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Saturday, January 13, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, January 13, 2018

The massive Mauna Loa Volcano (foreground) could somewhat shelter Ka‘ū from a nuclear blast on O‘ahu. On
Saturday, a false alarm, warning of an incoming ballistic missile, went out over cell phones across the state. 
KA‘Ū COULD BE SOMEWHAT SHELTERED FROM A NUCLEAR BLAST HITTING O‘AHU, by the density of the massive Mauna Loa Volcano between there and here. Ka‘ū residents, nevertheless, responded to the mistaken State of Hawai‘i Civil Defense alert and scare on Saturday morning.
     At 8:07 a.m., it blared over cell phones and read "Ballistic Missile Threat Inbound to Hawaiʻi. Seek Immediate Shelter. This Is Not A Drill." After the scare was over, nearly an hour later, some residents on the floor of an Aikido class in Ocean View talked about making plans for a real threat: Take shelter in lava tubes which are abundant in Ka‘ū. Wait out the blast in the lowest level of a building, preferably an area made of concrete, then move to the highest floor available since fallout stays close to the ground. Prepare to stay indoors for days to lessen exposure to radiation, and stockpile food for weeks in the place that a family would stay.
     It was acknowledged that any threat should be taken seriously, even with the 13,680-foot-tall Mauna Loa acting as a wall between Ka‘ū and O‘ahu, the most likely island to be targeted, with its Pearl Harbor and other military installations.
     Another recommendation: During an alert, don't look toward O‘ahu. The intense light from a blast could rise over the top of Mauna Loa and burn the eyes, more damaging than looking directly into the sun.
     The response to the mistaken ballistic missile alert on Saturday was quick from Ka‘ū's representatives in Congress. Rep. Tulsi  Gabbard, at 8:19 a.m., was perhaps the first to spread the word that the alarm was false. She tweeted, "Hawai‘i - This is a false alarm. There is no incoming missile to Hawaiʻi. I have confirmed with officials there is no incoming missile."
     Concerning the overall nuclear missile threat from North Korea, the Congresswoman spoke on CNN, where she pounded the Donald Trump administration. She said that Hawaiʻi residents "live with this reality of this message popping up on their phones." She said Pres. Donald Trump is "taking too long. He's not taking this threat seriously. There's no time to waste."
     Later, Gabbard spoke on MSNBC, saying, "We've got to get rid of this threat from North Korea. We've got to achieve peace, not play politics, because this is literally life and death that is at stake for the people of Hawaiʻi and the people of this country."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been encouraging dialogue with North
Korea for years, as in this past interview on CNN.
     In a series of tweets, the Congresswoman said: "The people of Hawaiʻi just got a sense of the stark reality of what a nuclear strike on Hawaiʻi would be. Cell phones all across Hawaiʻi got a message saying a ballistic missile is incoming, take shelter. Over a million of Hawaiʻi people were faced with the immediate reality of having 15 minutes to find a place to 'take shelter,' wondering where do I go? What shelter is going to protect me and my family from a nuclear bomb?! But there’s nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.
     "Everyone in American needs to understand that if you had to go through this, you would be as angry as I am - I have been talking about the seriousness of this threat for years," tweeted Gabbard.
     "Our leaders have failed us for decades, refused to take this threat seriously and prevent a nuclear North Korea, and the people of Hawaiʻi are now paying the price.
     "Donald Trump is taking too long," tweeted Gabbard. "Now is not the time for posturing. He must take this threat seriously and begin direct talks with North Korea, without preconditions, to deescalate and
denuclearize the Korean peninsula. There is no time to waste.
     "The people of Hawaiʻi should never have had to go through this. The people of America should not be faced with this threat right now.
     "We need peace - not political bickering. We have to talk to North Korea and find a peaceful path to get rid of this nuclear threat."
     Sen. Brian Schatz said he talked with representatives of the military Pacific Command on O‘ahu and the FCC, and all agreed to collaborate with the state to make sure a false alarm does not happen again. "This system failed miserably and we need to start over," he tweeted.
     County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense withheld sending out the mistaken warning of an incoming nuclear missile strike and declined to sound off the neighborhood sirens. Instead, the local Civil Defense alerts on Saturday covered the high surf.

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On January 8, 2018, Kīlauea Volcano’s summit lava lake level was 38 m (125 ft) below the rim of Overlook Crater,
the small crater that formed above the active vent in Halemaʻumaʻu. The lava lake continuously emits elevated
levels of sulfur dioxide gas and erupts small, but measurable, amounts of Pele's hair and other ash-sized tephra
(airborne lava fragments) that accumulate on the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu (lower right) and areas downwind of the lake.
USGS Photo by J. Sutton
VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH SEES HAWAI‘I VOLCANO OBSERVATORY answering the question: What makes the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u rise and fall?
     Here is this week’s Volcano Watch, written by the USGS Volcano Observatory scientists:
     About a year ago, the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit was high enough that spattering on the lake surface was commonly visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Although nighttime glow from the lava lake remains impressive, direct views of spattering lava are now less common, because the lake level has gradually dropped since that time.
     The lake level is constantly changing, and it fluctuates over many different timescales, from minutes to months. So what causes the lake level to rise and fall?
     To answer this question, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have been closely observing the lava lake behavior and making careful, regular measurements of the lake level. A key to understanding the processes that control lake level is to compare the lake level measurements to other monitoring parameters, such as gas emission rates, ground tilt, and seismic tremor. Direct visual observations of lake activity are also essential.
A ranger looks over the crater. NPS Photo by Janice Wei
     With several years of such data, the scientists can show that the lake level is related to two main factors: magma chamber pressure and gas emission rates.
     Magma chamber pressure is the main control on the lava lake level. On a day-to-day basis, the lake level rises and falls in concert with the volcano's deflation-inflation cycles. Deflation results in lava levels dropping as much as 20 meters (yards) over several days, with inflation leading to lake level rise.
     Over longer time periods, such as months to years, magma chamber pressure is affected by the rate of magma supply from deeper levels. For example, an apparent increase in magma supply rate in early 2016 caused the volcano to inflate slightly and drove the lake higher. The decline in the lake level over the past year might relate to a slight decrease in magma supply rate.
     The close correlation between magma chamber pressure and lava lake level means that the lake can be thought of as a "barometer" for the underlying magma chamber.
     The lake provides a tool for judging the pressure state of the volcano, which is potentially useful for anticipating future eruptive events on Kīlauea's rift zones. For example, the lake rose to high levels just before the March 2011 Kamoamoa fissure eruption near Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on the volcano's East Rift Zone.
     The pressure of the summit magma chamber also determines the rate at which magma is flowing to Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on the East Rift Zone. Higher lake levels in Halema‘uma‘u normally mean elevated lava supply rates at the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent, and potentially more vigorous lava flows. So tracking the lake level can be another tool for forecasting lava flow hazards on the East Rift Zone.
A high level of lava at Halema‘uma‘u. NPS photo
     Gas emission rate is the other main control on the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake level. Increases in the gas emission rate from the lake relate to increases in the amount of spattering on the lake surface. Releasing more gas from the lake results in a slight drop in lake level, normally of a few meters (yards). Unlike the lava level changes due to magma chamber pressure, these gas-driven changes normally occur over much shorter time periods, ranging from minutes to hours.
     HVO scientists normally measure the lake level with a handheld laser rangefinder, but new tools for tracking lava lake level are on the horizon. University of Cambridge scientists are currently testing a radar system to continuously measure Kīlauea's summit lava lake level with high precision. Stereo cameras are also being tested this month to track the lake level, as well as changes in crater and lake dimensions.
     The level of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake is a simple indicator of the pressure state of Kilauea's magma chamber, and the lake provides a "window" for peering into the volcano’s interior. The lake has provided another useful tool to add to HVO’s monitoring toolbox.
     Speaking of Halemaʻumaʻu, the public is invited to attend a Volcano Awareness Month presentation on Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption on Jan. 16 in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. On Jan. 17, a "talk story" event focused on Mauna Loa will be held in the Ocean View Community Center. The Volcano Awareness Month schedule and program details are posted on HVO's website (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/), or you can email askHVO@usgs.gov or call 808-967-8844 for more.

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KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM IN PĀHALA WILL BE OPEN TO ADULTS for Volleyball from Thursday, Jan. 18, to Tuesday, Feb. 27, on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

Various activity programs for adults are available at Ka‘ū District Gym.
RECREATION ROOM GAME TABLES at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala are open to public use (12 years and older) until Sunday, March 31. The program hours, Saturday through Thursday, are 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januarycommunity.html.
January print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, Pāhoa
@ Ka‘ū.
     Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
     Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
     Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
     Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, @ HPA.
     Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
     Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
     Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
     Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
     Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

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‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA is the title of an easy, one-mile, ranger-led walk scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower. The walk is free to attend. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at any fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

No entrance fees are charged at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on
Monday, Jan. 15. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is set for Monday, Jan. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. It is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels, headed by Stanton. The class is $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members per session. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ERUPTION: STORY OF THE HALEMA‘UMA‘U LAVA LAKE is presented on Tuesday, Jan. 16, starting at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawai‘i Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb, co-producer and co-writer of the recently released USGS documentary, introduces the 24-min film. After the show, USGS H.V.O. geologist Matt Patrick provides an update on what's happening at Halema‘uma‘u today, and answers questions about the summit eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Make lei from tī leaves on Wednesday in Volcano. See event details below.
Photo from nps.gov/HAVO
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE & WATERCOLOR takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store "Grapes" is included. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials, and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. meets Wednesday.
Photo from ranchos-road.org
WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS AN ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.


STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPU-
AULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 19, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - hand-blown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The pieces will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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