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| A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist monitored the advance of an 'a'ā lava flow on April 6 during the 1984 Mauna Loa eruption. This flow was about 4 m (13 ft) high and advancing at a rate of 50 m (55 yards) per hour. Lava reached within 6 km (4 mi) of Hilo city limits before the 22-day-long eruption ended on April 15. See story below. USGS photo by P.W. Lipman |
SUPPORTERS OF THE PUBLIC ACQUISITION OF WAIKAPUNA took enthusiasm to this week's county Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources Commission meeting. John Replogle, Nohea Ka'awa, La'akea Suganuma, Megan Lamson, Michelle Galimba, Rick Gmirken from the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail; Keoni Fox, Linda Gallano and an intern from Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Association; Marcie Davis from E Mau Na Ala Hele, Wendy Vance from Ho’omalu Ka’ū and Laura Ka'akua, Native Lands Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land, traveled to the PONC meeting in Kona.
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| Waikapuna, in orange and Kaunamano, in purple are two proposed area for preservation along the Ka'ū Coast. Image from state Department of Land & Natural Resources |
Also in attendance were Bruce Rae and Olivia Ling of Ka'ū Agroforestry Association who testified in support of their separate Waikapuna nomination where the County would own the property and Ka'ū Agroforestry would steward.
After public testimony, the commissioners discussed their Waikapuna site visits and PONC commissioner Rick Warshauer, of Volcano, summarized his site visit report on the record. Gmirkin, an archaeologist for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, clarified the nature of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail corridor to the commissioners.
Fox explained that two kuleana lots within the larger Waikapuna parcel are not for sale because the landowner does not have clear title. Fox and Ka'akua spoke about the need for balanced and managed access.
Council member Maile David said after the meeting that once the PONC scoring is finalized and released, prioritizing those properties on the PONC to be negotiated for purchase, she hopes to submit a resolution to the County Council to authorize the County to protect Waikapuna in perpetuity.
Another proposal is for acquisition of Kaunamano and the Makahiki Grounds, which comes before the PONC committee on Oct. 9. See map.
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FRIENDS OF THE KA'Ū LIBRARIES held its annual meeting this week at Pāhala Plantation House. Officers for 2017 - 2018 are President Sandra Demoruelle, Vice President Linda Morgan, Secretary Debbie Wong Yuen and Treasurer Ann Fontes. Directors are Kirsi Klein, Deborah Lynn Dickerson and Joe Demoruelle. DD Davis was thanked for her years of service and allowed to step down to concentrate on her art and design work.
Demourelle said that since Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries formed in 1995, volunteer members "have continuously worked hard raising funding which has been used to improve library services and resources for the Ka'ū community." This year, the organization supported programming at both Pāhala Public and School Library and Nā'ālehu Library such as the Summer Reading Program. The Summer Reading Program is for every age group – children to senior citizens – encouraging family members to participate together.
Demoruelle said she enjoyed challenging her great-grandson Daniel to keep reading during summer vacation to have a head-start on kindergarten. Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries volunteer readers also participated in the Ka'ū Health Fair in April.
Along with the regular resources provided to the libraries, Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries has funded the Ka'ū History Project which has maintained and expanded the historic record through oral histories of Ka'ū’s seniors and records of events like the Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Each year, volunteers work to sponsor fundraising book sales, with the most successful, said Demoruelle, being the annual Ho'olaule'a for the Ka'ū Coffee Festival in Pāhala.
To join or learn more about Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries, email at friendskaul@gmail.com.
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To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
FRIENDS OF THE KA'Ū LIBRARIES held its annual meeting this week at Pāhala Plantation House. Officers for 2017 - 2018 are President Sandra Demoruelle, Vice President Linda Morgan, Secretary Debbie Wong Yuen and Treasurer Ann Fontes. Directors are Kirsi Klein, Deborah Lynn Dickerson and Joe Demoruelle. DD Davis was thanked for her years of service and allowed to step down to concentrate on her art and design work.
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| Friends of the Ka'ū Library, former President DD Davis, Secretary Linda Morgan, Treasurer Ann Fontes, Director Kirsi Klein, President Sandra Demoruelle. Back row Nā'ālehu Librarian Sara Kamibayashi, Directors Joe DeMoruelle and Deborah Lynn Dickerson. Photo by Julia Neal |
Demoruelle said she enjoyed challenging her great-grandson Daniel to keep reading during summer vacation to have a head-start on kindergarten. Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries volunteer readers also participated in the Ka'ū Health Fair in April.
Along with the regular resources provided to the libraries, Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries has funded the Ka'ū History Project which has maintained and expanded the historic record through oral histories of Ka'ū’s seniors and records of events like the Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Each year, volunteers work to sponsor fundraising book sales, with the most successful, said Demoruelle, being the annual Ho'olaule'a for the Ka'ū Coffee Festival in Pāhala.
To join or learn more about Friends of the Ka'ū Libraries, email at friendskaul@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Aerial view of Mauna Loa erupting on the morning of March 25, 1984, the first day of the volcano's most recent eruption. The lava flow was advancing southeast, toward Kīlauea, from fissure vents at about 11,200 feet on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. Moku'āweoweo, Mauna Loa's summit caldera, is visible at top left. USGS photo by J.P. Lockwood |
On Sept. 17, 2015, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory upgraded the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa, Hawaiʻi Island's largest volcano (on which most of Ka'ū is located). The Alert Level was changed from Normal to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code from Green to Yellow. Two years later, the volcano remains at Advisory/Yellow.
What's up with Mauna Loa, and is any change in sight? Should residents relax or stay vigilant?
The 2015 alert level upgrade followed more than a year of inflation as magma slowly filled shallow reservoirs beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. This was new behavior for the volcano following several years of no new magma input into the shallow plumbing system. At the same time, the rate of shallow, small earthquakes beneath the volcano was elevated, reflecting stresses that built as the volcano became pressurized.
Since then, rates of inflation and seismicity have waxed and waned, but have remained above what is considered to be long-term background levels. In addition, HVO has detected more small magnitude (less than M3) earthquakes beneath Mauna Loa than at any time since the previous eruption in 1984.
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Erupting vents on Mauna Loa’s northeast rift zone near Pu‘u‘ula‘ula
(Red Hill) on Mar. 25, 1984, sent massive ‘a‘ā lava flows down
the rift toward Kūlani. Photo from HVO/USGS
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But today, the cumulative energy release of earthquakes since 2013 has essentially matched the pre-1975 and pre-1984 energy releases. Does this mean an eruption could occur within weeks to months?
Not likely, say HVO scientists. If Mauna Loa follows the "script" of 1975 and 1984, before the volcano ramps up to an eruption, HVO would expect to see lots of small earthquakes occurring frequently beneath the summit—many more than are currently recorded—over a period of months. HVO would also expect at least an hour, or hours, of tremor (constant ground vibration) as a final warning that magma is on its way to the surface.
But how certain is it that Mauna Loa will follow the script of 1975 and 1984? That's the unknown.
Scientists cannot discount the possibility that Mauna Loa will move from current conditions to eruption more quickly than it did in 1975 and 1984, potentially with only days to weeks of sharply increased activity.
Not likely, say HVO scientists. If Mauna Loa follows the "script" of 1975 and 1984, before the volcano ramps up to an eruption, HVO would expect to see lots of small earthquakes occurring frequently beneath the summit—many more than are currently recorded—over a period of months. HVO would also expect at least an hour, or hours, of tremor (constant ground vibration) as a final warning that magma is on its way to the surface.
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Hot and cold, the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,679 feet, with pit craters
Moku’aweoweo Caldera, 3 miles long, and Mauna Kea in the
background. HVO/USGS photo
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Scientists cannot discount the possibility that Mauna Loa will move from current conditions to eruption more quickly than it did in 1975 and 1984, potentially with only days to weeks of sharply increased activity.
It also remains possible that the current unrest will gradually cease without the volcano erupting, as it did during periods of unrest in 2002 and 2004. HVO scientists concluded, We must continue to live with uncertainty about the timing and details of Mauna Loa's next eruption.
In the meantime, HVO is closely monitoring the volcano and working with partner agencies and communities to prepare for a future eruption response. HVO scientists are also identifying the key scientific questions they would seek to answer in the next eruption.
Since 1984, HVO has upgraded and added monitoring instrumentation, developing alarm systems to rapidly notify changes that might indicate that a Mauna Loa eruption is imminent or in progress. HVO also created map tools and other products to assist authorities and the public during the volcano's next eruption.
Getting back to the question, HVO scientists ask, "Should residents relax or stay vigilant?" The answer is, "Be prepared. Develop a family emergency plan and review emergency supplies. Know where you live and work with respect to Mauna Loa hazard zones."
In the meantime, HVO is closely monitoring the volcano and working with partner agencies and communities to prepare for a future eruption response. HVO scientists are also identifying the key scientific questions they would seek to answer in the next eruption.
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| Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com |
Getting back to the question, HVO scientists ask, "Should residents relax or stay vigilant?" The answer is, "Be prepared. Develop a family emergency plan and review emergency supplies. Know where you live and work with respect to Mauna Loa hazard zones."
More information on readying our island community for whatever Mauna Loa has in store for us can be found at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/preparedness.html.
Counsels HVO, "In Hawai'i, we also face hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunami, flooding, and fires, so there are many possible emergencies year round. Preparing for one helps prepare for all."
The USGS Fact Sheet, Mauna Loa—History, Hazards, and Risk of Living with the World's Largest Volcano, provides valuable info and is available online at pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3104/fs2012-3104.pdf.
Residents and visitors can also stay informed about Mauna Loa through volcano updates and monitoring data posted on the HVO website at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/. Sign up to receive email updates automatically through the free USGS Volcano Notification Service at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.Counsels HVO, "In Hawai'i, we also face hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunami, flooding, and fires, so there are many possible emergencies year round. Preparing for one helps prepare for all."
The USGS Fact Sheet, Mauna Loa—History, Hazards, and Risk of Living with the World's Largest Volcano, provides valuable info and is available online at pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3104/fs2012-3104.pdf.
Residents and visitors can also stay informed about Mauna Loa through volcano updates and monitoring data posted on the HVO website at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/. Sign up to receive email updates automatically through the free USGS Volcano Notification Service at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/.
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| Ka'ū Trojans traveled to Lana'i and took a loss to the Wildcat but Ka'ū freshman Isaiah Pilanca-Emmsley won Hawai'i Tribune Herald Athlete of the Week. Photo from Lana'i High Athletics |
Pilanca-Emmsley won the award for standing strong as the Trojans suffered a devastating loss, with Lana'i scoring 90 points and Ka'ū 58. According to the Tribune Herald, the game "was reported to be the highest-scoring Hawai'i high school football game on record, and the Trojans' freshman played a big role with five touchdowns."
According to the Tribune Herald, Pilanca-Emmsley's farorite song is Hail Mary; favorite food is steak; favorite sports role model is Michael Vic; football makes him happy and SpongeBob SquarePants is his favorite cartoon character.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Ocean View Pickleball, including Dakota and Stephanie Hensley meets three times a week and invites new players. Photo by Jacquie Lee Woodmansee |
Stephanie Hensley is President, Roberta Barger is Treasurer.
Ocean View Pickleball meets Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Park on Paradise Parkway Circle. Bring water and a chair.
See facebook.com/oceanviewpickleball/
For more information, call 929-7092.
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IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP KEIKI SAFE, National Child Passenger Safety Certification, a Safe Kids Worldwide program, is offering free car seat checks at Pāhala Community Center on Friday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Partners for Safe Keiki and Hawai’i County Fire Department co-sponsor the event. All are welcome.
Those with recalled or structurally unsound car seats will receive a free new car seat, acquired through grant funding from the Department of Transportation. Check points have certified technicians on hand who have been trained according to National Child Passenger Safety Certification standards.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or text 808-896-1336. For information about Child Passenger Safety, visit safekids.org.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or text 808-896-1336. For information about Child Passenger Safety, visit safekids.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Eight-Man Football: tomorrow, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.
Cross Country: tomorrow, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away game.
Bowling: tomorrow, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.
Girls Volleyball: Monday, Sept. 18, Ka'ū vs. Makualani, away game.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, Ka'ū vs. Konawaena, away game.
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| For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017. |
BATTLING LITTLE FIRE ANTS has come to the attention of the Queen Lili'uokalani Foundation, Ma'ona Community Garden and The Kohala Center, which are sponsoring an information session led by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee tomorrow, Sept. 16. It will be held at Ma'ona Community Garden in Honaunau.
Attendees will learn about the impact and threat of little fire ants to Hawai'i, how to survey for ants, and how to plan an effective treatment approach if ants are found. BIISC will also provide strategies and suggestions for working with neighbors to address an infestation in the neighborhood.
Also offered will be an on-site confirmation of ants - people can bring collected ants in a plastic bag after at least 12 hours in the freezer.
Read the full story on Wednesday, Sept. 13's Ka'ū News Briefs.
WOOD VALLEY WATER COOPERATIVE will hold its annual meeting at Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St., tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
REDEEM HI-5 RECYCLABLES AT NĀ'ĀLEHU SCHOOL GYM tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and receive 5 cents per container (sorted by type) and an additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more details, call 939-2413, ext. 230.
A MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND POTLUCK, open to members and the public, will be hosted by Hawai'i Farmers Union United East Hawai'i Chapter tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a private farm in Onomea. "Activities will include hands-on farm work, chapter updates, potluck lunch, and a special presentation from Hawai'i Island Swine Producers Cooperative about no smell piggeries using localized feed. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Drake Weinert at drakew@gmail.com to register and receive directions to the farm."
DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI'IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.
PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU is a free, guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that focuses on the area’s human history from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD meets Wednesday, Sept. 20, at noon in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA'Ū meets Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5:30 p.m. For more details, call 929-9731 or 936-7262.
Also offered will be an on-site confirmation of ants - people can bring collected ants in a plastic bag after at least 12 hours in the freezer.
Read the full story on Wednesday, Sept. 13's Ka'ū News Briefs.
WOOD VALLEY WATER COOPERATIVE will hold its annual meeting at Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St., tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
REDEEM HI-5 RECYCLABLES AT NĀ'ĀLEHU SCHOOL GYM tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and receive 5 cents per container (sorted by type) and an additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more details, call 939-2413, ext. 230.
A MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND POTLUCK, open to members and the public, will be hosted by Hawai'i Farmers Union United East Hawai'i Chapter tomorrow, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a private farm in Onomea. "Activities will include hands-on farm work, chapter updates, potluck lunch, and a special presentation from Hawai'i Island Swine Producers Cooperative about no smell piggeries using localized feed. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Drake Weinert at drakew@gmail.com to register and receive directions to the farm."
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| "Pele and Hi'iaka," an oil painting by Linda Rowel Stevens depicting Hawaiian Goddess Pele holding an egg bearing her little sister, Hi'iaka. |
PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU is a free, guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that focuses on the area’s human history from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART CLASSE IN PĀHALA.
Tissue Art: register until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD meets Wednesday, Sept. 20, at noon in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA'Ū meets Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5:30 p.m. For more details, call 929-9731 or 936-7262.
