Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 5, 2024

Sanctuary Ocean Count registration opens on Monday, Jan. 8 for volunteers to count the humpback
whales and other marine animals along the coast of Kaʻū and beyond. Photo from NOAA

KOHOLĀ, THE HUMPBACK WHALES, will be spotted during the Sanctuary Ocean Count events in Kaʻū and beyond on Jan. 27, Feb. 24, and March 30. Volunteers register in advance starting Monday, Jan. 8 at noon on the Sanctuary Ocean Count site at https://oceancount.org/.
      Since 1996, the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count has promoted public awareness about humpback whales, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching

Volunteers scouting for koholā (humpback whales) during the Hawaiian
 Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.
Photo by Paul Wong/NOAA

opportunities. Site leaders and volunteers tally koholā sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the surveys, which provides a snapshot of koholā activity from the shorelines of Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, Sanctuary Ocean Count is supported by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
     The Pacific Whale Foundation conducts the Great Whale Count on Maui, on the same dates as the Sanctuary Ocean Count. More information can be found at https://www.pacificwhale.org/research/community-science/great-whale-count/.
    Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources, and protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
    The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports national marine sanctuaries by protecting species, conserving ecosystems, and preserving America's maritime heritage through on-the-water conservation projects, public education, and outreach programs.
    See more at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov and State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources:    https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/

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MAUNAKEA COIN CONTEST IS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS for youth grades K-12. The deadline to enter is Feb. 10. Entries can be dropped off at at KTA stores. Sponsors are Maunakea Astronomy, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i,  KTA, University of Hawai‘i Hilo, Galaxy Garden/Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, and East Hawai‘i Cultural Center.

   Students K to 12, including homeschooled children, are asked to make a drawing for a design that can go on a bronze collector’s coin. The coin will be available at the First Light Bookstore at the Visitor Information Station on Maunakea, while aluminum versions will be available at Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee events throughout the year. The designs submitted for each year’s contest represent Maunakea and include different aspects of the mountain: its natural resources, astronomy, and culture.

    Entries must use the 2024 Maunakea Coin Contest 2024 Design Sheet.

    Entries will be divided into grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 categories. Category judges will select a First, Second, and Third place winner for each of the three grade categories. 

    A Grand Judge will pick the top three overall winners, and the Top Winner will be announced at the annual AstroDay event in Hilo. The Top Winner will see his or her design on the 2024 coin. A bronze version of the coin will be available for sale, and aluminum coins will be distributed at outreach events in the coming year.
    The nine category winners and the best overall 3 entries will receive prizes from KTA Super Stores, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i, the Galaxy Garden/Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, and the Maunakea Observatories.
    When creating a coin design, students can get information about Maunakea by consulting the Maunakea Heritage and Natural Resources guide from the Center for Maunakea Stewardship, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Download the Design Sheet (PDF). Download the Contest Rules (PDF). Download the hi-res Poster (JPEG). With questions, email events@maunakeaobservatories.org.

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Flights over Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will be taken on Jan. 19 to detect Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and other incipient invasive species in Kahuku, between 2,000- and 4,500 ft. elevation. USGS Photo

FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK have been announced.
     January 8 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for transporting sling loads and crew for invasive guinea grass control in the coastal backcountry from sea level to 2,400 feet.
     January 11 between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. for transporting sling loads and crew for invasive guinea and fountain grass control work between sea level and 4,000 ft. elevation from the park's west boundary to Keauhou.
     January 17 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for survey and collection of aerial imagery to detect Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and other incipient invasive at the Kīlauea summit and ʻŌlaʻa, between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.

Invasive banana poka is the subject of an aerial search on Mauna Loa
 on Jan. 24. Photo from Invasive Species Council

    January 19 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for survey and collection of aerial imagery to detect Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death and other incipient invasive species in Kahuku, between 2,000- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
    January 23 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., for survey and control of invasive guinea grass along Keauhou Trail, between sea level and 2,400-ft elevation.
    January 24 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., for survey and control of invasive banana poka on Mauna Loa, between 4,000- and 5,000 ft. elevation.
    USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
    A statement from the Park says that it "regrets any noise impact on residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

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Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 4, 2024

Hot Shot vehicles will help the County of Hawai‘i deliver hot and cold food to the elderly around the island,
says Mayor Mitch Roth. Photo from County of Hawai‘i

A SIGNIFICANT ENHANCEMENT IN THE PROGRAM TO DELIVER MEALS TO THE ELDERLY has been achieved through two state-of-the-art F-150 Ford Hot Shot vehicles acquired by Hawai‘i County. Federal and State funding helped pay for the specialized vehicles equipped with hot and refrigerated sections.
    Hawaiʻi County Nutrition Program will use them to serve the needs of Hawaiʻi Island's elderly population, with its approximately 430 home-delivered participants and an additional 620 congregate meal site participants across Hawaiʻi County.

    Heated and refrigerated sections of the vehicles are specially designed to maintain the required safety temperatures for food items during transportation. Hot meals will be kept at no less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while cold foods will be maintained at no higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of delivery. Frozen meals will remain frozen (0 degrees Fahrenheit or below) from packing to the meal site or participant's home.

    Mayor Mitch Roth expressed his enthusiasm for these vehicles' positive impact on the community. He stated, "The acquisition of these specialized vehicles represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly residents. The ability to safely transport and deliver hot and cold meals is crucial to the success of the Hawaiʻi County Nutrition Program. As we navigate the unique challenges of our rural landscape, these vehicles will ensure that our seniors receive the nutritious meals they depend on."
       Hawaiʻi County, encompassing approximately two-thirds rural areas, has often faced logistical challenges in reaching all participants of the Nutrition Program. These new vehicles will address these challenges head-on, allowing the program to expand its reach, said a statement from the county, said the county statement. "The Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging remains committed to improving the quality of life for our elderly population and expresses sincere gratitude to the Federal and State agencies whose funding made this acquisition possible."

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HPD ARRESTED 18 FOR DUI during the week of Dec 25 through Dec. 31. Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eight of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. Two were under the age of 21.
    In 2023, there were 954 DUI arrests compared with 979 during the same period in 2022. This is a decrease of 2.6 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 843 major collisions so far this year compared with 846 during the same period last year, a decrease of 0.35 percent.
    In 2023, there were 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities, (one with multiple deaths, and one reclassified to a medical condition; compared with 30 fatal crashes, resulting in 33 fatalities (one with multiple deaths, and one reclassified to a medical condition for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 54.8 percent for fatal crashes and 54.5 percent for fatalities.
    There was one non-traffic fatality compared to 0 non-traffic fatalities (not on a public roadway) for the same time last year. HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.

 JANUARY'S VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES feature a guided hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, an After Dark in the Park Program on Kīlauea's recent summit eruptions in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9 and a "talk story" at Nāʻālehu Public Library from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 10. The full schedule of programs offered on the Island of Hawai‘i as part of Volcano Awareness Month is available here.

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SEPARATING SIGNALS. WHAT MATTERS TO SEISMOLOGISTS? That is the topic of this week's Volcano Watch written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. This article was written by Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seismic analyst Maddie Hawk.

A crew member from UH Advanced Seismology Department
Photo from UH

    Whether they originate above or below the Earth's surface, a wide array of signals appear on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's earthquake-detecting (seismic) data streams. Part of a seismic analyst's duty is identifying normal versus irregular seismic activity.
    Being able to distinguish between random signals and volcanically induced seismic activity allows USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory seismologists to keep a closer eye on what matters, the volcanoes.
    Seismic signals can be divided into two categories: natural Earth processes and anthropogenic, or human-caused, signals. The more stations that a signal reaches, the more likely it is that the signal originated due to underground Earth processes. For example, a strong enough earthquake will reach many, if not all seismic stations on the island. Conversely, if only a few stations close to each other record a signal, it is likely that the source is anthropogenic or not volcanically related (for example, a quarry blast or a rockfall).
    There are several common anthropogenic signals that HVO seismologists see daily. One of the most frequent and easiest to identify is helicopters. Sound waves from a flying helicopter are strong enough to affect seismometers on the ground. Although they might be hard to identify on a seismogram—which shows ground motion recorded over time by a seismometer as wiggly lines—helicopters are easily revealed in a spectrogram—which shows the frequency spectrum recorded by a seismometer over time.

The seismogram tracks 24 hours of signals at station WRM, just west of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Examples of spectrographic helicopter noise, a small VT event, and a larger VT event are given below the seismogram. USGS image

    Spectrograms use colors ranging from deep blue to red to represent the strength, or loudness, of a signal. The figure here shows a helicopter's noise recorded on a spectrogram in comparison with that of a few local earthquakes. The helicopter noise on the spectrogram is light blue, meaning it is much less intense than the strong red signal of the magnitude 3.17 earthquake.
    Other anthropogenic signals, like foot and vehicle traffic, can appear noisy and undiscernible, but they are still very different from volcanic seismicity. Within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, signals like these usually occur in high-traffic areas near seismometers but disappear at night.    

    The top half of the seismogram shown here (6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. HST) is much quieter than the bottom half (6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. HST). This diurnal cultural noise, defined as noise from human activity repeated on a daily basis, can mostly be ignored. When analysts at HVO see a signal they don't recognize, it is helpful to note whether the signal occurred during daylight hours and how many stations "saw" the signal.
    The ability to identify and ignore anthropogenic noise allows seismic analysts to pay more attention to the signals coming from volcanoes. VT, or volcano-tectonic earthquakes, usually occur due to a slip on a fault in a volcano; the locations of these earthquakes can give us clues about changing stresses due to magma movement within a volcano.

The Volcanic Tectonic, VT earthquakes shown here record a sharp
  sudden arrival and tapering off, compared to anthropogenic
 seismicity, such as noise from helicopters and land traffic. 

    

    A typical local VT earthquake is easy to identify in a seismogram, with its sharp, sudden arrival and a tail that tapers off. A higher magnitude earthquake will appear deeper red on a spectrogram, while lower magnitude earthquakes range from green to yellow. Besides an earthquake's tell-tale shape, seismic stations across the island will record the same event if it is large enough. For example, a magnitude-3.5 earthquake originating below Kīlauea will show up a few moments later and slightly weaker at Mauna Loa seismic stations.
    Much like how scientists used to locate earthquakes using seismic wave travel times, HVO has an automated system that calculates the location and magnitude of each earthquake using information from as many stations as possible. However, there are sometimes errors associated with the automated system so HVO's seismic analysts check all events larger than around magnitude-2.
    Seismologists also cannot rely on the automated system to catch every signal. Magma and other fluids move around within the underground volcanic system, resulting in a sort of quiet gurgling very different from VT noise. Volcanically induced LP (long period) events are lower frequency, last much longer, and are less common than VT events. Though these signals are important to monitor, the movement of magma is not always an indication of an imminent eruption. When VT and LP events occur together, say below the summit of Kīlauea, seismologists at HVO might raise awareness of the potential for an eruption.
Volcano Activity Updates
    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
    Unrest in Kīlauea's summit region continues to wax and wane with fluctuating input of magma to the area. An earthquake swarm on December 29-30 south of the caldera was accompanied by inflation shown on the Sand Hill tiltmeter—located southwest of the caldera—indicating a likely intrusive event in the area. The Uēkahuna tiltmeter—located northwest of the caldera—shows little net tilt over the past week. Unrest may continue to fluctuate and eruptive activity could occur in the near future with little or no warning. The most recent sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate for the summit—approximately 80 tonnes per day—was measured on December 28.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL. Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
    Five earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.1 earthquake 14 km (8 mi) S of Volcano at 6 km (4 mi) depth on Jan. 3 at 8:12 p.m. HST, a M2.9 earthquake 6 km (3 mi) SSW of Volcano at 1 km (0 mi) depth on Dec. 30 at 10:54 p.m. HST, a M2.4 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) SSW of Honoka'a at 13 km (8 mi) depth on Dec. 30 at 9:47 p.m. HST, a M2.4 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) WSW of Waimea at 6 km (4 mi) depth on Dec. 29 at 11:34 a.m. HST, and a M4.4 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) SE of Pāhala at 12 km (7 mi) depth on Dec. 28 at 3:16 p.m. HST.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 3, 2024

THERE IS AN OPENING ON THE KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE. See videos and much more on its purpose, sign up for notices, and apply to fill the empty position at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/cdp/kau#mailing.
Members of the Kaʻū Committee are: Jesse Ke, Ka‘ohinani Mokuhali‘i, Leina‘ala Enos, Babette Morrow, Jason Masters, Pernell Hanoa, Catherine Williams and Kaweni Ibarra. The ninth seat is vacant.
    The purpose of CDPs, according to a message from the County, is to translate the General Plan's broad statements into actions specific within the CDP planning area, to improve and advance community resilience, and to provide civic dialogue for community engagement.
    The Action Committees are responsible for implementing resident-driven solutions from the CDPs that positively transform their communities in partnership with a network of businesses, non-profits, and community leaders. Committee members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. All AC members must reside in the CDP planning area and are required to make the following commitments:
    Duration of Commitment: Willing and able to commit to a term of up to four years.

    Time Commitment: Willing and able to attend regular (quarterly) meetings during evenings and invest a minimum of eight (8) hours of work each month advancing CDP implementation through priority projects and initiatives.
    Personal Commitment: Possess a deep love for their community, a passion for equity, and a motivation to work for the greater good of their community.
    Learning Commitment: Willing and able to attend training workshops relative to facilitation, network
development, local government, planning processes, equitable community engagement, etc.; and work with the community to identify other capacity-building needs and opportunities.
    Action Commitment: Willing and able to develop priorities and a work plan to implement community actions in the CDPs; intentionally and explicitly engage all factions of their community with specific attention to those who are marginalized and underrepresented, and organize and attend public meetings and workshops.
    Collaboration Commitment: Willing and able to 1) be a point of contact for CDP and AC initiatives; 2) develop partnerships with individuals, non-profits, businesses, and community groups/associations; 3) transmit project updates and involvement opportunities regularly to their CDP region; 4) document and share lessons learned/successes with CDP ACs around the island; and 5) agree to follow meeting ground rules and operating principles of the Action Committee and Planning Department.
    The County also seeks interested applicants for the Kona, Hāmākua, Puna, South Kohala, and North Kohala CDP Planning Areas.
   To apply, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions or contact Pōmaikaʻi Bartolome at pbartolome@hawaiicounty.gov.
    For more information about CDPs, visit www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/cdp.

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MAYOR MITCH ROTH HAS RELEASED A LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY HAWAI'I COUNTY IN 2023, offering a glimpse into the projects set to unfold in the coming year. A statement from his office says, "The successes and future initiatives highlighted are a testament to the dedicated workforce of the County of Hawaiʻi, whose unwavering commitment ensures the delivery of essential services to the Hawaiʻi Island community. Mayor Roth emphasizes that these achievements would not have been possible without the

steadfast support, patience, and guidance of the residents of Hawaiʻi Island."
   "Reflecting on 2023, we witnessed tremendous growth for our County," Mayor Mitch Roth stated. "Through the support of our community and the dedication of our County ʻohana, we made significant progress toward creating a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island, where future generations can thrive. Despite challenges, our staff's accomplishments showcase their resilience and unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi Island. As we approach the challenges of 2024, we are humbled by the selfless nature of the Hawaiʻi Island community."

    Here are some of the Highlights of 2023 listed by the County.

Infrastructure & Transportation:    

    Streamlined building permitting processes and extended completion timeframes.
    Renovated Wai'ōhinu Recycling and Transfer Station
    Acquired eight new buses, ordered 9 EV buses (to be delivered 2025)
    Enhanced Vehicle Registration and Licensing website

Mayor Mitch Roth points to the completion of the new Wai'ohinu Transfer Station as a significant
infrastructure project completion in 2023. Here he unties the lei at the blessing. Photo by Julia Neal

Grants:
    Secured an outstanding $9.9 million in grant funds through the Office of Research & Development.
    Obtained additional funding for innovative projects fostering economic development and community engagement.
    Completed a two-year, $3 million Advancing Health Literacy grant.

Affordable Housing and Community Development:

    Surged Affordable Housing Pipeline to over 6,900 units, a 21% increase through '23.
    Issued 2,300 vouchers with a utilization rate exceeding 100%.
    Awarded $4.5 million from HUD to combat inflationary housing costs.
    Mass intake events significantly reduced the Section 8 waitlist.
    Issued over 2,300 vouchers, including 300 for special populations.
    Received an additional $4.5 million from HUD to address inflationary housing costs.
    Added 130+ units to the Section 8 program through the Landlord Incentive Program.
    Collaborated with 72 Section 8 participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
    Assisted 13 Section 8 participants in the Homeownership Option Program.Civil Defense and Emergency Services:
    Completed renovations and upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center.
    Revitalized the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
    Invested in state-of-the-art communication systems.
    Coordinated the update of the Hawaiʻi County Tsunami Evacuation Plan.
    Replaced the aging helicopter with a new H125 Airbus Helicopter.
    Addressed deficiencies in fire stations.
    Swore-in Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz.
    Authorized the use of open-bed pickup trucks as subsidized police vehicles.

ʻĀina-based Initiatives:
    Enforced a law to reduce the use of sunscreens with harmful chemicals.
    Published the Hawaiʻi County Climate Action Plan.
    Implemented solar-powered systems for water facilities.
    Expanded Derelict and Abandoned Vehicles Program.

    Received a $1.5 million grant for recycling infrastructure.

Community Planning Initiatives:
    Released final draft of the General Plan.
    Initiated updates to the Zoning and Subdivision Code.
    Conducted extensive public outreach for feedback on planning initiatives.

Employee and Administrative Initiatives

    Coordinated Employee of the Year program, expanded County Tuition Reimbursement program,                Implemented uniform telecommuting program, and established Temporary On-Call Program.

    Committed to diverse hiring practices to foster an inclusive workforce.

    Launched an internal innovation challenge to improve administrative processes and service delivery.

Financial Achievements:
    Upgraded County's bond rating to AA+, lowering interest rates.
    Issued $99 million in bonds for capital improvement projects.
    Implemented cost-saving measures, increasing operational efficiency.
Parks & Recreation:

    Completed ADA compliance projects at various parks. Started working on Pāhala swimming pool.
    Initiated Master Planning and Environmental Assessments for Kealakehe Regional Park, Hilo Skate            Park, Oceanview Skate Park, Kikala Keokea Park (Puna), and Hawaiʻi Paradise Park (Puna).

Pahala Swimming pool has been closed for years and is expected to open in 2024. Renovations are in progress. 

Photo by Julia Neal

Preview for 2024:
    In 2024, the County of Hawaiʻi will continue to invest in enhancing facilities and critical infrastructure islandwide while focusing on developing affordable housing for local families.
Parks Improvement:

    Renovation of Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
    Upgrade of electrical services at 12 park sites islandwide.
    ADA compliance improvements in parks: Hilo Maintenance Base Yard, Kolekole Gulch Park, Miloliʻi Beach Park.
    Master plan updates and environmental assessments for Hawaiian Paradise Park and Kahuku Skate Park.
    Various projects, including beach park renovations, gymnasium upgrades, demolition/construction, and safety surfacing enhancements in playgrounds.
Housing Projects:

    A total of 1,544 affordable housing units will be worked on or completed in 2024 islandwide.
Infrastructure Investments:

    The Department of Public Works will be overseeing projects, including Aupuni Center Reroofing, Mamalahoa Road Rehabilitation (Part 2), Highway 137/Pohoiki Road Construction, Shipman Industrial Drywell Reconstruction, Pāhala Fire Station Reroofing, Lanikaula Street Rehabilitation, Public Safety Building Improvements, and more.
    The County of Hawaiʻi's strategy for community development underscores its dedication to strengthening the island economy and fostering workforce development through investments in addressing deferred maintenance and revitalizing neglected infrastructure," says the County statement. "The County of Hawaiʻi extends its warmest wishes to the Hawaiʻi Island community for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year."

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DEVAN DELANEY OF OCEAN VIEW HAS BEEN FOUND. Hawai‘i Island police report that the 27-year-old, who was previously reported missing, was located in good health on Sunday, Dec. 31 in Ocean View.
    Hawai‘i Police Department would like to thank the public’s assistance in locating Delaney.

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