich. The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The statement from Hawai'i Police Department says, "If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. #hawaiiprosecutors."

KAʻŪ PANIOLO HEAD TO THE PANA'EWA STAMPEDE this weekend for many events and presentations. Professional Rodeo Announcer Justin McKee will call the events and Professional Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will distract the animals from the competitors and entertain the crowd.
Traditional rodeo competition will include Po'o Wai U, Dummy Roping, Wahine Barrel Racing, Youth Barrel Racing, Youth Team Roping, Sheep Riding, Century Team Roping, The Down Roping High Roller Team Roping, Bare Back Bronc Riding, Wahine Calf Mugging and Bull Riding. Competitors come from around the islands and the mainland.

Lori-Lee Lorenzo and Kehaulani Ke mugging for Kaʻū at a Pana'ewa Stampede Rodeo.
Photo from Makaa Photography

The organizer and major sponsor of the rodeo is Nancy Cabral, who also supports rodeo in Kaʻū, along with her late husband Al Cabral. He was a frequent rodeo announcer at Nāʻālehu rodeos. The two operated Day Lum Rentals & Management, which, with Nancy Cabral, remains an annual major sponsor of Pana'ewa Stampede.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE is Monday, Feb. 28. All keiki ages 5 to 15 from Ocean View, Nāʻālehu and Pāhala are welcome to join. Registration can be done online at https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/kaulittleleaguehi or visit Nāʻālehu Public Library, Pāhala Public Library, or Little League practice to pick up a registration packet. Practice is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 - 6 p.m. at Waiʻōhinu Park. Call Elizabeth Crook at (808) 345-0511 for more information.

Kaʻū Little League is taking registration.
Photo from Elizabeth Crook

ROOT & RISE PRESENTS: NATURE AND ART AS THERAPY, Friday, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is a free group that uses interaction with nature, creativity, and community to address mental health wellness, awareness, and destigmatization. To reserve a spot or for more info, call 617-543-8065.

See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com
SEE MORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS
http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday Feb. 16, 2022

Moonlight and snow on top Mauna Loa Wednesday morning. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS

WITH SNOW ON MAUNA LOA, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park posted this on its facebook: "Ua ʻawa ka lua o Uēkahuna. Bitterly cold are the heights of Uēkahuna. It was 47 degrees F (8 degrees C ) at the summit of Kīlauea at 7:30 this morning. Just imagine how cold it felt on the summit of Mauna Loa as the moon set behind its freshly snow-capped summit!

Mauna Loa with snow Wednesday morning from
the lowlands of Kaʻū. Photo by Richard Taylor

"The Hawaiian proverb shared above described the wrath of a chief, attributed to a chant by Lohiʻau when he saw the wrath of Pele who sought to destroy him.

the source of the proverb is ʻŌlelo Noʻeau – Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui.

THE SAFE TRAVELS PROGAM FOR HAWAI'I COULD BE DROPPED AS EARLY AS MARCH,

according to Lt. Gov. Josh Green MD. On a live stream, he said this week that decline in Covid hospitalizations is key to lifting restrictions, with mask wearing being one of the last, perhaps in April. According to Green, statewide hospitalizations of under 100 for a week or more would be a good indicator that it is safe to start lifting the government mandates concerning Covid. Hospitalizations reached 350 in January but are under 200 this week.

Green noted that the decision and timing will ultimately be up to Gov. David Ige. Green is his chief advisor on Covid.

HAWAI'I ISLAND WOMEN BUILD is set for March and April by Habitat for Humanity. Each year, Women Build engages, mobilizes, trains, and empowers women leaders. "Women have come together in 650 communities in the U.S. to build homes, communities and hope," says the statement from the Habitat chapter on this island.

"This year, teams of inspiring and engaged women on Hawai'i Island will work together to raise funds and build homes in partnership with Habitat."

The event begins with a special Holoholo Habitat Women Build Scavenger Hunt, followed by coordinated Build days on one of several Habitat for Humanity build sites around the island.

To register go to www.habitathawaiiisland.org/women-build-2022.html. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact shauna.faigout@habitathawiiisland.org.

FEBRUARY IS INVASIVE SPECIES MONTH .Hawai'i Invasive Species Council invites the public to

learn more about invasive species by exploring the two wao (or realms) of wao Akua (upper forests) and wao Kanaka (lower valleys and urban areas), as well as the Kahakai (wetlands, ocean).
Each week experts working in these wao will share their knowledge about invasive species impacting them, and what can be done to help. Look for the tag #HISAM22 on Instagram and Facebook for more live events and activities. Subscribe to the HISC Youtube and follow the HISAM 22 playlist to watch any presentations already given this month. They range from As the Blob Grows: How LIttle Fire Ants Move to Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and a presentation by the Native Hawaiian Plant Society.

See much more and learn how to report invasive species at

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/

THE OCEAN COUNT FOR HUMPBACK WHALES may open in March for volunteers. The first count this year was done done by professionals in the field on the last Saturday in January. The next is last Saturday in February, with expectation of inviting the general public in March. The delay with inviting the public has been due to Covid concerns.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is one of the Humpback whale Ocean Sites
this year. A number of sites are off the calendar with Covid concerns.
Map from oceancount.org

The Sanctuary Ocean Count is a signature education outreach and citizen science project that the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosts annually. Ocean Count serves to promote public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. The count is conducted three times per year during peak whale season and provides a snapshot of humpback whales sightings from the shoreline. https://oceancount.org/

A PAYPAL BITCOIN SCAM ON THIS ISLAND has drawn the concern of Hawai‘i Police Department.

HPD sent out a notice saying that members of the public have reported recently receiving email with instructions to contact the Paypal customer service number from the phone number provided to verify a purchase of Bitcoin. The scam states that failure to call to dispute the charge within 24 hours will result in a large monetary charge to the credit card attached to the Paypal account.
Police encourage those receiving this type of scam email to contact Paypal directly to verify a charge and to not call the number provided in the email. Those who have not purchased Bitcoin nor have a Paypal account can block the sender. Those who feel they are victims of this scam can call the police department’s non- emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendarSee latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

ROOT & RISE PRESENTS: NATURE AND ART AS THERAPY, Friday, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is a free group that uses interaction with nature, creativity, and community to address mental health wellness, awareness, and destigmatization. To reserve a spot or for more info, call 617-543-8065.

See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com