Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 19, 2011

The $4 million Visitor Emergency Operations Center at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
  was built with federal stimulus money in 18 months.            Photo by Stephen Geiger

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS of the Big Island have received a $60,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. This should help offset a $90,000 cut recently announced by the state. The Ka`u Boys & Girls Clubs are some of the best attended on the island.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK used $5.8 million in federal stimulus money to construct a new building within an 18-month time limit. It represents the first major construction at the park since the 1980s and opened yesterday as the new Visitor Emergency Operations Center.
     It is located down the road of ranger cabins and offices on the Hilo side of Volcano House and incorporates part of the old rangers’ headquarters.
     The 4,896 square foot working space is now headquarters and dispatch for the Pacific Area Communication Center, serving the parks in American Samoa, Saipan and Guam as well as the eight national parks in Hawai`i.

     It is also headquarters for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s law enforcement team, as well as for rangers who manage logistics during earthquakes, explosive eruptions, lava flows, the rise of fumes from volcanic vents and craters, and fires, which can pose a danger to the public and wildlife. It features an interview room and holding cell for law enforcement. For emergency operations, there is a modern command theater with many modes of visual and audio communications for personnel of many specialties to coordinate operations. It is home for a staff of 25.
     County Civil Defense Chief Quince Mento attended to offer the county’s complete cooperation in coordinating county and federal resources for the safety of the public.

`Ohia trees from the grounds were incorporated into the structure, which
qualifies for a platinum LEED rating.   Photo by Stephen Geiger

     The building was designed to receive a platinum rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design board. LEED gives points for using materials that are recycled and do not off-gas chemicals. It gives points for water and energy efficiency and using natural light, such as columns that lead to skylights on the roof. Project manager Andrea Vaughn and architect Katie Slocumb were on hand to explain.
     The architecture incorporates ohia trees that were cleared from the site, park Superintendent Cindy Orlando pointed out. A chunk of lava from the construction site was also incorporated, a remnant from an eruption in the 1790s.

Steven Makuakane-Jarrell was honored at the
dedication of the new command center.
Photo by Stephen Geiger

A FALLEN RANGER was honored with ceremony and prayer yesterday at the dedication of the new Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Emergency Operations Center. Steve Makuakane–Jarrell was shot and killed on Dec. 12, 1999 while working alone at Koloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. His mother-in-law and other family members participated as the new Operations Center was dedicated in his honor. A prayer was offered by the Rev. Violet Makuakane, a mele by Kenneth Makuakane, an oli by Ab Valencia and a pu by Greg Herbst.

THE VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES hosts a big music festival fundraiser this afternoon at Kilauea Military Camp Theater. It features the Kuahiwis, Wendell Ing & Friends, the Bump City Funk Band, Halau Ke `Olu Makani O Mauna Loa and more. Tickets are $12 at the door.

RECYCLE your HI-5 at Na`alehu School today, with the public receiving 5 cents per container and an additional 20 cents per pound for all aluminum until 1 p.m. Atlas Recycling will donate 20 cents per pound to the school for all aluminum. 

A PLANT AND SEED EXCHANGE takes place at the historic Naohulelua Church tomorrow from noon to 3 p.m. The church and garden of native and canoe plants are on Kama`oa Road in Wai`ohinu.