Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 2, 2025

Passing showers on the morning of December 29 at Kīlauea summit produced a rainbow (known in Hawaiian as an "Ānuenue") visible near the active lava fountaining in the southwest part of the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

DISPLAYS OF LAVA FOUNTAINING GREETED HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK VISITORS this New Year, while most people around the world greeted the New Year with fireworks and other celebrations. So notes the latest edition of Volcano Watch, the weekly column by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and their affiliates.
    The lava fountaining has been in the southwest part of Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano.

    The eruption is currently in its third episode, with pauses and resumptions of eruptive activity correlating with the level of pressurization within the magma chambers beneath the summit region of K

īlauea. Two important instruments for monitoring the level of pressurization are the UWD and SDH tiltmeters, which measure how the ground is tilting as magma chambers beneath the summit inflate or deflate.

    Magma chambers beneath Kīlauea summit region showed increasing pressurization in the months leading up to the current eruption. Fountains of lava burst from the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at 2:20 a.m. HST on Dec. 23, rapidly reaching heights up to nearly 300 feet (91 meters). These vigorous lava fountains fed lava flows that covered most of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele that dropped during the 2018 caldera collapse, referred to informally as the "downdropped block."
    Lava being erupted on the surface rapidly relieved some of the pressure that had built up in the magma storage areas below Kīlauea summit. The summit tiltmeters showed strong deflationary tilt immediately after the eruption began, until about 4 p.m. on Dec. 23, when the lava fountains ceased erupting. At this point, lava began flowing back into the vent, in a phenomenon called "drainback," and tilting direction at UWE and SDH switched to inflationary. This indicated that pressure was again building in the magma
chambers beneath Kīlauea summit.

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  Inflationary tilt continued overnight, and lava began slowly erupting again around 8 a.m. HST on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. At about 11 a.m. HST, lava fountaining resumed and tiltmeters once again began measuring rapid deflationary tilt during this second episode of the eruption, which continued for the next 24 hours. Lava flows again covered most of the lower elevation southwest portion of Kaluapele floor and the eruption abruptly stopped again around 11 a.m. on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Just as they did during the earlier pause, summit tiltmeters began measuring inflationary tilt, indicating that pressure was again accumulating in the magma chambers. Inflation continued through the following night until the eruption resumed at 8 a.m. HST on Dec. 26. Slow lava flows remained close to the vent until the evening of Dec. 27, when low-level lava fountaining resumed. Lava fountaining gradually increased in vigor as slow inflation continued until the afternoon of Dec. 29. Since then, Kīlauea summit tiltmeters have continued to measure deflationary tilt with lava fountaining feeding lava flows in the southwest portion of Halemaʻumaʻu.
    This interplay of eruption episodes and variations in magma chamber pressure leads to lots of questions. Most of all: "Why has the eruption been stopping and starting so dramatically?" The association of drainback with magma chamber inflation is puzzling; one would expect increased eruption rate if pressure is increasing.
    The answer may lie in the gas content of lava and extent to which gas bubbles also drive eruption. Like releasing the cap off a soda, opening a eruptive vent can result in a combination of pressure- and bubble-driven flow. Erupted lava that "drains back" into the vent is much denser than the fresh gas-rich lava. The drainback lava forms a plug, like putting a cork back into a champagne bottle, that allows the magma chamber to repressurize. The dense lava is slowly pushed out at the beginning of the next episode until new, gas-rich lava gets close enough to the surface to vesiculate and restart fountaining.
The third episode of the eruption is ongoing as of this writing. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continues to closely monitor the activity, and views of the activity are available on HVO webcams, including a livestream camera.
    The recent eruption is a reminder that in Hawai'i we live on the flanks of volcanoes, some of which are active. Volcano Awareness Month is a great opportunity for you to increase your knowledge of volcanic activity in Hawaii—join us at one of the many events being offered on the Island of Hawaiʻi throughout the month of January and don't forget to submit your art or poetry to our contest! Learn more here: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/island-hawaii-volcano-awareness-month-programs-january-2025.

Graph of tilting at the summit of Kīlauea recorded by the UWD tiltmeter, located near Uēkahuna bluff on the north side of the caldera and the SDH tiltmeter located south of the caldera. An increase at these tiltmeter orientations indicates tilting away from the caldera, which is consistent with inflation of the Halemaʻumaʻu magma chamber. While a decrease at these tiltmeter orientations indicates ground tilt towards the caldera, which is consistent with Halemaʻumaʻu magma chamber deflation. The duration of episodes 1, 2, and 3 of eruptive activity between December 23, 2024, and January 2, 2025, are shown in the highlighted areas. USGS plot

Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
Over the past week, vents in the southwest portion of the caldera have continued producing lava flows covering the western portion of the crater floor during sustained lava fountaining. Eruptive activity has been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu and the down-dropped block within the caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea's East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during eruptive activity. Earthquake rates in the Southwest Rift Zone and upper to middle East Rift Zone remained comparable to the previous week. Ground deformation rates outside of the summit region remained steady.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
    Five earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.1 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) E of Pāhala at 30 km (18 mi) depth on January 1 at 10:51 a.m. HST, a M2.6 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) WSW of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on December 30 at 1:06 a.m. HST, a M2.7 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) WSW of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on December 29 at 11:35 p.m. HST, a M3.7 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) SW of Pāhala at 30 km (18 mi) depth on December 29 at 11:19 p.m. HST, and a M4.3 earthquake 1 km (0 mi) WSW of Pāhala at 30 km (19 mi) depth on December 29 at 11:04 p.m. HST.
    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
    Please visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Hawai'i U.S. Sen Brian Schatz

HAWAI'I U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ has released a review of last year and a look forward. The Democrat wrote:
    "It's important to recognize the challenges ahead, but I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the good things we accomplished this year. That's what this work is all about, and it's proof that it makes a difference.We funded emergency response in Hawai'i and across the country and fixed a 50-year gap in Social Security payments.
    "We introduced measures to extend access to telehealth care, protect and expand Social Security, strengthen health care for seniors, and protect IVF and women's health care choices.
    "We made meaningful investments to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, lower people's energy costs, strengthen our climate and disaster resilience, add new electric buses and transit, and build more housing.
    "We confirmed hundreds of lifetime appointments to federal benches across the country.
    "These are all things that make a real difference in people's everyday lives, and I appreciate everything you've done to help make those wins possible. They're no small thing.
    "In the coming year, we will have to pick our spots when and where we can advance the issues and policies we care about. We must fight against the worst impulses of the incoming Trump administration and Republican majorities in Congress. But we can't give up."

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Now grown ups, these keiki experienced Summer Fun years ago and the tradition continues,
with Summer Fun jobs open for this summer. Photo by Julia Neal

POSITIONS TO WORK AT SUMMER FUN, hosted by County of Hawai'i Department of Parks & Recreation are now open for applications/ The program provides healthy, safe and fun recreational activities for children and teens at sites across the County during summer break. The jobs are temporary for the Summer Fun program.
    Available positions are activity aide I ($17.50 per hour) and activity aide II ($19 per hour). To be considered for employment, applicants must:
    Possess a current First Aid certification.
    Submit a completed Summer Fun application.
    Be available to attend mandatory training from June 3-6.
    Be available to work from June 9-July 18.
    Applications for the Summer Fun Program positions are available online at https://tinyurl.com/SummerFunApp2025; at the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi'ilani St., Hilo; and at Hawai'i County gymnasiums.

    Completed applications must be submitted to the Recreation Division or postmarked by Friday, Feb. 28.
For additional information about job opportunities with the 2025 Summer Fun Program, contact the Recreation Division at 808-961-8740.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 1, 2025

Aerial fireworks light up the smokey skies each New Years Eve in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

Aerial and many other fireworks are popular throughout
 Hawai'i, including in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

SEVERE PENALTIES STATEWIDE FOR ILLEGAL AERIAL FIREWORKS is what Gov. Josh Green said he wants following New Years Eve carnage caused by an ignited cache of fireworks at a home on O'ahu. 

    In the wake of at least four deaths and many more critical injuries, Green said he will work with the 2025 Hawai‘i Legislature to toughen laws and penalties for illegal fireworks. 

    He referred to carnage at an 'Āliamanu home on O‘ahu when aerial and other fireworks apparently exploded, killing several and sending more than two dozen to hospitals, many in critical condition. Separate incidents led to one death and severe injuries from fireworks. 

    Green said he wants “very, very severe” penalties to deter the use of illegal aerial fireworks. The Governor called for elevation of possession of over 50 pounds of illegal fireworks to a Class C felony with five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda

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KAʻŪ 'S MEMBER IN CONGRESS JILL TOKUDA issued a New Year's Day statement about her plans for representing rural Hawai'i in Washington, D.C. this session. She wrote: "As we welcome this New Year, I am inspired by the resilience, courage, and strength of our community. There will undoubtedly be challenges with our government and the incoming administration this year, but we have faced tough times before, and together, we will rise to meet whatever comes next.
    "This New Year, my resolutions are focused on actions that will: Bring Down the Cost of Living for Local Families; Help Families Secure Affordable and Stable Housing; Keep Our Communities and Keiki Safe; and Protect Consumers from Corporate Greed and Ensure the Ultra-Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share."
   Tokuda concluded her New Year's message by saying, "With determination and aloha, together, we can achieve this and more! I'm grateful for you, our community, and the opportunity to fight for you in Congress."

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Hokulele 12U at Hilo Civic. Photo from Hokulele Basketball Club

HOKULELE BASKETBALL CLUB kicked off its season as The Grind Session, an International Elite Prep Basketball Circuit, took over Hilo at the end of December to showcase some of the top high school players in the nation.
    On Dec. 26, more than 20 youth from Hokulele Basketball Club attended Utah Prep’s Keiki Camp in Pana‘ewa - an event sponsored by the Jr. 

    Hokulele teams attended aTraining & Tournament where they skill trained with Utah Prep’s High School Team. During the event, Hawai‘i’s JJ Mandaquit, Layden Kauka and 5 Star Recruit AJ Dybansta. Dybansta, the only male high school athlete currently signed with Nike, gifted each child with gear.

Hokulele 14U takes First Place at DNA Winter
 Classic in Waimea. Photo from Hokulele Basketball

    On Dec. 28 and 29, Hokulele entered multiple teams from 6U - 8th Grade for DNA Basketball Club’s Winter Classic. Hokulele’s 14U dominated the division and captured the championship. Hokulele's 12U lost in the championship game 27-28. Hokulele’s 10U came in 3rd.          On Monday, Dec. 30, Hokulele's 6th and 8th grade teams played in the Hilo Civic Auditorium, the same court where The Grind Session Invitational was hosted. Hokulele Head Coach and President Ravel Kaupu, Jr. said, “This experience is a true blessing for the children of our club. Hokulele Basketball would like to thank Jay Mandaquit, JJ Manadquit & Family for giving them an opportunity to meet with athletes at a level they aspire to be & more!”

More than 20 Hokulele players participated Keiki Camp
 sponsored by Jr. NBA. Photo from Hokulele Basketball

    Hokulele will host a Super Saturday at Robert Herkes District Gymnasium in Pāhala to welcome 14 teams on Jan. 11. Proceeds of this event will go towards their 6th grade travel team as they head to Kaua‘i to play in Westside Basketball's President’s Day Tournament.
Hokulele, based in Kaʻū, is run by President and Head Coach Ravel Kaupu, Jr., Vice President Jan Kaeza Penera and Coaches Chrysa Dacalio, Jaron Garcia and Richard Estabilio. To find out how to donate to Hokulele Basketball Club, email Kaeza at Hokulele@gmail.com.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 31, 2024

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to collect fountain height measurements from the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. Fountain heights reached approximately 30–35 m (100–115 ft) on the morning of December 30. The S2cam webcam on the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, is visible in the bottom left corner of the photo. USGS photo by H. Winslow

VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND LAVA FOUNTAINS are heralding the arrival of 2025 with January as Volcano Awareness Month. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory hosts events in Kaʻū and beyond throughout January for the public to learn about volcanic activity in Hawai‘i and to submit art and poetry recognizing Hawai‘i’s volcanic history.
    Programs in Kaʻū include a talk story opportunity with HVO staff at Nāʻālehu Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8; a talk summarizing eruptive activity and earthquakes over the past year at Cooper Center in Volcano village on Friday, Jan. 10; a coffee talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9:30 .am. regarding the 2019–2020 water lake at Kīlauea summit; an opportunity to learn the art and science of geologic mapping in Hawai‘i during a talk at Volcano Art Center in Volcano village on Thursday, Jan. 16; and a talk in Pāhala at Kaʻū District Gym Recreation Room on Monday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. about earthquakes happening deep beneath that region 
since 2019.
    As part of Volcano Awareness Month 2025, USGS invites the public to enter a new art and poetry contest, open Jan. 1–20. Submit a haiku poem or art in any medium, no larger than Lava Fountains Welcome Volcano Awareness Month 16x24 inches in size, related to volcanic landscapes or eruptions in Hawai‘i. Winners in several categories will be announced in a Volcano Watch article at the end of January article at the end of January, and a selection of entries will be on display at a scientific conference 
on caldera-forming eruptions, such as Kīlauea's in 2018, set for Hilo in February 2025.
   USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors six active volcanoes in Hawai‘i, noting that past eruptions have shaped all of the Hawaiian Islands. From the unique sands of Papakolea Green Sand Beach to lava flows across the landscape, this island is shaped by volcanic processes and events.
    USGS reports that 2024 was a year of dynamic volcanic activity on the Island of Hawaiʻi, with Kīlauea eruptions occurring outside of the summit caldera of Kaluapele for the first time since 2018. Multiple intrusions into the upper portions of the Southwest Rift Zone and East Rift Zone culminated in a one day eruption southwest of the caldera on June 3, and an eruption in and near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone, Sept. 15-20.

An Aerial view of two eruptive cones in the southwest corner of Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea's summit on the morning of December 30. The fissure fountains reached heights of approximately 30 meters (100 ft) and lava flows continue to cover a portion of the crater floor.
USGS photo by H. Winslow

   Throughout January 2025, HVO scientists will also offer walks with talks on Tuesdays in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join HVO staff as they discuss the network of instruments monitoring Hawai'i's volcanoes on Jan. 7; describe Kīlauea's ever-evolving summit caldera on Jan. 14; walk on Jan. 21 into the Whitney Vault, built in 1912 to host volcano monitoring equipment; and explain Kīlauea's explosive past

during a guided walk on Jan. 28.
    Additional guided hikes will take place on Saturdays in January. Learn about the 1868 Mauna Loa eruption while walking the Puʻu o Lokuana trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Jan. 4. On Jan. 18, hike to Maunaiki in the Kaʻū Desert of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park— Maunaiki erupted in 1919–1920. On Jan. 25, trek the slopes of Hualālai in Kona to learn about unique trachyte deposits in Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve.
    Talks summarizing eruptive activity and earthquakes over the past year will also take place at Pāhoa Public Library on Monday, Jan. 13, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Kailua-Kona Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Learn the art and science of geologic mapping in Hawai‘i during a talk at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
   Other programs include a talk on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau about the devastating events in 1868, and a Geology Department open house at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Friday, Jan. 24.
    For details on the Hawaiʻi Volcano Awareness Month programs throughout January, see https://www.usgs.gov/ observatories/hvo/news/island-hawaiivolcano-awareness-month-programsjanuary-2025, with a full calendar and event descriptions, as well information about the art and poetry contest. Questions? Email askHVO@usgs.gov.

Aerial view looking to the southwest of the active and inactive parts of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The dark black lava in the foreground covered most of the crater floor on the first day of the eruption, starting around 2:20 a.m. on December 23. The current activity is concentrated near the lava fountains in the western quarter of the crater floor. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey geologist D. Downs