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Friday, May 18, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, May 18, 2018

Lava crossed Pohoiki Road today cutting off about 40 houses. At least four people have been rescued from their homes by County and National 
Guard helicopters this evening.  Residents from Isaac Hale Beach Park to Kalapana are advised to prepare for voluntary evacuation should 
Highway 137 become threatened. See story below. USGS photo
FLAGS WILL REMAIN AT HALF-STAFF IN HAWAIʻI AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR VICTIMS OF SHOOTINGS TODAY AT A SANTA FE, TX, SCHOOL. A 17-year old male student took the lives of ten people and injured others, shooting them with a rifle and a pistol in his school.
     At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. David Ige ordered United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, today, May 18, until sunset on Tuesday, May 22. 
     “I am once again shocked and saddened by this senseless tragedy. We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones and we pray for those who have suffered injuries,” the governor said.
     The U.S. flag and the Hawai‘i state flag are already at half-staff in honor of the late Sen. Daniel Akaka. The President’s proclamation can be found here.

A cluster of quakes this afternoon between 1:45 p.m and 3:45 p.m. around
Kīlauea Crater. USGS map
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NUMEROUS EARTHQUAKES RATTLED VOLCANO VILLAGE TODAY. Between 1:45 p.m. and 3:43 p.m. Friday, nine quakes shook in and around Halemaʻumaʻu, where the crater floor has been subsiding and some of the crater wall has given away in rock slides. Similar activity likely led to yesterday's ash explosion and plume rising to 30,000 feet above sea level from the crater. Today, at 3:19 p.m., a 3.1 quake shook at the surface. At 3:36 p.m., a 2.56 quake registered .7 miles underground.
     According to the USGS, such quakes are expected as changes take place at Halemaʻumaʻu and Kīlauea Crater, with more ash plumes and explosions expected, much like those that occurred yesterday and in a series of them in 1924.

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This image, captured during an HVO overflight around noon today, shows
a lava flow that crossed Pohoiki Road earlier. USGS photo
ABOUT 40 HOMES HAVE BEEN CUT OFF, AS FAST-MOVING PAHOEHOE LAVA CROSSED POHOIKI ROAD NEAR MALAMA KI PLACE AND LEILANI ESTATES before 5 p.m. today, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reported this evening that at least four people have been rescued from their homes by County and Hawai`i National Guard Helicopter. Residents from Isaac Hale Park to Kalapana are asked to prepare to evacuate should Highway 137 be threatened. Here is the Civil Defense message:
     "Fast moving lava has crossed Pohoiki Road near Malama Ki Place. Police, Fire, and National Guard are being sent in to stop all entry on both sides of Pohoiki and secure the area. There are approximately 40 homes in the area that are isolated. Officials are gaining access by helicopter to the area to assess how many people are there and if they need assistance. All persons in that area are asked to stay where they are and wait for further instructions. All persons are asked to stay clear of this emergency situation."
     Earlier Civil Defense messages today confirmed fissure 22, and the destruction of at least 40 structures. Several fissures are producing lava spatter and flow in the Leilani and Lanipuna area, along with increasing SO2. An emergency water restriction is in effect for those on the county water system between Kapoho and Pohoiki.

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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY'S VOLCANO WATCH this week focuses on accuracy when reporting on the current seismic activity and eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano. The column points in particular to rumors that spread on social media, predicting that Kīlauea's flank could collapse and create a huge tsunami.
Fissure 17 as seen from the air on Monday, May 17, around 7:00 a.m. HST, when the overall vigor 
of fissure appeared to have dropped from the previous two days. Twenty fissures had erupted in 
the lower Puna District on the Island of Hawaiʻi as of the morning of May 17, and additional fissures
could still open as this eruption on Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone continues. USGS photo
     The HVO column is entitled Turn to the USGS and other Trusted Sources for Kīlauea Eruption Info: "False rumors about the ongoing volcanic activity at the summit and lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano are causing unnecessary anxiety and confusion. We encourage everyone to check the source of any information you read or hear to be sure that it's factual, accurate, and timely.
     "Particularly disturbing are individuals who take a kernel of truth (for example, data from vetted scientific papers), twist it into a lump of misinformation, and then present a skewed view of that data as fact. Please beware of spurious reports, and don't believe everything you read on social media - unless it's posted by a known and trusted source.
     "So, where can you get the straight facts about what's currently happening on Kīlauea?  Here are some reliable sources of information:
     "The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) website, where you can find daily eruption updates, photos, videos, webcams, and maps. In addition to the daily updates, we have also been posting Status Reports, Information Statements, and Volcano Activity Notices as warranted.
     "If you prefer to receive HVO's updates and other notices automatically via email, check out the USGS Volcano Notification Service. You can sign up for this free service at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/.
View of the fissure system in Leilani Estates looking southwest (uprift). Fissure 17 is the lava fountain at 
bottom of photo, estimated to be about 50 m (164 ft) high with occasional bursts to about 100 m high (328 ft). 
Fissure 18 is the low fountain left of center feeding a lava flow that spreads out of view on left (south).
Fissure 20 is in middle of photo, also feeding a lava flow. Note activity further uprift of fissure 
20 (field reports suggest that this is fissure 15). USGS photo
     "If you don't have access to the website, you can call 808-967-8862 to hear a recorded summary update for Kīlauea.
     "Back to HVO's website, there's a new tab labeled '2018 Activity' in the menu at the top of the homepage. Click that tab to open a list of numerous resources related to the current summit and East Rift Zone volcanic activity.
     "Also, take a look at the 'HVO News' section in the lower left corner of HVO's homepage. There, you will find information that dispels some of the more egregious rumors. For example, check out the news item that provides facts about the stability of Kīlauea's south flank and addresses the possibility of a flank collapse and tsunami (you will feel more at ease after reading it).  There's also a report about explosion hazards at the summit of Kīlauea, as well as a timeline of Kīlauea events since late April 2018.
     "Other U.S. Geological Survey websites are also great resources. The USGS Volcanic Ash Impacts and Mitigation website - https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/ - provides a wealth of information about what to do and how to protect yourself, buildings, plants, and animals if you are in the path of falling ash.
     "As you can imagine, interest in HVO's website has skyrocketed. With nearly continuous seismic activity at Kīlauea's summit and lower East Rift Zone, HVO's earthquake page has been overwhelmed at times. If/when that happens, you can still get Hawai'i earthquake information through the USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/. Scroll across the NEIC map until you see Hawai'i, then zoom in. Change the settings to your preference, and you'll be able to track earthquake activity across the island.
See and hear the Fissure 17 eruption from USGS captured
before dawn this morning. USGS video
     "If you prefer to get information via social media, check out the USGS Volcanoes Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/ USGSVolcanoes - and USGS Volcanoes Twitter. USGS scientists are keeping readers up to date on Kīlauea, as well as other U.S. volcanoes. Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard, which provides comprehensive information about vog (volcanic air pollution). Note that two new links have been added to this website to address ash hazards from the Kīlauea summit explosions and the ongoing eruption on Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone.
     "Residents and visitors can receive timely notifications about emergency situations in the County of Hawai'i, including the current volcanic activity, through the Civil Defense Emergency Notification System. You can sign up for these notices at https://countyofhawaii.bbcportal.com.
See the telephoto video of spattering at Fissure 17, in Kīlauea Volcano's lower East
Rift Zone, taken around 1 a.m. this morning. USGS video
     "As volcanic activity at Kīlauea's summit and East Rift Zone continues, we encourage you to stay informed through trusted sources and to help your friends and family get the straight facts. Also, please be safe out there - heed all warnings and stay out of closed areas.
     Volcano Activity Updates: On Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone, low-level eruption of lava continues from multiple points along the active fissure system. Residents in the lower Puna District of Hawaiʻi Island should remain informed and heed Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages; see http://www.hawaiicounty.gov
/active-alerts.
     At Kῑlauea's summit, an explosion, or series of explosions, from the Overlook vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater on May 17, produced a volcanic cloud that reached as high as 30,000 feet above sea level. The cloud drifted generally northeast and traces of ash fell in areas around Kῑlauea's summit. Summit activity could again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles close to the vent. Communities downwind should be prepared for ashfall as long as this activity continues.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Rates of deformation and seismicity have not changed significantly over the past week. The number of monthly and weekly earthquakes recorded beneath the volcano has decreased to near background levels.
SATELLITE RADAR IMAGES SHOW CALDERA CHANGES IN KĪLAUEA VOLCANO: These radar amplitude images were acquired by the Italian Space Agency's Cosmo-SkyMed satellite system and show changes to the caldera area of Kīlauea Volcano that occurred between May 5 at 6:12 a.m. HST (left) and May 17 at 6:12 a.m. HST (right). The satellite transmits a radar signal at the surface and measures the strength of the reflection, with bright areas indicating a strong reflection and dark areas a weak reflection. Strong reflections indicate rough surfaces or slopes that point back at the radar, while weak reflections come from smooth surfaces or slopes angled away from the radar. The May 17 image was acquired after two small explosions from the summit eruptive vent. Major changes with respect to the May 5 image include: (1) a darkening of the terrain south of Halema‘uma‘u, which may reflect accumulation of ash over the 12-day period between the images; (2) enlargement of the summit eruptive vent on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u, from about 12 acres on May 5 to about 34 acres on May 17; and (3) the development of a small depression (area of about 15 acres) on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u that reflects slumping of a portion of the rim towards the growing collapse pit on the crater floor. Images Courtesy of USGS
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REACHING OUT TO FARMERS AND RANCHERS in the face of current ash and seismic threats in Kaʻū is Andrea Kawabata, extension agent with the University of Hawaiʻi agriculture college.
     Kawabata, who works with many Kaʻū Coffee farmers, released a statement yesterday, saying, "As many of you have heard and seen on the news, the Big Island is experiencing elevated volcanic activity and emissions that could create health hazards and challenges for farmers and their crops. The following link provides some information on Volcanic Emissions Injury to Plant Foliage (2008): https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/pd-47.pdf.
Andrea Kawabata reaches out to farms and ranchers affected by the
current conditions related to volcanic activity. Photo by Julia Neal
     "Below are additional resources gathered by CTAHR faculty, staff and administrators. Please visit, contact and inquire with these resources as needed. As a reminder, fruits and vegetables grown in vog or ashfall conditions are safe to eat and sell, but please remember to wash them well before eating to remove dirt and ash.
     "Should you have crop insurance, contact your agent with questions regarding losses, damages, and any records that are required to file a claim.
     "Lava, heavy vog, and ashfall can damage crops, machinery, and equipment. Farmers and ranchers impacted by the volcanic activity are advised to report damages to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hilo. Please call 808-933-8381 ext. 2.
     "USDA FSA provides emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters and can also assist producers in determining eligibility for loans and other FSA disaster assistance programs.
     Kawabata recommends that farmers and ranchers stay current with:
Hawaii County – Civil Defense – Messages and Alerts; USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - Current Eruption Information; VMAP – Vog Measurement and Prediction Project - Air Quality ForecastsPrepare and Protect; USGS – Volcanic Ash Impacts & Mitigation; CTAHR - Volcanic Emissions ; FEMA – Preparing for a Volcanic Eruption; American Red Cross – Volcano Preparedness
CDC – Protecting Yourself During a Volcanic Eruption; IVHHN - The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network; Vog Information Dashboard, and Recommended Dust Masks for Protection from Volcanic Ash and Disasterassistance.gov - Information.
    Writes Kawabata: "Above all, please be safe!"

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ASH MASKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER AND COOPER CENTER IN VOLCANO TODAY, Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. One M95 ash mask per person will be provided, donated by the 3M company, said Ocean View Community Association President Ron Gall. The masks do not filter out S02 and other gasses but do filter out ash. Ashfall is expected as Halemaʻumaʻu steam explosions relieve pressure at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

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KAʻŪ DISTRICT GYM & DISASTER SHELTER will be available if needed by Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense. The $20 million facility has a safe clean air room for 225 people and the gymnasium with huge air space for more than 1,000 has been prepared. All windows have been closed for days to collect clean air. The air cleaning equipment for the activity room has been serviced.
     The county Department of Parks & Recreation and Red Cross will operate it as a shelter if needed during heavy ashfall or other disaster.

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THE NATIONAL VOLCANO EARLY WARNING AND MONITORING SYSTEM passed the U.S. Senate this week.  Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) secured the passage of S. 346. This legislation seeks to improve the nation’s volcano monitoring and early warning capabilities to help keep communities and travelers safe.
     Said Hirono, “Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are working around the clock to provide critical, up-to-date information to keep Hawaii Island residents safe. This bipartisan bill supports their important efforts by updating and unifying the five volcano observatories across the nation and creating a grant program to support monitoring research and technology development.”
HVO geologist next to cracks on Nohea Street in Leilani Estates
Wednesday morning. These cracks expanded significantly between Tuesday
and Wednesday. Note the vertical offset across the cracks. USGS photo
     Said the Alaska Senator: “Volcanic eruptions, like the one in Hawaiʻi and the one earlier this month at Cleveland Volcano in Alaska, are vivid reminders of why it is so critical to have continuous and reliable monitoring systems. I hope the House of Representatives will move quickly to approve this timely legislation so that we can ensure the U.S. Geological Survey has the resources it needs to strengthen our monitoring, warning, and response capabilities.”
     Said the Washington Senator: “This bill connects needed volcano monitoring systems in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Washingtonians remember the impact the Mt. St. Helen's eruption had on our communities 38 years ago. Our state has five of the highest threat volcanoes in the nation, and as we’re seeing in Hawaiʻi right now, these volcanoes are a persistent and serious threat. The safety of our communities is paramount, and our legislation will ensure we have the science, technology, and monitoring needed to keep people informed and safe.”
     S. 346 strengthens existing volcano monitoring systems, which include the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Alaska Volcano Observatory, and the Cascades Volcano Observatory, and would unify them into a single connected system called the National Volcano Early Warning System. These observatories monitor, warn, and help protect citizens and travelers from volcanic activity, particularly from high-threat volcanoes. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory located on Hawaiʻi Island was the first volcano observatory in the United States and has been monitoring volcanoes, including the two most active, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, for more than a century.
       The bill also creates a Volcano Watch Office that will operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to provide continuous situational awareness of all active volcanoes in the U.S. and its territories, such as the ongoing eruption of the Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaiʻi.

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HAWAIʻI ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. HAS LAUNCHED A WEB PAGE REGARDING THE VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS. It provides the the latest information for customers affected by the eruption, and for those who may have questions about billing and service during the emergency, states a release from the utility.
Downed power lines over a fresh lava flow. Hawai‘i Electric Light offers waived deposit
and service establishment fees for those displaced by the eruption. USGS photo
     The page includes a new FAQ with information about billing and electric service for those who have evacuated from their homes and for those who may be considering it. Hawai‘i Electric Light has suspended billing for those customers whose homes were destroyed or who live in the mandatory evacuation zone.
     The company has also waived deposit and service establishment fees for customers who decide to leave their homes and relocate. Customers can also call (808) 969-6999 for information about their account. 
     About 400 customers in the mandatory evacuation area are without power. Hawai‘i Electric Light continued its designation of a portion of Leilani Estates and all of Lanipuna Gardens as a no-entry zone for its crews after a crew working in the area yesterday had to evacuate after a monitor warned of unsafe levels of sulfur dioxide gas.
     Poles and wires continue to fall due to changes in the ground formation and seismic activity. Hawai‘i Electric Light continues to warn residents to assume that all downed lines and equipment are
energized and dangerous. Stay at least three cars lengths away from downed lines and use caution around all poles and overhead lines.
     The new information page is at https://www.hawaiielectriclight.com/lava. You can also check Hawai‘i Electric Light’s Twitter (@HIElectricLight) and Facebook (HawaiianElectric) accounts for updates.

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KAʻŪ AIR QUALITY was reported as good at 3 p.m. in Pāhala and Ocean View, the only two places with instrumentation that are reporting outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     As of 3 p.m., at both Pāhala and Ocean View, SO2 levels registered at 0.02 parts per million. Ocean View registered as good all day. Pāhala registered as good all day, but had several missing hours of reporting. 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 not available at 2 p.m., and Ocean View registered as 48, good, at 2 p.m. See AirNow. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality prediction website at http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/

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Kaʻū High Seniors, the Class of 2018, will hold commencement exercises in Kaʻū District Gym next Friday. See below for details. 
Photo from Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School
KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2018 will mark its graduation with commencement exercises on Friday, May 25, at 5 p.m. The ceremony will be held in Kaʻū District Gym. Admission is by ticket only.
     “As we come to the end of our high school years, we must pause and look back over the path we have taken in order to know where to go next.” The class color is gold, class flower is lotus, and class song is Daylight by Maroon 5.

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.
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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 Public Charter 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 209:30-12:30pm, 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, 9-4:30pmHilo 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

FRIDAY, MAY 25
Coffee Talk, Fri, May 25, 9:30-11amKahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join park rangers in informal conversation on a variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Memorial Day Lei - Arts & Crafts, Fri, May 25, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. For all ages. Register May 21-25. Free. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

NEW & UPCOMING
Repose by Randall Shiroma.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
A SCULPTURES PRESENTATION WITH RANDALL SHIROMA is offered on Thursday, May 31, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., announces Volcano Art Center. The Thursday Night at the Center program features Shiroma’s outdoor public works within the state.
    The once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focuses on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
     The event is free, although a $5 donation to Volcano Art Center is suggested. For more information, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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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.

Hawai‘i Island Quilting Artists are called to register by Saturday, May 26, for Volcano Art Center's 2nd Bi-Annual Quilt Show: Quilts in the Forest - Where the Path May Lead. Entry forms available online at volcanoartcenter.org/gallery/call-to-artists. Exhibition open Friday, July 13, to Friday, August 3, at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village. Contact Fia Mattice at 967-8222 or quiltshow2018@volcanoartcenter.org.

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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