Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, May 14, 2018

Large steam and rock explosion at Halemaʻumaʻu in 1924, following the draining of the lava from the summit 
crater and a lava push into lower Puna. USGS photo

AN AIR QUALITY CODE RED ALERT CAME FROM CIVIL DEFENSE for the Lanipuna Gardens community in lower Puna at 4:40 p.m. today: "Hawaiʻi Fire Department reports that fissures in the southeast area of Lanipuna Gardens area are issuing high levels of Sulfur Dioxide gas at this time. Residents in the area and surrounding farm lots on Pohoiki Road near Lanipuna Gardens are advised the air quality is condition RED. Condition RED means immediate danger to health so take action to limit further exposure. Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe. This is a serious situation that affects the entire exposed population.

Eruption from fissure 17 yesterday. The flow is not endangering
any roads or homes at this time, and is headed toward the ocean.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

     "The Hawaiʻi state Department of Health reports that the current eruption activity is producing dangerous Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas and other emissions that are hazardous; especially for elderly, young children and babies, and people with respiratory problems. People who are downwind or close to the vents and lava flows are also at high risk. Be aware of the unpredictable nature of dangerous levels of SO2 gas because it can be carried far from the fissures with wind speed and direction.

     "Due to the presence of SO2 hazards in lower Puna, the following are issued:

     "Leaving the area of volcanic activity or sheltering in place is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Only specialized masks available for purchase will protect from the dangerous gases and particulate matter that are being released in the current volcanic activity.

     "Take precautions. When levels of vog are elevated: Avoid outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. Stay indoors and close windows and doors prior to gas inundation. If an air conditioner is used, set it to recirculate. Always keep medications on hand and readily available. Daily prescribed medications should be taken on schedule and may provide relief from the effects of sulfur dioxide, and contact a doctor as soon as possible if any health problems develop.

Dusk shot of eruption from fissure 17 yesterday afternoon.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

     "Monitor vog levels and forecasts: People on Hawaiʻi Island outside the area of volcanic activity are also advised to monitor levels of vog at www.ivhn.org/vog.

     "County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety."

     In addition to the S02, the oubreaks in lower Puna have produced "powerful steam jets"
intermittently near the west end of fissure 17. "These jets may be responsible for some of the loud sounds reported by residents and emergency workers," reports Civil Defense. For the most recent map showing the locations of activity, see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

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Halemaʻumaʻu with steam and ash rising this afternoon at 2:10 p.m., taken
from a webcam mounted on Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, about
1.2 miles away. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is approximately .6 miles across
and 280 feet deep. USGS photo 

TWO THIRDS OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK remains closed since Friday, May 11, due to ongoing seismic activity, summit deflation, and the possibility of a steam explosion at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

     Only the Kahuku Unit is open during normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kahuku is a one-hour drive south of the park’s main entrance on Highway 11. The park is planning to increase the number of days the Kahuku Unit is open and will provide an update via official park communications channels and its website, www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

   Other areas of the park will reopen when it is safe to do so, said a statement from HVNP officials today.

Earthquakes continue to rattle people from Kaʻū through Volcano and
into lower Puna. USGS map shows quakes, as of 8:45 p.m., in red within
the last two hours, in mustard in the last two days, and yellow in the last
two weeks. See the live earthquake map from USGS

     At the request of the park, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction that extends 20,000 feet AGL and in a 12-nautical-mile radius around the summit of Kīlauea.
     During the day and this evening, earthquakes continued to rattle people from Kaʻū to Volcano and into lower Puna. A 3.13 magnitude quake shook Pāhala at 8:35 p.m.

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PĀHALA RECORDED UNHEALTHY SO2 LEVELS FROM 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. this morning.
     Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported ash from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater moving with the winds into Kaʻū. "This morning, a steady, vigorous plume of steam and occasionally minor amounts of ash is rising from the Overlook vent and drifting downwind to the southwest. Ash has been observed over the past several days, occasional rockfalls into the deep vent are expected to produce intermittent pulses of slightly more vigorous ash emissions. Depending on wind conditions, dustings of ash may occur in the Kīlauea summit area and downwind. More energetic ash emissions are possible if explosive activity commences."

     As a precaution Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences remained closed today, along with charter schools in lower Puna.
     This afternoon, Hawaiʻi Civil Defense distributed Toxic Gas Exposure Policy flyers door to door in Pāhala.
    Ash fell on vehicles in Pāhala into Waiʻōhinu today.

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THE IDENTITY OF THE TRAFFIC VICTIM on Hwy 11 Sunday morning at Kapapala has been released. According to the police report, the 28-year old Hilo man, Brayden T. Martin, was driving north on Hwy 11 at the 41.5 mile marker when his 2002 Toyota pickup crossed the center line, hit an embankment on the other side of the road and rolled. He was ejected from the truck and found dead at the scene. Police received the call at 7:48 a.m. There is no indication that any ashfall that may have fallen on the highway was responsible for the accident. The police report indicated "inattention" of the driver.

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.

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TUESDAY, MAY 15

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tue, May 15, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic painting techniques. Enjoy sampling of several wines. $30/VAC Member, $35/non-Member, plus $17 supply fee/person.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Lei Hulu Demonstration, Wed, May 16, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his fine mastery of the intricate art of making feather lei. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, May 16, noon-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, MAY 17

VA Medical Services, Thu, May 3 & 17, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, May 17, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, May 17, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, May 17, 6:30pm, United MethodistChurch in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Fishponds Of Hawai‘i: Free Lecture and Slideshow by Carol Araki Wyban, Thu, May 17, 7-8pm, Volcano Art Center. Artist presenting exhibited at Volcano Art Center Gallery, May 12-June 24. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MAY 18

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Forest Restoration with Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Friday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Work on the Mauna Loa strip, clearing invasive weeds around native seedlings planted in the past, allowing the park to control blackberry and other weeds without hurting the seedlings. Registration required. To volunteer, contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening May 14, 2018. Include your first & last name(s), email address(s), and a phone number in case of cancellation.

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workay, Fri, May 18, 9-3pm; contact in advance for meeting location. Short hike to site. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

Ho‘okani Pila (Play Music) Workshop, Fri, May 18, 10-noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how to play simple, fun songs on the ‘ukulele. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, MAY 19

Stained Glass Basics I w/Lois Pollock, Sat & Sun, May 19, 20, 26 & 27, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $15 supply fee/person. Advance registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, May 19, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, May 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

The Art Express, Sat, May 19, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Hula Kahiko w/Wahineaukai Mercado w/Ke Ana La‘ahana PublicCharter School, Sat, May 19, 10:30-11:30am, kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. Volcano Art Center, volcanoartcenter.org

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Nā Mea Hula w/ Loke Kamanu and ‘ohana, Sat, May 19, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Mongolian BBQ, Sat, May 19, 5-8pm Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, May 19, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, MAY 20

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Day w/Island Naturals, Sun, May 20, contact in advance for meeting time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Space limited. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

People & Land of Kahuku, Sun, May 20, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, MAY 21

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 21, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

NEW & UPCOMING
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP INVITES THE PUBLIC TO A MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY on their front lawn, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, on Monday, May 28, starting at 3 p.m. The gathering remembers and pays “tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” say the event descriptio
     Major Kawika Hosea, Executive Officer of 1-299 Cavalry Regiment, Keaukaha Military Reservation, is the Keynote Speaker for the event.
     In case of rain, ceremony will move indoors. Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: A MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET follows the Memorial Day Ceremony at Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, May 28, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Crater Rim Café.

     The menu includes BBQ Kalua Pork, Local Styles Fried Chicken with Gravy, Salads and more and is priced at $19 per Adult and $10 per Child, 6 to 11 years old.
     Kīlauea Military Camp is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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ONGOING

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. Early registration ends May 14; price increase for half marathon from $80 to $85, 10K from $40 to $45, 5K stays at $30. Registration increases again August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K $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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