Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015

Keiki hike Kilauea Iki Trail as part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Every Kid in a Park program. Photos from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK invites all fourth-grade students to visit the park for free as part of the White House’s new Every Kid in a Park program. Starting today, fourth-grade students can now go to www.everykidinapark.gov to complete an activity and obtain a free annual entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.

Young park visitor Ethan displays the new Every Kid in a Park
free pass for fourth-graders and enjoys the Exploring the Summit
hike with Ranger Alakea Bidal

      “Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has a long tradition of connecting keiki and classrooms to the volcanoes, Hawaiian culture and native plants and animals in their backyard,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Now we can expand the invitation by offering free entry to local and national fourth-graders and their families for free and connect the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates to the park as we enter our 100th year.”
      Children who visit the park can participate in lots of fun and engaging ways like earning a Junior Ranger badge, going on a ranger-guided program, signing up for a Kahuku `Ohana Day and much more.
      To receive free passes, fourth-graders can visit the Every Kid in a Park website and play a game to access their special Every Kid in a Park pass. They and their families can then use the pass for free entry to national parks and other federal public lands and waters across the country from now through Aug. 31, 2016. The website also includes fun and engaging learning activities aligned to educational standards, trip-planning tools, safety and packing tips and other important and helpful information for educators and parents.

      Fourth-grade educators, youth group leaders and their students across the country will also participate in the program through field trips and other learning experiences.
      The goal of the program is to connect fourth-graders with the great outdoors and inspire them to become future environmental stewards, ready to preserve and protect national parks and other public lands for years to come. The program is an important part of the National Park Service’s centennial celebration in 2016, which encourages everyone to Find Your Park.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

 With interior walls gone, a water tank in the backyard is visible from the front yard
of this home in Ocean View destroyed by fire this morning. Photo by Daryl Lee

FIRE THAT DESTROYED A HOME and melted a car in Ocean View this morning was kept from spreading to other properties by “the heroic, amazing job” of firefighters, next-door-neighbor Jordan Anger said. Anger, who was at his home about 150 feet from the burnt structure, said he could feel the heat from the blaze.
      Hawaiʻi Island police have initiated an arson investigation in connection with the fire.
In response to a 6:02 a.m. call, police arrived at a house fire on the 92-8800 block of Reef Circle Mauka, where firefighters were on the scene. Damage to the structure was estimated at $175,000.

      According to Anger, he witnessed a female renter of the home throwing lighted barbeque igniters into an exterior hallway and boxes full of clothing into the flaming home. He said she assaulted a firefighter, was handcuffed by police and taken away in an ambulance.
      A police investigation determined that the fire had been set intentionally. Police arrested the occupant, 36-year-old Emily Smith, on suspicion of first-degree arson.  

      Anger said he videotaped the incident to provide to police for their investigation.
      Other occupants of the home were gone at the time of the fire, Anger said.
      Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continue the investigation.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NO ONE WAS INJURED when a sports-utility vehicle crashed into a school bus carrying students this morning in Ocean View.
      In response to a 6:42 a.m. call, Ka`u officers determined that the bus was traveling south on Princess Ka`iulani Boulevard when an SUV traveling west on Lehua Parkway and operated by a 42-year-old man ran a stop sign and broadsided the bus. Twelve school children, ages 13-17, and a 50-year-old male driver were on board the bus.
      The crash caused substantial damage to both vehicles.
      The case is classified as a traffic accident.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SIERRA CLUB AND EARTHJUSTICE said NextEra’s rebuttal filed with Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission on Monday in support of its merger with Hawaiian Electric Industries “falls short.”

Isaac Moriwake Photo from Earthjustice

      “For all the criticism the takeover proposal has received, NextEra’s response is very underwhelming,” said Isaac Moriwake, the Earthjustice attorney representing Sierra Club before the PUC. “They quote some bigger dollar figures, but they still have no plan or vision that fulfills Hawai`i’s needs.”
      This is NextEra’s first filing since Gov. David Ige announced his opposition to NextEra’s proposed takeover and plans to import fossil gas to meet Hawai`i’s electricity needs. “This was their last chance to step up and answer all the criticism, and they fell flat,” Moriwake said. “They still haven’t addressed the fundamental problems of the takeover, including the loss of local control and jobs and how their old-fashioned monopoly just doesn’t fit the future direction for Hawai`i.”
      Marti Townsend, Director of Sierra Club of Hawai`i, said, “We have waited months for this response. Concerned residents, industry leaders, stakeholders across the state have been waiting to see how NextEra would respond to all the criticism, and we received nothing but more unsubstantiated, unrealistic promises.”
      In their rebuttal, NextEra relies on fossil gas, which the Sierra Club said is inconsistent with the state’s 100 percent renewable law. “It’s not believable for NextEra to say they fully support 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, while at the same time calling for the state to invest millions in fracked gas,” Townsend said.
      Sierra Club said NextEra continues to rely on buzzwords over actual substance, quoting a passage from their Transaction Commitments: ‘The Hawai`i Corporate Responsibility Report will include a detailed description with relevant metrics addressing the progress NextEra Energy is making in operating as a Hawai`i business, including the Hawaiian concepts of Kuleana, Malama Pono and Aloha... .’
      “NextEra’s response demonstrates to me just how little NextEra either understands or is willing to address the concerns expressed by Hawai`i’s residents,” Townsend said. “They just don’t seem to get it: this is not about empty promises of more money with a few Hawaiian concepts sprinkled in.”
      The PUC is hosting public listening sessions across the Hawaiian Islands to gather the public’s perspective on NextEra’s proposal to take over Hawaiian Electric Industries.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kathryn Matayoshi

HAWAI`I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi Hawai`i received an overall rating of “Exceeds Expectations” from the Board of Education for the second consecutive year. 

      The BOE agreed that improvement in student achievement is critical and still remains the highest priority for the department.
      Matayoshi received the highest rating of “Exceptional” in 2013. The BOE evaluation is based on her overall management abilities and attainment of performance objectives and program accomplishments.
      “As the new chairman of the BOE, I look forward to working with the superintendent on ways to help our students advance in the face of an ever-changing world and increasing the level of empowerment of our teachers and administrators,” said BOE Chairman Lance Mizumoto.
      “We fully understand that student success must climb,” Matayoshi said. “It has taken a lot of focused effort at all levels in our department to implement systemic change across the system in the last couple of years, from standards and assessments to differentiated teacher and school supports. I appreciate the Board’s acknowledgement of the progress being made. The Board’s rating is not only reassuring but a testament to our employees, students and families who work hard every day in reaching targets for the success of schools and our public school students.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM won at home again yesterday. The Trojans trounced St. Joseph in the first game, 25-8, then St. Joseph was able to climb out of the hole to win a close second game 21-25. The third game was once again Ka`u’s, with a score of 25-11.

      The girls try for their third win in a row Friday, hosting Parker at 6 p.m.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kahuku `Ohana Day includes making kukui nut tops and free lunch.
Photo from NPS

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE to sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day: Hu Kukui and be included in the free lunch count. Children of all ages and their families are invited to learn how to make their own hu kukui, or Hawaiian top, with native kukui nuts on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. Park rangers demonstrate, then keiki compete to see whose top spins best. 

      Register at 985-6019.

CONTROL OF COFFEE BERRY BORER using Intergrated Pest Management practices is the topic of a free workshop this Saturday, Sept. 5 at Pahala Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Luis Aristizabal conducts the workshop. Aristizabal was raised on a Colombian coffee farm and worked as an Extension agent with coffee farmers in Colombia. He is now an entomologist at University of Florida.

      Hands-on activities at a coffee farm follow a potluck lunch.
      The Kohala Center sponsors this workshop. All coffee farmers are invited.
      Call Ann Fontes at 987-7448 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar/September2015.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015

Mules and horses are important in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's search and rescue operations. Here, stock manager Jordan Barthold holds Sparkles with a rescued visitor astride during a rescue in July. Photos from NPS

MULES AND A HORSE TRANSPORTED two injured hikers suffering from dehydration to safety last week in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Barthold and first responder TJ Magno head down Keauhou
Trail last Thursday.

      The Hilo couple had planned to hike to a remote coastal campsite but was not prepared for the intense heat, lack of shade and rough terrain. They didn’t have hiking sticks, and their water filters broke. On the morning of Aug. 27, they started to hike out on Keauhou Trail. Both turned their ankles and were unable to continue. They called the number on their backcountry permit, and a team of mules and first responders was dispatched.
       The exhausted couple was located, and park mule Dozer and horse `Ohi`a calmly transported them to safety, while Sparkles and Clyde hauled their backpacks.
      It wasn’t the first rescue for these hardy stock animals. In mid-July, Sparkles carried an O`ahu man from Keauhou Trail to safety. The man, in his 60s, was separated from his group and became dehydrated and fatigued on the grueling eight-mile hike.
       Although the stock team and the first responders saved the days, both incidents were preventable, said Park Ranger Jack Corrao.
      “It’s extremely important to be prepared when going into the backcountry, or on any hike,” Corrao said. “Have plenty of water, four quarts per person per day, and make sure your water filter works. Never get separated from your group. Know your limits.”

      A detailed checklist of safety tips is provided with all backcountry permits and is on the park website at nps.gov/havo.

      Park mules perform a variety of important duties in the 333,086-acre park. They are strong, sure-hoofed and are able to carry heavy loads over uneven terrain, said stock manager Jordan Barthold. They were vital to the recent replacement of the wooden boardwalk at Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs. The mules are also used to transport equipment to the Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtle crew and haul waste from pit toilets in coastal campgrounds, among other duties.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

     

NEXTERA ENERGY’S PLANS FOR ITS MERGER with Hawaiian Electric Industries include a package of 85 commitments, of which more than 50 are new, that the companies said would accelerate achievement of Hawai`i’s goal of an affordable, 100 percent renewable energy future by 2045. The companies filed the commitments with Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission yesterday.

Eric Gleason

      In the first five years following the close of the merger, the companies said customer savings would be nearly $465 million and economic benefits would be approximately $500 million. They also said customers would benefit from NextEra’s ability to accelerate the development of more modern grids through deployment of smart meters, including time-of-use rate options, as well as improvements to overall service, reliability and performance. In addition, NextEra Energy reinforced its commitment to the communities served by Hawaiian Electric and the state of Hawai`i by pledging to maintain HEI’s current levels of charitable giving for at least 10 years and to keep Hawaiian Electric locally managed.
      “Our expanded set of commitments is a clear reflection of the thoughtful input we have received from many key stakeholders, including the governor and the Consumer Advocate,” said Eric Gleason, president of NextEra Energy Hawai`i, LLC. “We fully embrace Hawai`i’s goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and believe this partnership represents the best path forward to achieving this goal – the most ambitious of its kind in the nation. … We will continue to listen, learn and constructively engage with stakeholders and communities throughout the state – including Gov. Ige and his administration – as we respond to questions and present our vision to the PUC.”
      Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric’s president and chief executive officer, said, “In NextEra Energy, we have a partner whose corporate values closely align with our local values to do what’s best for customers and our communities. NextEra Energy has underscored this with a substantial set of commitments to the state of Hawai`i.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

Hawai`i DLNR will hold public meeting about new rules proposed
for harvesting sea cucumbers. Photo from DLNR

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE RULES to manage the harvest of sea cucumbers from state waters will be considered at yet-to-be-scheduled, statewide public hearings. Following the mass taking of sea cucumbers on Maui and O`ahu earlier this year, Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources imposed an emergency rule that took effect on June 26 prohibiting all take and possession of sea cucumbers from state waters. This rule has a 120-day time limit. The purpose of proposed permanent rules is to provide more long-term management of the sea cucumber fishery to ensure resources will not be overharvested. 

      The new rules would prohibit commercial harvest of sea cucumbers for consumption purposes, defined as “for food, medicine, or any other use whereby the sea cucumber is killed.” Commercial aquarium collection of sea cucumbers would be allowed, subject to restrictions.
      The proposed rules also allow the general public to take up to five sea cucumbers per person per day for personal, non-commercial use. They can be viewed at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/ under the “Announcements” section.

A Pahala neighborhood is working to eradicate
little fire ants. Photo from HDOA  

      The Division of Aquatic Resources will issue a formal notice when public hearings are scheduled.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LITTLE FIRE ANTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED at some houses on Huapala Street in Pahala. Royal Hawaiian Orchards is working with residents to control and eradicate them.

      The pest in considered one of the world’s worst invasive species. Their painful and irritating stings cause long-lasting, itchy rashes or welts. Ants crawl in pets’ fur and sting soft tissue, including their eyes. As a result, pets suffer high rates of skin irritation and tropical kerytopathy, a clouding of the corneas that resembles cataracts.
      For more information from Hawai`i Ant Lab, see littlefireants.com or call 315-5656.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PEACOCK AND A CRANE JOIN PLANETS as some of the objects visible in Ka`u’s night skies, according to astronomer Lew Cook, who writes a monthly column for The Ka`u Calendar.

Pavo's brightest star is named Peacock. Photo from wikipedia

      “Appearing in the southern sky this month are several constellations that are poorly known by those of us in the northern hemisphere,” Cook wrote. “The reason is that Pavo, the peacock, is one that can’t be seen by anyone north of 34 degrees latitude. The brightest star in the constellation is named Peacock! Also, there in the vicinity is Indus, which is considered an American Indian. It is little known and has few bright stars. It was created by 1598 based on star charts drawn by Dutch navigators who sailed the southern oceans in the 16th century. 

      “The constellation Grus can be visualized as a long-necked bird flying up out of the southern horizon. This bird is a crane, which can be seen nesting on top of the chimneys in Europe. These cranes winter in Africa and migrate northward in the northern hemisphere’s spring. We have no cranes in Hawai`i. On the mainland, there are red-headed Sandhill Cranes and a few Whooping Cranes remaining.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS won their matches hosting Makua Lani yesterday. Varsity lost the first game 23-25 but recovered to take the next two 25-11 and 25-13. JV only needed two sets to win 25-18 and 25-15.
      The teams host St. Joseph today at 6 p.m.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U FARMERS UNION UNITED holds a meeting Saturday, Sept. 19 at Earth Matters farm at the corner of Kama`oa and South Point Road at 10 a.m. Rep. Richard Creagan will talk about plans for the 2016 Legislature and his field trips on issues. Membership is not required to attend. Call 443-3300.

A walking tour of Volcano's historic homes is
coming up. Photo from VAC

WANT TO GET A PEEK into some of Volcano’s historic homes? A tour led by architect and historian Boone Morrison will provide insight into the history of some of the early families and businesses that helped shape modern-day Volcano. This historic buildings walking tour takes place on Saturday, Sept. 12, and includes lunch after the tour. 

      To reserve space, email volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call 967-7366. The tour, sponsored by Volcano Community Foundation with support from Volcano Art Center, begins with a 9:15 a.m. check-in.

WEDNESDAY IS GAME NIGHT at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. On the first Wednesday of each month, a potluck begins at 5:30 p.m.; bring a favorite dish for six. Fun, games and great conversation begin at 6:30 p.m.
      For more information, call 929-9258.

PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF is the topic of Patti Pease Johnson’s workshop Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Each participant paints an 8’ x 53” scarf using three colors of their choice, which will create many more colors on the silk. This workshop is a way to enjoy the instant results of dyes while creating unique pieces of artwork.

      Cost is $60 and $54 for VAC Members plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginning and intermediate artists are welcome.
      To register, call 967-8222.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Aug. 31, 2015

Does Van Gogh's Starry Night remind you of digital depictions of hurricanes going by Hawai`i? Media outlets see similarities.

VAN GOGH’S STARRY NIGHT is being circulated through social media and on Hawai`i News Now broadcast as an image that harmonizes with digital depictions of the hurricanes going by the Hawaiian Islands. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu is expected to pick up responsibility of reporting on Jimena Tuesday afternoon as it moves closer and Ignacio moves off to the northwest.

Social media and Hawai`i News Now are comparing patterns of Pacific storms
to Van Gogh's Starry Night.

      Hurricane Ignacio threatened Hawai`i Island earlier but is tracking to the north of the state. Hurricane Jimena is behind Ignacio but expected to make a turn to the north before reaching Hawai`i.

      Another disturbance is developing to the east of Ignacio.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS two resolutions introduced by Ka`u’s Council member Maile David this week. The council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. 

      David is proposing an amendment to Hawai`i County’s General Plan relating to the principles of the ahupua`a system. David’s Resolution 256-15 calls for the General Plan to apply values, philosophy and geographical features of the ahupua`a system as a land use model to regulatory decisions and government programs, fulfilling sustainability goals and land use policies with consideration for resource management.

Maile David

      David’s Resolution 258-15 proposes another amendment to the county’s General Plan relating to roadway access in Ka`u during times of flooding. David wants the county to investigate potential solutions to prevent the closure of Hawai`i Belt Road due to flooding, including improving, acquiring and maintaining alternate routes.
      A communication document from David states, “During times of heavy rainfall, flooding along the Hawai`i Belt Road in the Ka`u District still occurs whereby streams in the area often exceed the capacity of existing bridges and culverts and flood the roadway, resulting in temporary closure of the Hawai`i Belt Road; and such road closures severely impair access to the district of Ka`u from surrounding areas and to essential services and shelters.”  

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet tomorrow at Council Chambers in Hilo, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Public Works & Parks and Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; Finance, 10 a.m.; and Governmental Relations & Economic Development, 1 p.m.
      Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.
      All meetings are streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
      Agendas are also available on the website.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PROPOSED OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS project that would cover 26 lots with solar panels is the topic of a story in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today. Bret Yager wrote that “Ka`u residents angered by a massive solar energy project are changing county law to prevent another of its kind from landing in a residential area.”

Rep. Richard Creagan

      The change refers to Ka`u Community Development Plan policy that would require such projects to apply for a special permit at the county level. Currently, state allow allows these projects on ag land even if it is mostly residential, which is how many of the county’s nonconforming subdivisions are zoned.
      “The state figures ag land is ag land, but they just didn’t consider the big, nonconforming subdivisions,” Loren Heck told Yager.
      Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan said, “The state law was so broad and unrestricted, it was unfortunate. The devil was in the details, and we didn’t put in the details.” Creagan told the reporter that O`ahu Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, has committed to revisiting the law.
      Sandy Shelton, a Ranchos residents who has collected hundred of signatures from neighbors opposing the project, told Yager, “Solar companies should be required to take a holistic approach that protects the residents and the ecology of the area.”
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

“WHAT HAPPENS TO LAVA FLOWS after they enter the ocean?” Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists ask in the current issue of Volcano Watch. “Does lava continue to flow exactly as it did on land, or does it behave differently after it enters the ocean?”
      The scientists explain, “The availability of high-resolution bathymetry off the coasts of volcanic islands like Hawai`i allows us to get a peek at flows that have continued to advance under water. Geologists studying recent lava flows in the Azores, a volcanic island chain 1,360 kilometers (850 miles) west of Portugal, could easily distinguish the underwater extent of lava flows that had originated on land. They found that the flows behaved differently underwater, primarily due to rapid cooling by water and by buoyancy of the advancing flows.
      “Water can cool the surface of a lava flow more efficiently than can air, so lava flowing in water develops a solidified skin very rapidly. However, when the crust reaches moderate thickness, it insulates the lava flow interior just as well as it does in air. This results in flows stalling after advancing short distances below the surf zone, pressurizing (or inflating, like pahoehoe flows) and advancing farther through multiple breakouts. The most common form was dubbed ‘dendritic,’ because multiple breakouts occurred along a broad flow front, several of which branched again.

      “Lava flows also become buoyant underwater. The flows don’t float because their density is still greater than the density of seawater, but they flow more slowly. This is because upward buoyancy forces partly counteract the downslope pull by gravitational forces.

Steaming water marked the offshore course of lava entering the ocean
on June 2, 1950. Photo from USGS/HVO courtesy of U.S. Air Force

      “The combination of buoyancy and enhanced cooling slows lava flows moving offshore along the sea bed, thereby causing them to pressurize and thicken.
      “High-resolution bathymetry is also available for several offshore areas of the Island of Hawai`i, and we are looking for these same effects on lava flows that entered the ocean north of Kailua-Kona on the west side of Hawai`i. The Hu`ehu`e and Ka`upulehu lava flows from Hualalai volcano entered the ocean along this coastline, as did the pahoehoe and `a`a branches of the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow. Despite the fact that these flows are tens of kilometers long on land, their submarine lengths are less than six km (3.8 mi).
      “Interpretations from recent lava flows in the Azores seem to also be true in Hawai`i. For example, the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow advanced over 50 km (31 mi) to the sea in eight days, based on eyewitness accounts; however, the flow appears to have advanced only about two km (1.2 mi) offshore even though it remained active for months. 

      “In the South Kona District, some high-resolution bathymetry exists, but coverage is spotty, so we rely on other evidence for how far recent flows advanced underwater. Just like on land, the slope of the ground over which lava moves affects its speed, with lava flowing faster over steeper slopes. Offshore slopes along the northwest coast of the Island of Hawai`i are 50–100 m (164–328 ft) deep at one km (0.6 mi) from the coast. Much steeper topographies are encountered south of Ho`okena in South Kona; depths there are around 500 m (1,640 ft) at a distance of one km (0.6 mi) from the coast.
      “In 1919 and 1950, Mauna Loa lava flows in South Kona rushed downslope about 20 km (12 mi) to the ocean and continued to flow into the ocean for weeks. While the ocean entries were active, steam was observed rising from the ocean surface 0.8 to five km (0.5–3.5 mi) offshore, with many fish killed in the vicinity. Notably, several of the fish were varieties never seen before. Later study by ichthyologists confirmed that these deep-sea creatures probably came from depths of about 1,000 m (3,300 ft), suggesting that the flow may have advanced 2–4 km (1.2–2.4 mi) offshore in both cases to reach those depths.
      “The slowing of lava flows as they enter the ocean may help explain some aspects of lava delta development and, more broadly, volcanic island development. When lava next enters the ocean in Hawai`i, we may be able to use this information to better assess the extent of any hazards the lava delta and underwater lava flow pose to visitors and near-shore boat traffic.”

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS have a busy week. They play Makualani today, St. Joseph tomorrow and Parker Friday, all at 6 p.m. on their home court. Tonights’ matches were rescheduled from an earlier date. 

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dick Hershberger takes participants on A Walk into the Past
tomorrow and every other Tuesday. Photo by Ron Johnson

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The living history program features Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger bringing back to life Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of the study of volcanoes. Free performances are held every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply. 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.