About The Kaʻū Calendar

Saturday, September 09, 2017

Ka'ū News Briefs Saturday, September 9, 2017

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcam captured spattering on Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake on
Sept. 6. With summit inflation, the lake level rose to 54 feet below the vent rim, and into view from Jaggar 
Museum Overlook. Webcam images at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html
Learn more in the weekly Volcano Watch article below.
AT LEAST SEVENTY-FIVE BIG ISLAND RUNNERS HAVE REGISTERED for the Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run events on Saturday, Sept. 23. According to race organizer 'O Ka'ū Kākou, some 20 runners from the mainland, two from Canada and several representing other Hawaiian Islands have entered. Nadine Ebert, of 'O Ka'ū Kākou, said the history of past years shows "the numbers really go up this last month."
        Trail terrains vary: The 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields. The 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields. The Half Marathon follows the 5K & 10K course, then rises to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road, with marked trails undulating through grazing pasture, and into the rain forest.
Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run image from drone footage taken by Vernon Harvey
     Staggered starts begin at 7 a.m., with start and finish at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road above Pāhala. Participants receive goodie bags and entry for a door prize drawing valued at $700.
     Taiko Drummers will start the race. Eddie O, from The Beat Radio Station, will be Master of Ceremonies. A hula group from H.O.V.E. Evangelical Church and Hannah’s Makana 'Ohana Hālau will dance. A Southern Gospel group will sing.
     Registration fees until this Monday, Sept. 11, are: 5K/$35, 10K/$45, and Half Marathon /$55. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 21, late registration fees apply: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and Half Marathon/$75. 
     Register for the race online at webscorer.com. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 21, at midnight. Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org.
     According to 'O Ka'ū Kakou, all proceeds beyond the cost of the race remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki and kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.
A recent photo of lava entering the ocean at Kama'oa.
See ww.volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

ABUNDANT RESOURCES ON HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES are found at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s website volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/. They are the topic of this week's Volcano Watch written by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists:
     “The most frequently visited HVO webpages include the daily updates for Kīlauea and weekly updates for Mauna Loa, photos and maps of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing lava flow, and webcams images, especially those of Kīlauea's summit lava lake. Maps showing recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi, including location, magnitude, and other details, and air quality data are often visited, particularly in the wake of a felt quake or perceptible vog (volcanic air pollution).”
     The article continues to explain that there is far more to explore on the website, such as reading “about volcanic and earthquake hazards in Hawaiʻi and learning about the tools and techniques used by USGS scientists to monitor active volcanoes. Geologic histories, monitoring data, and links to publications are provided for Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and other Hawaiian volcanoes.”
     Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions about volcanic gas emissions, vog, lava-flow hazard zones, and the current Mauna Loa unrest,” as well as archived photos and Volcano Watch articles, can also be accessed.
Short-lived lava falls on the coastline of Hawai'i Volcanoes National
Park this August. More USGS photos at ww.volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/
     The article states that the HVO’s website now has “a new look and expanded offerings—and new features will be added in the months and years ahead.”
     As such, many other “numerous and varied” USGS publications are now available online, (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/
hvo_publications.html). Some of those publications about are Hawaiian volcanoes. They are freely downloadable and described below.
     “USGS Fact Sheets cover topics clearly and concisely, often in 2-4 pages. The newest Fact Sheet especially relevant to island residents is Volcanic Air Pollution Hazards in Hawai'i (FS2017-3017). Others address Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing East Rift Zone (Pu'u 'Ō'ō) and summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) eruptions, the history and hazards of Mauna Loa, earthquakes in Hawaiʻi, and Kīlauea's explosive past.
     “USGS General Interest Products are written specifically to focus on scientific information of public interest. Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes—Past, Present, and Future (GIP117) and The Story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—A Remarkable First 100 Years’ (GIP135) are two such publications that have been well-received in Hawaiʻi.
     “Since 2004, HVO has used time-lapse cameras and webcams for visual monitoring and research. The USGS Data Series (DS621) publication, Selected Time-Lapse Movies of the East Rift Zone Eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, 2004-2008, showcases 26 time-lapse movies from the collection of images acquired during the camera systems' first four years.
     “Another USGS Data Series (DS144) is the digital database for the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawaiʻi.’ This map was published as a USGS Miscellaneous Investigations Series (IMAP 2524-A) in 1996.
A large littoral explosion near the lava delta and the shoreline,
photographed on Aug. 19. USGS Photo
     “In 2007, the Geologic Map of the State of Hawaiʻi was published as a USGS Open File Report (OFR 2007-1089). It includes eight plates (PDF files) showing the geology of the main Hawaiian Islands.
     “The Geologic Map of the Northeast Flank of Mauna Loa Volcano was recently published as a USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM 2932-A). Four additional maps for this massive volcano are in progress.”
     Additionally, for those interested in making maps, “GIS Shapefiles for Kīlauea's Episode 61g Lava flow, Pu'u 'Ō'ō Eruption: May 2016 to May 2017 is now available through a recent USGS data release. This dataset contains shapefiles and associated metadata for the 61g lava flow through May 31.”
     The article adds that, “More than 150,000 publications written by USGS scientists on wide-ranging topics of geologic interest can be accessed though the USGS Publications Warehouse (pubs.er.usgs.gov/), including those focused on volcanic and seismic activity in Hawaiʻi.
     “A comprehensive bibliography on Hawaii geology, including USGS publications, can also be found at zotero.org/groups/603818/hawaii_bibliography.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

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

RAT LUNGWORM DISEASE PREVENTION RESOURCES are available online from Hawai'i Department of Agriculture on The Kohala Center’s website. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team says, “To keep you and your customers, students, and families safe from rat lungworm disease, check out these helpful resources: KEEP CALM: Eat, Grow, & Buy Fresh Fruits & Veggies!; and Safe Produce: KEEP IT CLEAN."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

FOOD MANUFACTURERS IN KA'Ū, from coffee, tea and macadamia producers to beekeepers are invited to join the local chapter of the Hawai'i Food Manufactueres Association. The meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be held at Mauna Loa Macadamia processing facility in Hilo. In addition to a tour of the manufacturing plant, KTA's Derek Kurisu will give a talk on the importance of local products and how to attract buyers and HFMA members will describe how the association has helped them grow and develop their businesses.
     The membership meeting entry fee is $10 per person for non-HFMA members and complimentary for HFMA members (with one guest). See www.foodsofhawaii.com for more.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

VENDORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER for the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture’s recently launched new product database, according to The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services.  It connects local, national, and international buyers with agricultural products grown and made in Hawai'i.
     The only active Ka'ū area entities on the database are the Ka'ū Coffee Farmers Cooperative and Mac Farms of Hawai'i.
     Additional farmers, ranchers, and value-added food producers may register as vendors and list local products for sale. Visit hawaiiagrproducts.hawaii.gov for more information and to register. Contact Sharon Hurd at 808-973-9465 or Sharon.K.Hurd@hawaii.gov with questions.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A CONSERVATION TILLAGE WORKSHOP is available this Tuesday evening, Sept. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Hawai’i Education and Research Center in Honoka’a (45-539 Plumeria St.). The event is sponsored by The Kohala Center and USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program.
Conservation Tillage is a workshop next Tuesday,
Photo from Kohala Center
     The Kohala Center’s event description says, “A presentation by Dr. Ted Kornecki, Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab Research Unit and Adjunct Professor of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University. Dr. Kornecki will discuss and answer questions about conservation tillage information, cover crops, roller/crimper technology, and equipment developed for small farms. Dave Elliott from O'ahu Resource Conservation and Development Council will also provide a short presentation about Hawai'i-specific cover crops. The workshop is free and open to the public. Register online at tillage.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

WILL PONC FUND WAIKAPUNA PURCHASE? Waikapuna, a coastal property located below Nā'ālehu, is on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission list. It may receive a resolution from County Council member Maile David, asking for the county to help fund the purchase of the property, during PONC's upcoming meeting. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, at West Hawai‘i Civic Center, at the conference room in Building G. See the full story in the September print issue of The Ka’ū Calendar or read the Ka'ū News Briefs from August 23, 2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

                                    UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Eight-Man Football: today, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.
Cross Country: today, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.
Bowling: today, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.
Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 13, Kamehameha vs. Ka'ū, home game.
Competitive Cheerleading: Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Hilo.

Register by this Monday, Sept. 11, to avoid higher entry fees.
For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA, in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on a free, easy, one-mile walk within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, Sept 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details visit nps.gov/havo.

SENIOR I.D.'s for people aged 60 and older will be issued on Monday, Sept. 11, at Pāhala Senior Housing Center, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at Nā‘ālehu Community Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  For more information, call 928-3100.

IMUA KA'Ū WORKSHOP will be held at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Imua Ka'ū is a group dedicated to improving the well being of the Ka'ū community and residents. For more details, call 939-7033.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES will be available at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART CLASSES IN PĀHALA.
     Tree of Life Thumbprint Art: register until Sept. 12. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 928-3102.
     Tissue Art: register Sept. 11 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.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEET THURSDAY, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is meant for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
     Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.