The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Expands Hours & Increases Access to Kahuku
The Kahuku Unit of HVNP is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, adding an additional hour to explore trails and views from the slopes of Mauna Loa. In addition, the rugged portion of Kahuku Road above the cross fence will reopen to 4WD vehicles, providing easier access to Kona Trail and Glover Trail. Learn more about Kahuku trails, ranger programs and coffee talks on the park website at nps.gov/havo.
See more below. NPS photo

FLAGS WILL FLY HALF STAFF AT ALL STATE AND FEDERAL BUILDINGS in Hawai'i to honor the 19 children and two adults killed by on Tuesday by an 18-year-old high school student who shot them at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas just north of San Antonio. The announcement came from Gov. David Ige who said, "I join our nation in mourning the tragic and senseless loss of these innocent victims, and I stand with the families of those affected by this horrific act of violence. On behalf of the State of Hawai'i, I express my deepest condolences to the victims' families, the faculty, staff and student body at Robb Elementary School, and the Uvalde community in Texas."

Lt. Gov. Josh Green said, "My wife Jaime and I are heartsick to see another mass shooting in our country. We are praying for the victims of this tragedy and their families. As we mourn the senseless loss of 19 children and two adults in Texas, let us come together to support the survivors and their community, and do everything we possibly can to bring an end to gun violence in America."

Congressman Kai Kahele and his wife Maria said, "It would be our worst nightmare to have dropped our daughters off at school only to never see them again. We are gutted and devastated for the families, students and faculty in this Texas community."

Sen Mazie Hirono said, "I'm horrified and heartbroken for the Uvalde community and our nation.
It's been nearly 10 years since Sandy Hook, and still, our children are getting gunned down in our schools.
What is it going to take for Republicans to find the basic decency to help us end this nightmare?"

Pres. Joe Biden said, "So tonight, I ask the nation to pray for them, to give the parents and siblings the strength in the darkness they feel now. As a nation, we have to ask when in God's name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby? When in God's name will we do what we all know in our gut needs to be done?"

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said, "People that are shooting people that are killing kids- they're not following murder laws; they're not going to follow gun laws. I'd much rather have law-abiding citizens armed and trained so that they can respond when something like this happens because it's not going to be the last time." The gunman shot his grandmother before heading to the school. She remained in critical condition Tuesday evening.

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 at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html tml

A CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN WITH $102 FINES has been launched by Hawai'i Police Department through Sunday, June 5 in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal of the public awareness campaign during the Memorial Day holidays is to remind drivers that seat belts save lives. Hawai‘i Island police along with state and local law enforcement agencies across the country will issue tickets to drivers who choose not to buckle up. In Hawai’i County, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $102 per person.

“As we continue to see an increase in traffic deaths across the country, risky driving behaviors, like failing to wear a seat belt, continue to be a contributing factor,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA Deputy Administrator. “This campaign is designed to remind drivers that a seat belt is truly your best defense in a crash. Click It or Ticket isn’t about citations; it’s about saving lives.”
The HPD statement says, "No matter what type of vehicle you drive, wearing your seat belt is the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Even if your car has airbags, the safest way to ride is properly buckled up. It is simple. Always place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck, and place the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach. You should never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. When purchasing a new car, be sure to check that its seat belts fit you."
In 2020, more than half of all young adults’ ages 18 to 34 killed in crashes were completely unrestrained. Men make up the majority of those killed in crashes, representing 67% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2020. Data show 55% of men killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt, compared to 43% of women killed in crashes. "Remember: every trip, every time, buckle up," says the HPD statement.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK NOW OPENS AT 8 A.M. Thursdays through Sundays, adding an additional hour to explore the trails and views from storied areas on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. There is no entrance fee, and reservations are not required for ranger programs or special events. The 116,000 acre rolling landscape became part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in 2003.
In addition, the rugged unimproved portion of Kahuku Road above the cross fence will reopen to 4WD vehicles, providing easier access to two trails: Kona Trail (highlights include ranching-era relics and 1887 lava flow formations), and upper and lower Glover Trail, which culminates near a huge pit crater that protects a pristine Hawaiian rainforest.

Puʻu o Lokuana in the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo

Hikers who venture past the cross fence must decontaminate their footwear to prevent the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a deadly fungus that has killed hundreds of thousands of ʻōhiʻa trees on Hawaiʻi Island. It is also recommended that drivers spray the tires of their 4WD vehicles. A decontamination station is located at the cross fence gate.
Kahuku Road above the cross fence was closed to vehicles in 2016 due to the presence of trees with ROD overhanging the road. The infected trees have since been removed to minimize the risk of vehicles spreading the spores. To protect park resources, vehicles are not permitted to drive off the roadway or go past the Upper Glover trailhead parking area.
A dynamic kānaka maoli (native Hawaiian) history defines the Kahuku story and traces back to the earliest Polynesian arrivals. By the 1860s, Kahuku was one of the largest cattle ranches in Hawaiʻi, and also supported timber and pulu fiber industries. Today, hikers can experience native forests and birds, and the infamous 1868 Mauna Loa eruption, via its eight trails. Learn more about Kahuku trails, ranger programs and informal coffee talks on the park website. The entrance is located in the Kaʻū District on Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, about an hour's drive south of the main park entrance.

CTAHR VIRTUAL INVASIVE PEST MINI-CONFERENCE on Wednesday, May 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. HST. Join to learn about a successful eradication program of invasive fruit flies in the Pacific Islands, and two classical biocontrol programs implemented to manage invasive pests. In addition, this mini-conference features a discovery of viruses, parasitoid symbionts that can improve biocontrol of fruit flies, and a new smartphone app on IPM in Hawaiʻi. Register in advance for this conference: https://hawaii.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckf-yvrTosEt2rQgYpkdSKR44_pYsZYSqC.

RUBBISH TO RESOURCE is the topic of Speaker Series #34 hosted by the Kona Chapter of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United on Wednesday, May 25 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Chantal Chung on Maʻona Community Garden & UH Hilo Sea Grant College Program and Evan Lam of Qan LLC and Circlepack will be sharing their manaʻo on how to create healthier soil by better managing the waste stream. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-34-from-rubbish-to-resource-tickets-330337627737?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_eid=563999cc96&mc_cid=2f1f5e19a3.

VIBRANT HAWAIʻI MICRO-INVESTMENT DEADLINE TO APPLY is Thursday, May 26 at 11:59 p.m. Micro-investments are intended to support quick action to demonstrate the feasibility of solutions and are available in amounts up to $2,500. Investments should be spent within a 3-6 month time period. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in mid-June. This opportunity is open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents, businesses, nonprofits, associations, and civic groups. To apply, visit https://www.vibranthawaii.org/economy.

NATURE & ART AS THERAPY: WINDS & CHIMES is a free workshop offered by Root & Rise Hawaiʻi on Friday, May 27 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Root & Rise Outdoor Studio in South Kona. This FREE program is open to anyone seeking mental health support, family/friends of those with mental challenges, social service & mental health professionals, and interested community members. The goal of the program is to reduce stress, improve mood, and restore hope. Space is limited, so please call 617-543-8065 to reserve a spot and for more information.

KANAKAPILA CONCERT on Sunday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion behind United Methodist Church in Nāʻālehu. Students from Keoki Sereno's free 'ukulele classes will be performing. Refreshments to follow.

SEE MORE UPCOMING EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO

at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

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Monday, May 23, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, May 23, 2022

Pāhala Pool is Closed Eight Months to a Year

The recording on the Pāhala pool phone says, "We are currently closed. Possible reopening of the pool may take up to eight to 12 months due to ongoing mechanical issues. All keiki Learn to Swim Summer Classes will be cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience." Messages can be left at 808-928-8177. Some county lifeguards stationed at Pāhala said they are transferred to other pools.

Photo by Julia Neal

HŪ HONUA BIOFUEL PLANT, SLATED TO BURN EUCALYPTUS LOGS FROM KAʻŪ TO MAKE ELECTRICITY, WAS REJECTED BY THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION on Monday. The

builders of the plant on the coast north of Hilo have long contended that burning farmed trees from Kaʻū and elsewhere should be part of the energy portfolio of Hawai'i Island. Those opposing stated that the cost of the power would be more expensive to the consumer than geothermal, wind, hydroelectric and solar.

The PUC, in a two-one vote, rejected the proposed contract with Hawaiian Electric, saying the power plant would create "significant greenhouse gas emissions." Hū Honua argued that the emissions would be offset through reforestation and carbon credits. Warren Lee, President of Hū Honua, said his group could appeal the decision to the PUC and possibly the Hawai'i Supreme Court.

Eucalyptus that were grown in Kaʻū and cut down to truck to

Hū Honua to burn for electricity, a plan rejected by the Public

Utilities Commission on Monday. Photo by Julia Neal

Henry Curtis, of Life of the Land, the nonprofit that opposed Hu Honua's plans before the PUC and in court, released a statement saying, "Life of the Land applauds the PUC`s decision re Hū Honua. The proposed project would increase Hawai'i Island electric rates, greenhouse gas emissions and other toxic emissions; and pose a threat to Hawai'i's fragile environment."

Tawhiri, the windmill company at South Point, submitted testimony opposing the Hū Honua plan.

MINDFUL MASKING is the term used by Mayor Mitch Roth in a statement Monday about the rise in COVID cases on this island. He asked that people wear masks in grocery stores, indoor gatherings, on public transportation and in indoor dining areas when not actively eating and drinking. His recommendation also extends to large outdoor gatherings.

“We are just asking our residents to continue to be mindful in their interactions with each other. Although we have moved on to a time where we are learning to live with the virus, it is still very much a threat, and there are many individuals with health issues that make the virus a serious risk to their well-being. We don’t want to move back to a period of mandates to help control the spread. We’ve been there, done that, and we know what works at this point in the game. That’s why we are again calling on our community to keep each other safe and get us through the current surge — safely.”
In the past two weeks, more than 1,400 new COVID cases were reported in Hawai'i County, with almost 12,000 new cases statewide.

CONGRESSMAN KAI KAHELE WAS THE SPEAKER AT HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION'S CLOSING DINNER during its conference in Kona last weekend. Kaʻū Coffee farmers

Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba, shown with
partner Bong Aquino, after earning first place for Kaʻū in the inaugural
Hawai'i Coffee Association Cupping Contest in 2009. Last weekend,
during the Hawai'i Coffee Association Conference, she was recognized
by Congressman Kai Kahele for her achievements in helping the
the coffee farmers. Photo by Julia Neal

who attended said Kahele, who represents rural Hawai'i, is very pro agriculture and mentioned his roll in encouraging coffee farmers to go for low interest federal and state loans to purchase their coffee farms that have been subdivided by a developer. Kahele visited their farms. He and staff consulted and met with the farmers several times. Many of them have closed or are closing on their loans for lands at Moa'ula and Pear Tree.

During his talk at the Hawai'i Coffee Association conference, Kahele noted Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba for her work in supporting the success of Kaʻū Coffee farming. Camba has helped organize the farmers for workshops on financing the purchase of their farms and meetings with public officials and lenders to support their efforts. She has also helped the farmers to apply for financial assistance from federal programs. She and her husband Bong Aquino won first for the Kaʻū Region in the inaugural Hawai'i Coffee Association cupping contest in 2009.

Congressman Kai Kahele praised Ka'u Coffee Growers President
Gloria Camba and other contributors to Hawai'i's coffee industry
as the speaker at the final dinner of the Hawai'i Coffee Association
annual conference on Saturday at Rays on the Bay at Outrigger
Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou. Photo by Alla Kostenko

During this year's conference, Kahele presented Certificates of Recognition to Tommy Greenwell of Kealakekua and David Gridley of Maui Coffee Association for their service to the coffee industry. He also recognized Suzanne Shriner of Kona Coffee Association.

After the conference, Kaʻū Coffee farmers said they have received support from Kahele on pest management and plant health research, particularly regarding coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust. Kahele told farmers he would soon be back for a visit to their farms and Kaʻū Coffee Mill.

A NEW BOARD WAS ELECTED FOR THE HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION during its conference last weekend. The new President is Fred Cowell, President of Kaua'i Coffee Co. Vice President is Tom Greenwell of Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua. Treasurer is Abby Munoz of Monarch Coffee on Hualalai. Secretary is Brittany Horn, of Pacific Coffee Research in Kealakekua.

The board member with the Kaʻū connection is Chris Manfredi whose business name is Kaʻū Farm &

Ranch. An organizer of the Kaʻū Coffee Festival, he was President of HCA for six years before recently taking a new paid position at HCA as its Executive Director.

Also on the board are: Juli Burden of Hawai'i Agricultural Research Center on O'ahu; Kelleigh Stewart of Big Island Coffee Roasters in Mountain View; Dane Bateman of Heavenly Hawaiian Farms in Holualoa; Kimo Falconer of Maui representing Hawai'i Coffee Growers Association; Suzanne Shriner of Honaunau-Napo'opo'o, representing Kona Coffee Farmers Association; Ferrel Daste of Kona Hills, LLC; David Gridley of Maui Coffee Association; Donna Woodley of Island Sun in Keauhou; and Bill Dwyer of Kona Mountain Coffee.

See more on HCA at www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org where there are postings of most presentations from the conference.

KA'Ū HIGH CO-VALEDICTORIAN MORGAN PIERPONT, of Ocean View, who enters the U.S. Army this coming week, gave the following speech during graduation ceremonies at Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary last Friday:
"Aloha and Good Evening to all of our honored guests, families, friends, faculty, staff, and my class of 2022. Thank you for being here to help us celebrate such a special time in our lives. Today, we are here to celebrate many things, such as everyone’s hard work, everyone’s friendships, and achievements. We are also here to celebrate our last time being together as classmates. We are not only here to celebrate, but to also thank both our families and the faculty for all of the support and advice that we’ve all come across to help us all become the people we are today.

Kaʻū High Co-Valedictorian Morgan Pierpont, of Ocean View, with her family.
Photo by Julia Neal

"Unfortunately, I wasn’t enrolled at KHPES until my sophomore year and wasn’t able to really experience my high school career from the very beginning, but within the time the I’ve spent here and all of the things I was fortunate enough to witness, I truly did enjoy all of the memories I’ve been able to make here. Throughout the years we have all had our fair share of great memories. We have met amazing friends and continuously strengthened our friendships. We've had the chance to meet and work with great mentors who helped guide us and not only grow stronger academically but also as stronger individuals who continuously strive for greater endeavors.
"As we all are celebrating our accomplishments here today, we must not forget to also look back at our past trials and tribulations. High school is definitely not as easy or as fast as High School Musical or Grease, but it had its moments that were full of fun. When I look at my classmates today I think, “look at how far we have come within our time as young adults.” A few things that I would like to leave with you is to not let the trials we had faced cloud your vision. Continue to push and strive for the best no matter what you've experienced. When I see you all here today, I see our future, I see great opportunities coming forth. Remember your resilience and all your hard work. Class of 2022, thank you."

A KA'Ū WOMAN IS BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE. Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance locating 44-year-old Brenda Kekoa of Ka‘ū, who is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant and for questioning in connection with a criminal investigation.

Brenda Kekoa
Photo from Hawai'i Police Dept.

According to police, Kekoa is 5 feet 3 inches tall, 170 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She is known to frequent the areas of Nā‘ālehu, Volcano, and Puna.
The Hawai'i Police Department would also like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
Anyone with information on Kekoa’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Anson Caceres at (808) 326-4646 ext. 225; or via email at anson.caceres@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

TWENTY TWO WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI during the week of May 16 through May 22, 2022.

Hawai‘i Island police arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 420 DUI arrests compared with 498 during the same period last year, a decrease of 15.7 percent.
There have been 308 major accidents so far this year compared with 309 during the same period last year, a decrease of 0.32 percent.
To date, there were 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities (one had multiple deaths), compared with 11 fatal crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents is an increase of 27.3 percent for fatal crashes, and 45.5 percent for fatalities.
Hawa'i Island police promised that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

MEMORIAL DAY LEI for keiki ages 5 to 12 years old on Tuesday, May 24 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Registration is open from May 13 - 20. To register, contact Recreation Technician III, Teresa Anderson, at (808) 938-4875.

MEMORIAL DAY CRAFT for keiki in grades K-6th on Tuesday, May 24 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Registration is open from May 16 - 20. To register, contact Recreation Director II, Nona Makuakane, at (808) 928-3102.

‘O KA’Ū KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO

at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORS OF THE KAʻŪ CALENDAR

at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/05/sponsors-of-kau-calendar.html

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, May 22, 2022

ERUPTIONS OF MAUNA LOA THAT FLOWED THROUGH KA'U AND SOUTH KONA are the focus of the latest Volcano Watch, the weekly column written by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and their affiliates. The year also marked the birth of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
One Mauna loa eruption began on May 19th, 1916, and was brief, lasting less than two weeks, but it offers lessons for future Mauna Loa eruptions.
Dr. Thomas Jaggar, who had founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory a mere four years earlier in 1912, attempted to forecast the next Mauna Loa eruption based on the pattern of rift zone eruptions on the volcano since 1868. The previous rift eruptions alternated locations between the Northeast Rift Zone and the Southwest Rift Zone though these were frequently separated in time by eruptions confined to Mauna Loa's summit caldera, Moku‘āweoweo.

Map of lava flows erupted from the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa, using data from
the Geologic Map of the State of Hawaiʻi (Sherrod and others, 2021). Lava flows
erupted in 1950, 1926, 1919, 1916, 1907, 1887, and 1868 are shown in different
colors on the map. Basemap sources: ESRI, HERE, Garmin, Intermap,
increment P Corp. USGS map

Mauna Loa had erupted in 1907 from the Southwest Rift Zone and in 1914–15 from the summit. Therefore, Dr. Jaggar hypothesized that the next Mauna Loa flank eruption would occur from the Northwest Rift Zone, assuming the prior pattern meant there was an underlying reason for the alternation of rift eruption sites.
During the year of the founding of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the May 19, 1916 Southwest Rift Zone outbreak deviated from the pattern of eruptions Dr. Jaggar had observed at Mauna Loa, suggesting that the eruption probability might be more like a “coin flip” model. While the long-term odds for flipping heads and tails are equal, it doesn’t mean you can’t flip four tails in a row.
Like many eruptions on the Island of Hawai‘i, the May 19th, 1916, eruption was preceded by earthquake activity. Residents of Ka‘ū felt numerous earthquakes early in the morning before an impressive steam plume, visible from Kīlauea’s summit, rose high up on Mauna Loa’s SWRZ at about 7:15 a.m., marking the start of the eruption. Activity in this high-elevation area, technically considered the summit region, lasted less than 24 hours.
Later, another swarm of earthquakes shook Ka‘ū residents as lava intruded the Southwest Rift Zone resulting in a line of fissures opening on the evening of May 21. Lava from the vents spread over the crest of the rift zone feeding lava flows on either side—the Honomalino flow moving down the steep southwest side and the larger Kahuku flow spreading more widely to the southeast.
The branched nature of the 1916 eruption—with the eruption supplying lava flows on either side of the rift zone—coupled with the relatively small total erupted volume ensured that the lava flows did not travel very far. Only one homestead, the Bertlemann’s, was destroyed during the 1916 eruption, which ended on May 31.

The 1916 eruption was followed in relatively rapid succession by Mauna Loa’s 1919 and 1926 Southwest Rift Zone eruptions with no intervening eruptions. During both eruptions, lava flows reached the ocean and destroyed Hawaiian coastal villages Alika and Hoʻōpūloa. The 1919 and 1926 lava flows would have cut Highway 11 and caused severe disruptions for current residents. The village of Miloliʻi and its boat access were narrowly missed by the 1926 flow.

The lava flow that destroyed Hoʻōpūloa in 1926. Photo courtesy of Peter T. Young

Several other lava flows from Mauna Loa’s Southwest Rift Zone, including in 1868, 1887, and 1950, have also traveled quickly through this region, crossing roads and entering the ocean, sometimes within a matter of hours of the vent opening.
The 1950 eruption on the Southwest Rift Zone was the largest recorded Mauna Loa eruption and fed flows on either side of the rift zone crest like the 1916 eruption. In a contrast to the 1916 eruption, three lava flows erupted in 1950 entered the ocean within less than 24 hours of that eruption starting. A repeat of the 1950 eruption is of great concern today due to the increased population of the area.

The 1950 eruption of Mauna Loa was its fastest high volume
eruption in recorded history.

What can we learn from Mauna Loa’s 1916 eruption? Though eruptions and volcanoes exhibit patterns, they do not always follow them. While repeats of most recorded Southwest Rift Zone eruptions would at a minimum cut off Highway 11, the smaller 1916 eruption demonstrates this is not always the case.
m. Over the past 200 years, Mauna Loa rift zone eruptions are evenly divided between the Southwest Rift Zone and the Northeast Rift Zone. However, the remarkable run of four Southwest Rift Zone eruptions in a row (1907, 1916, 1919, 1926) shows the weakness of long-term normal probability models in forecasting eruptions in the short term. It’s a constant reminder that none of us should grow complacent living on our volcanic island.
Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea volcano is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at WATCH (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels). Kīlauea updates are issued daily.
Over the past week, lava has continued to erupt from the western vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. All lava is confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and were last measured at approximately 2,800 tonnes per day (t/d) on May 12.
Seismicity is elevated but stable, with few earthquakes and ongoing volcanic tremor. Summit tiltmeters show relatively little ground

deformation over the past week. For more information on the current eruption of Kīlauea, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/recent-eruption.

Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption from the current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.

The 1950 eruption of Mauna Loa reached the ocean in three hours. It burned
about a mile of highway. Photo from U.S. Military Transport Service

This past week, about 50 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded below the summit and upper elevation flanks of Mauna Loa—the majority of these occurred at shallow depths less than 15 kilometers (9 miles) below sea level. Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements show low rates of ground deformation over the past week. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures at both the summit and at Sulphur Cone on the Southwest Rift Zone have remained stable over the past week. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring.
Four earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.2 earthquake 21 km (13 mi) SSE of Nāʻālehu at 13 km (8 mi) depth on May 19 at 2:03 a.m. HST, a M3.1 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) SSE of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on May 18 at 12:14 a.m. HST, a M2.6 earthquake 21 km (13 mi) SSE of Waimea at 22 km (13 mi) depth on May 15 at 10:48 p.m. HST, and a M3.2 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) WSW of Pāhala at 35 km (22 mi) depth on May 13 at 5:46 a.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.
Visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

Image of the steam plume that accompanied the start of Mauna Loa’s 1916 eruption on the Southwest Rift Zone. View is from within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, with Kīlauea caldera wall visible in the middle of the photo.
Photo by H. Wood, courtesy of University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Hamilton Library.

A MAGNITUDE 4.7 EARTHQUAKE WITHIN HUALALAI VOLCANO shook the entire island at 11:50 p.m. Saturday. USGS reported moderate shaking, with a maximum instrumental intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale ."At that intensity, very light damage to buildings or structures could occur." The USGS Did You Feel It? service received more than 1020 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake.

USGS reported that during the past 25 years, there were two earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 4.0 beneath Hualalai volcano, including Saturday night's event. USGS described it as a " primarily lateral slip along a sub-vertical fault and does not appear to be directly related to magmatic activity. Aftershocks are likely, and some may be felt."
HVO Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon said the earthquake had no apparent effect on Mauna Loa or Kīlauea Volcano’s ongoing summit eruption. "HVO monitoring networks have not detected any significant changes in activity at the summit or along the rift zones of Kīlauea resulting from the earthquake.

IRONWORKERS LOCAL 625 GAVE ITS ENDORSEMENT FOR KAʻŪ into Kona state House of Representative to Jeanné Kapela. The Democrat made the announcement on Sunday. Kapela stated, "It is springtime for

Jeanné Kapela announces support from the Ironworkers Union

our economy. After two years of fiscal hardship, our state's financial outlook is gleaming. Instead of cutting services, we are investing in programs to uplift the working families who drive our islands forward.
"That's why I am proud to be endorsed by Ironworkers Local 625 in my race for reelection to the State House. Each day, their members are forging a stronger future for our islands, from much needed affordable housing to 21st Century schools to state-of-the-art transportation systems.
"When labor succeeds, everyone prospers. To champion the workers on whom our economy depends, donate today to our campaign for change. Every dollar you contribute will be spent delivering financial security for our community.
"Labor rights are human rights. I will always stand with the workers who are constructing an enduring foundation for our society's well-being," said Kapela.

AUDITIONS FOR THE MIKADO are being held on 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24 at Kīlauea Theater within Kīlauea Military Camp in Volcano. The show is being put on by Kīlauea Drama

& Entertainment Network. All ages and ability are welcome to audition. Auditioneers should be prepared to sing a song that best shows their vocal range and dress comfortably to move on the stage. There will be cold readings as well. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO

at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORS OF THE KAʻŪ CALENDAR

at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/05/sponsors-of-kau-calendar.html

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Monday, May 23, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, May 23, 2022

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, May 22, 2022