Thursday, May 17, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, May 17, 2018

Ash splatter from the explosive eruption at 4:17 a.m. today at summit of Kīlauea Volcano. USGS Photo
AN EXPLOSIVE ERUPTION AT KĪLAUEA VOLCANO SUMMIT THIS MORNING at 4:17 a.m. sent ash 30,000 feet above sea level in a narrow column. A light layer of volcanic ash coated Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park roadways and property, but was dampened by light, steady precipitation.
     The Federal Aviation Administration increased the Temporary Flight Restriction around Kīlauea Volcano up to 30,000 feet above ground level, extending out to a five-nautical-mile radius around the summit of Kīlauea. USGS HVO issued a red aviation alert May 17.
     Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said, “Change continues to be the name of the game at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, with increased seismic activity, summit deflation, and explosions that continue within the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. It is day seven and most of the park remains closed. We will re-open only when it is safe to do so,” she said.
     A Civil Defense message this morning stated: "The resulting ash plume may affect the surrounding areas. The wind may carry the ash plume north toward Kaʻū, Volcano, Mt. View, Keaʻau, and as far as Hilo."
A 2-ft. wide projectile found in the ash covered parking lot
by Jaggar Museum yesterday. More explosives and
much larger projectiles are possible, according to Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory. USGS photo

     During a press conference this morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said the event was consistent with lava interacting with groundwater, creating explosions as the crater floor subsides. The entire Kīlauea crater floor subsided by 3 feet yesterday and pressure built beneath it. Larger explosions are possible. Some could be short lived and others sustained. Scientists referred to the situation as "dynamic" and this morning's explosion as "short lived," "narrow," and "tall but small."
     Geologists Jim Kauhaikaua said that in 1924, there were a series of explosions at Kīlauea summit. Scientists expect more explosions in the near future to relieve pressure at the summit. "We're in it for the long haul," said Kauhaikaua.
Puddles of ashy rainwater at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National
Park from this morning's ashfall. NPS Photo
     The Civil Defense statement said that the danger from these summit eruptions is ash fallout. "The major response is to protect yourself from fallout. If this event occurs while you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities. If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions. Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park. After the hazard has passed, do check your home, and especially your catchment system for any impact that may affect your water quality."
     Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the ash plume this morning drifting to the northeast and that continued emissions from the crater reached as high as 12,000 feet.
Fissure spouting in lower Puna at Leilani Estates.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara from Big Island Video News
   "At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent," said the statement for HVO.
    In lower Puna,  Fissure 21 was identified today, down rift of Makamae Street in Leilani Estates, stated Hawai'i County Civil Defense at 4:30 p.m. "Several fissures have reactivated, and HVO reports lava is pahoehoe, and flows have been generated."
     "An area 50-100 yards wide, parallel to and north of the line of fissures between Highway 130 and Lanipuna Gardens, has dropped slightly. This long depression is currently being filled by pahoehoe lava flows from fissures 20 and 21, Civil Defense reportedat 5:30 p.m.
     Due to elevated sulfur dioxide (S02) levels from the continued gas emissions from fissures in lower Puna, Pahoa High, Intermediate, and Elementary School Complex, Keonepoko Elementary, and Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science were closed today. The state Department of Health reported the installation of ten addirtional air quality measuring instruments in Puna.
     Due to the unstable conditions and ash events, Volcano School of Arts and Science was also closed. The Volcano community experienced some 125 quakes in the 24 hours leading up to the ash explosion this morning.
Park ranger's hat speckled with ash.
NPS Photo
     Yesterday, scientists found 2-foot wide rocks thrown out of the crater onto an overlook parking lot that has been closed since 2,008 when rocks shot out of the crater and landed there.
     With an ash alert, but clean air readings in Kaʻū, Kaʻū High & Elementary, Nāʻālehu School, and Kaʻū Learning Academy remain open.
     This afternoon, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park issued a statement reminding motorists that yesterday, a magnitude-3.5 earthquake fractured Highway 11 near the park entrance, and damaged park buildings and infrastructure. Highway 11 is open but motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. Damage assessments continued today. Stopping on the sides of Highway 11 in the park is prohibited, and violators could be cited.
     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.
     In addition, the Kahuku Unit is open during the closure, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kahuku is a one-hour drive south of the main park entrance. Kahuku will add additional days; details are forthcoming.
3M has donated ash masks which will be distributed
between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, 
and Volcano Cooper Center, as well as Shipman Park 
Pavilion in Keaʻautoday. CERT and Red Cross
volunteers are helping with distribution.
     See this morning's interview with HVO team and other officials, recorded by Hawaiʻi News Now.

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ASH MASKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TODAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 7 P.M.
at Pāhala Community Center, Nāʻālehu Community Center, Cooper Center in Volcano and at Shipman Park Pavilion in Kea'au.
     "One mask per family member will help to assure that supplies are adequate to accommodate all ourʻohana," said a statement from the County Planning Department. While the N95 masks do not protect against gases and vapors, they do protect against ash and other particulates.  
Families streamed into Pāhala Community Center this afternoon
to receive free ash masks. The giveaway lasts until 7 p.m. at
community centers in Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, and Cooper Center
in Volcano. Photo by Julia Neal
      The 3M company donated the masks and Red Cross and Community Emergency Response teams are assisting with distribution.

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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED AN ASHFALL ADVISORY in effect until noon today for the entire island and its surrounding waters. The advisory says additional eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano Summit may occur the rest of this morning. "The advisory may need to be extended if volcanic ashfall persists." NWS lists impacts as ash accumulation of less than one quarter inch as possible in the advisory area.
     NWS advises mariners to avoid the nearshore waters of Hawaiʻi Island until the ashfall subsides. 

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U.S. GEOLOGICAL SERVICES AND NOAA’s National Weather Service announced Wednesday that they are working together to observe, model, and warn the public of hazardous conditions in connection with volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island:
An ashfall alert has been issued by the National Weather Service
 until noon today. It may be extended of eruptions continue at Kīlauea
Volcano summit. NWS Map
     "With ash eruptions occurring from Kilauea’s summit this week, there is a threat of an even larger steam-driven violent explosion. Such an eruption could happen suddenly and send volcanic ash 20,000 feet into the air, threatening communities for miles. USGS and NOAA’s National Weather Service are working together to observe, model and warn the public of hazardous conditions." The joint statement offered the following links, in bold, to related topics:
     "While the USGS Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Observatory is positioning staff to observe the volcano and best communicate its status and evolution, they rely heavily on the weather forecasts from
NOAA. Wind forecasts, along with dispersion models such as HYSPLIT, are critical in
understanding where sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) will disperse from
fissures and vents to ensure safety of USGS observers, emergency managers and the public.
     On May 15 the National Weather Service issued the first ever ashfall advisory for Hawai`i.
Forecasters will issue ashfall advisories and warnings when ashfall is a hazard. NOAA predicts
where an ash plume will go and how much ash will accumulate using USGS’s Ash3d Volcanic
Ash Dispersion Model .
     Volcanic ash clouds can threaten air traffic by sandblasting windscreens, clogging pitot tubes,
and in severe cases, causing jet engines to shut down. NOAA issues volcanic ash warnings to
alert pilots to potential ash in the atmosphere and will include volcanic ash in forecasts for
airports.
     During explosive eruptions, volcanic ash can disrupt downwind populations by causing
breathing problems, impacting water quality, clogging air filters, shorting out power systems and
making transportation difficult. If your community is threatened by ash, you are advised to do the
following:
     ○ Seal windows and doors.
     ○ Protect electronics and cover air intakes and open water sources.
     ○ Avoid driving as visibility will be reduced and roads may become slippery.
     ○ Remain indoors to avoid inhaling ash particles unless it’s absolutely necessary to
go outside. If you have a respiratory illness, do not go outside.
     ○ If you must go outside, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth.

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DESPITE THE HAZY SKIES FOLLOWING AN ASH EXPLOSION and continuing ash plume rising at Kīlauea Volcano, air quality was reported as good this morning in Pāhala and Ocean View, the only two places with instrumentation that are reporting outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     Light rains may have taken ash to the ground. However, an ash fall alert remained until noon.
     At 8 a.m., at Pāhala, SO2 levels registered at 0.01 parts per million. Ocean View registered as moderate, at 0.11 ppm. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory.
     Combined measurements of particulates, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide - the Air Quality index - registered in Pāhala as 11, good, and Ocean View as 71, moderate, at 7 a.m. See AirNow. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality prediction website at http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/

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PARK RANGERS HAVE RELOCATED TO HILO to greet and serve visitors at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Avenue. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park made the announcement this afternoon, as the majority of the park remains closed due to seismic activity.
Park ranger Keoni talks with visitors to Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
in Hilo, while most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed.
NPS photo
     The Mokupāpapa Discovery Center (administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA) was established in 2003 to interpret the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and surrounding marine environment within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Since most people will never have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, the facility on the bayfront in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, serves to “bring the place to the people” and spur greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. The Center is free and open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
     Now, Rangers are available to meet with visitors and answer questions about Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at the center. Additionally, they will share daily updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to teach visitors about volcanic activity and clarify the conditions at Kīlauea summit. Visitors can also get their official Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park passport stamp. On Tuesday, Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, the park’s non-profit cooperative partner, will open a museum retail store location at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.
     This Friday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the public can join rangers for an ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work program at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center. Rangers and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association staff will share their knowledge of the ‘ukulele. Learn how to ho‘okani pila (play music).
See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment. 
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.
     Sign up for Craft Night at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center on Wed., May 23, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sessions every half hour until 6 p.m. at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center. This month will be glazing a custom clay ornament of a tiger shark. Sharks worldwide are threatened, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument provides one of the last sanctuaries for these majestic animals. Coral reefs depend upon a healthy shark population. Sign up early due to a limited supply of ornaments. Cost is $12 per ornament. Pre-register and prepay at Kīlauea Pottery, phone 731-6614 or visit them at 46 Waianuenue Ave. Contact Clayton.Watkins@noaa.gov or call (808) 933-8184.

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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.

CANCELLED DUE TO ASHFALL: Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workday, 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

Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, May 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MAY 22
Hawai‘i County Special Council Meeting, First Reading of Operating& CIP Budgets, Tue, May 22, 9-4:30pm, Hilo Council Chambers. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, May 22, 3 p.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Auditions for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainments Musical "Oliver," Tue & Wed, May 22 & 23, 6:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Parts for all ages and ability. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23
Craft Night at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, Wed., May 23, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sessions every half hour until 6 p.m. at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center. This month will be glazing a custom clay ornament of a tiger shark. Sharks worldwide are threatened, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument provides one of the last sanctuaries for these majestic animals. Coral reefs depend upon a healthy shark population. Sign up early due to a limited supply of ornaments. Cost is $12 per ornament. Pre-register and prepay at Kīlauea Pottery, phone 731-6614 or visit them at 46 Waianuenue Ave. Contact Clayton.Watkins@noaa.gov or call (808) 933-8184.

 MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Auditions for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainments Musical "Oliver," Wed, May 23, 6:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Parts for all ages and ability. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

THURSDAY, MAY 24
VA Medical Services, Thursdays, May 24 & 31, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, May 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m., 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, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

NEW & UPCOMING

Learn to make poi on May 30.
Event details at right.
Photo from National Park Service
LEARN HOW TO MAKE POI, the staple food of the traditional Hawaiian diet, at a Ku‘i Kalo Demonstration, on Wednesday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     The root of the kalo plant is cooked and pounded (ku‘i) to create this classic Hawaiian dish. The authentic cultural experience with rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
     Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau Experience the Skillful Work workshops. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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ONGOING
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.

 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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