Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, June 21, 2018

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists today lowered the alert level for Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. In this 1985 aerial photo, Mauna Loa looms above Kīlauea's summit caldera at left center and nearly obscures Hualalai in the far distant upper right. Photo from USGS

THE MAUNA LOA VOLCANIC ERUPTION ALERT LEVEL DROPPED TO NORMAL/GREEN from Advisory/Yellow, as of Thursday, June 21. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory networks have recorded near background levels of seismicity and ground motion for at least the last six months, states a release from HVO. These observations indicate that the volcano is no longer at an elevated level of activity. HVO continues to monitor the volcano closely and will report any significant changes.

A geologists monitors the 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa.
Photo by Christina Neal, USGS

     From 2014 through much of 2017, HVO seismic stations recorded variable, but overall elevated, rates of shallow, small-magnitude earthquakes beneath Mauna Loa's summit, upper Southwest Rift Zone, and west flank, states the release. During that same time period, HVO measured ground deformation consistent with input of magma into the volcano's shallow magma storage system.

     The volcano alert level was raised to Advisory and the aviation color code to Yellow in September 2015. It was noted that the increase in alert level did not mean an eruption was imminent or that progression to an eruption was certain. This episode of unrest lasted several years without progressing to an eruption, similar to the period of unrest from 2004 to 2009.
     Since late 2017, rates of earthquake occurrence and of ground motion related to inflation of shallow magma reservoirs have slowed to near background levels. Seismicity has continued to be low during the current activity on Kīlauea volcano. Recent motions recorded by GPS instruments on Mauna Loa are due to the M6.9 Kīlauea south flank earthquake on May 4 and subsidence at the summit Kīlauea Volcano, according to HVO. None of the activity on Kīlauea volcano has produced a detectable effect on Mauna Loa’s magmatic system.

Mauna Loa is quieter and hikeable for experienced explorers,
with permits from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo

     In the history of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, eruptions typically start at the summit. Within minutes to months of eruption onset, about half of the eruptions migrate into either the Northeast or Southwest Rift Zones. Since 1843, the volcano has erupted 33 times,  with intervals between eruptions ranging from months to decades. Mauna Loa last erupted 34 years ago, in 1984. Mauna Loa eruptions tend to produce voluminous, fast-moving lava flows that can impact communities on the east and west sides of the Island of Hawaiʻi. Since the mid-19th century, the city of Hilo in east Hawaiʻi has been threatened by seven Mauna Loa lava flows. Mauna Loa lava flows have reached the south and west coasts of the island eight times: 1859, 1868, 1887, 1926, 1919, and three times in 1950.
     HVO will suspend weekly updates on Mauna Loa and instead issue them monthly. Should volcanic activity change significantly, an update will be issued. Regularly scheduled updates are posted at hvo.wr.usgs.gov. Stay informed about Mauna Loa by following volcano updates and tracking current monitoring data on the HVO web page at hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/maunaloastatus.php or by signing up to receive updates by email at this site at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns.

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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY has removed equipment from its headquarters on the edge of Halemaʻumaʻu, as crater walls fall in. The crater has more than doubled in size at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

With the Overlook Crater parking lot at Halemaʻumaʻu falling into

 the crater, the road goes to the crater's edge. USGS Photo

     A gas and ash emission from a collapse event occurred at Kīlauea's summit at 1:14 p.m. today, registering as a magnitude-5.3. The gas plume had little ash in it and wafted no more than 1,000 ft above the ground. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaʻumaʻu continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.

     Helicopter assisted work this week revealed that once-popular Overlook Crater parking lot, which has been closed since 2008, is no longer there. The parking lot fell into the crater as more of the Kīlauea Crater floor slides into Halema‘uma‘u. Crater Rim Drive road now ends at the edge of Halema‘uma‘u instead of the parking lot.

     Even with all the activity, sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity.

     For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, consult the Ash3D model output here: volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/ash_information.html

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A ONE QUARTER PERCENT GENERAL EXCISE TAX INCREASE FAILED TO PASS the County Council this week. Council members voted four ayes and five no's concerning the measure that would raise the sales tax on this island only from 4 percent to 4.25 percent. Council member Maile David voted aye. Council member Dru Kanuha voted nay.

Sen. Russell Ruderman spoke out in
favor of a GE tax increase, which
failed to pass a Hawaiʻi County
Council vote this week.

     During testimony before the vote, Sen. Russell Ruderman spoke out in favor of passing both a permanent half percent and the short-term quarter percent GE tax increase: “I think we need to pass a long-term GE tax increase in this county. I understand how hard it is to pass a tax increase – and you will have opposition.” Ruderman said increases were made on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, and that “Maui is rich,” with property tax. “That leaves the Big Island as the outlier in this; we’re the only ones that are not providing for our future budget needs, if we don’t pass this.

     “If this were a family, looking at this budget, we’d have to take Granny off her medication. We’d have to tell Junior to quit playing soccer. We’d have to quit buying healthy foods – maybe skip vacations. We’d have to face the reality of what not having enough money does. The county has to do that, also.” He spoke about the county possibly furloughing workers, stopping some services, and closing some offices, if it can't find away for more income, especially with the high cost of current volcano disaster.

     Ruderman said the GE tax is sometimes called regressive, but that other taxes are more so. He said the effect of “a broke county” on the poor is “much more regressive,” from not having “proper police or fire services, without adequate roads, without a public transportation system to get to work and back."

     Failure to pass the GE tax increase “will echo for decades,” said Ruderman.
     Mayor Harry Kim proposed the .5 percent GE tax hike to modernize the public transportation system, instead of using other county money, which would help with the volcano crisis.

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Ocean View's air monitoring indicator dot is grey, representing
a lack of information being made available to the public and to
emergency service personnel. Map from hiso2index.info

THIEVES STOLE CELLULAR TOWER EQUIPMENT IN OCEAN VIEW, shutting down much of the mobile phone and air monitoring in both Ocean View and Ranchos, according to several reports to The Kaʻū Calendar. One business owner reported that between 4 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, parties unknown stole copper wires, batteries, and other equipment from a cellular tower that services Ocean View and Ranchos.

     Due to the theft, the state Department of Health SO2 monitor, hiso2index.info, is unable to broadcast SO2 levels for Ocean View. Air Quality Now, which reports particulate and overall air quality, and the EPA air quality site, are also down. That leaves Air Visual, stationed in Ranchos, as the only reporting for air quality in the area.

     One business owner said that cell tower operators “don’t know if they’re going to be replacing the equipment because we don’t have any way of protecting them from doing it again.” She said the event marks the eighth time thieves have attacked the cell tower. “AT&T was compromised the day after Christmas, 2017. That’s how quickly: six months later, they come back.”

     Information about the thefts was posted on Facebook, to private groups for HOVE residents.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com 
and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Kaʻū Chapter community meeting Fri, June 22, 5pm, Pāhala Plantation House. “Come chat about agriculture in Kaʻū, local food production, ag related legislation, and make connections with folks in the community. All Kaʻū Farmers and Ranchers are encouraged to attend.” Light pupus available; welcome to bring something to share. Any questions call Raina Whiting, Kaʻū Chapter President, at 464-0799 or rainawhiting@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Ocean View Skateboard Sessions, Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kukuhu Park basketball courts. All ages are welcome to “show the need for a real community skatepark for the youth of Ocean View.” Parents must register minors from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and sign a waiver. A $1 million liability insurance policy has been provided by the Surfrider Foundation, said Organizer Travis Aicorn. The sponsor is Pueo Skate, LLC. Pack a lunch and bring water. For more information, call Aicorn at 808-494-5192 or contact him through grindcurbs@yahoo.com.

Birth of Kahuku, Sat, Jun 23, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. nps.gov/HAVO

SUNDAY, JUNE 24
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Jun 24, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

TUESDAY, JUNE 26

Exploring Your Senses, Tue, Jun 26, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. For ages 6-12 years. Register Jun 18-22. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, Jun 26, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Jun 26, 10am, RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Jun 27, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Jun 28, 12:30-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu, Jun 28, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800

NEW and UPCOMING

Cooper Center, in Volcano Village, serves a free dinner the last
Thursday of the month. See thecoopercenter.org

COOPER CENTER OFFERS A FREE COMMUNITY DINNER FOR ALL: Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, is offered on Thursday, June 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Cooper Center is located in Volcano Village.
     Additional packaged goods to take home are available for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. For more, call 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org.

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EXPLORING YOUR SENSES, A FREE PROGRAM FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12, takes place Tuesday, June 26, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Register through Friday, June 22. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

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ONGOING

Tropic Care 2018 - providing medical, dental, and eye care for any community member, free of charge, whether they have insurance or not - lasts through June 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Keaʻau High School gym. First come-first served. Bring any current prescriptions or eye glasses. Long waits are expected; bring water and snacks. Free breakfast and lunch provided to those aged 3 to 18, Monday thru Friday. Food carts may be on site for purchases throughout the event. Questions can be directed to the public health nurse at 808-974-6035, or Adria Maderios, Vice Principal of Keaʻau High School, at 313-3333.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park invites kamaʻaina and tourist alike to visit the Kahuku Unit. There are no entry fees, and all programs are free of charge. In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Visitor Contact Station hosts Ike Hana Noe ʻAu, Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June, made possible by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Make an ͑Ohe Hana Ihu (Nose Flute), Sat, June 23. Make a Mini Feather Kahili, Sun, June 24.

     Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

     Artist in Residence Talk, in the Visitor Center on Fri, June 22, at 10 a.m.
     Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent. Sat, June 23: Birth of Kahuku. Sun, June 24: ͑Ōhi͑a Lehua.

     In the Visitor Contact Station, Coffee Talk, a monthly, casual get together, is held the last Friday of the month. On June 29 at 9:30 a.m., Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund will present Removing Trash, Restoring Habitat.

     Join in the Cultural Festival, Pu ͑uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, in Hōnaunau, Sat and Sun, June 23 and 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

     See the Kahuku Unit Rangers,The Kahuku Cowgirls, in the Na ͑alehu 4th of July Parade Sat, June 30, beginning at 10 a.m.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through June 29.
     In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
     In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue, 8-4:30pm.
     In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.

Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
     Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 464-9634.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.

5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Mon, July 9: 5K, $25/person; 10K, $35/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $45/person. From July 9 to Aug 11: $30/person, $40/person, and $45/person, respectively. From Aug 13 to Sept 20: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.

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