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Tuesday, June 05, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, June 5, 2018

As of the morning of June 5, the fissure 8 lava flow front had completely filled Kapoho Bay. USGS photo
ALMOST ALL HOMES IN KAPOHO BEACH LOTS AND VACATIONLAND ARE GONE, as many as 500 houses claimed by lava that took tidepools, fishponds, and Kapoho Bay, abundant with turtles. Madame Pele claimed them yesterday evening through today, filling Kapoho Bay with a pavement of lava rising 20 to 30 feet above sea level, extending more than .8 miles from shore. Gone are Champaigne Pond and many swimming areas surrounded by rock walls. Gone is the Marine Life Conservation District called Wai‘ōpae Tidepools, an important area for coral and juvenile fish.
Laze filled coastal waters off Kapoho today.
Image from Ikaika Marzo's Facebook 
     Gone is Green Lake, the Wai O Pele - water of the volcano goddess - filled with lava that also covered surrounding farms.
     Mayor Harry Kim met with community members this evening at the nearby Pāhoa Community Center and said he will attempt to put displaced people in homes as soon as possible. His own home in Kapoho was also lost, a place that many canoe paddlers and others know from times when they stayed there.
     County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno described the lava that took Kapoho as "a flood."
     Boat captain Ikaika Marzo and reporter Mileka Lincoln described on Facebook many dead fish and some dead sea turtles in the waters off the lava-filled bay during their ocean trip to Kapoho today. They also talked about the dangers of getting close to the laze, which forms as lava interacts with the water, creating an acid gas.
     Gov. David Ige signed today a second supplemental emergency proclamation adding housing and law-enforcement provisions "to ensure the health and safety of the people who have been most affected by the ongoing Kīlauea eruption," said a statement from his office.
     "The lava flow has expanded and overrun more communities as it's advanced, and earthquakes continue to rock the area. Hundreds of structures have been destroyed, including residential homes. I'm working closely with Mayor Kim and FEMA to develop a housing plan, and this supplemental proclamation gives the county more options for suitable shelters and rapid rehousing efforts," said Ige.
     The second supplemental proclamation permits the governor and/or mayor to take the following actions with respect to housing: Establish guidelines for providing accommodations and shelter; identify county, state, and
Homes went up in flames, igniting from extreme heat of lava on the Kapoho shoreline.
Photo by Bruce Omori, from Ikaika Marzo's Facebook and Extreme Exposure Gallery.
private locations and facilities suitable for use as shelters; provide for relocation and rehabilitation for disaster victims; and make state lands available for housing.
     "As the size of the affected area has grown, so have the challenges of keeping the residents and their property safe. We've had people who refuse to comply with officials who are trying to control access into extremely hazardous areas, putting themselves and our first responders at risk. The combined federal, state and county efforts are focused on the health and safety of our community. The emergency rules we are adopting will increase criminal penalties for those who do not obey emergency officials," said the governor.
     The second supplemental proclamation also sets criminal penalties for those violating emergency rules, including: Interfering with emergency personnel; failing to comply with reasonable directions of emergency personnel; failing to evacuate; and violating curfew. The emergency rules also prohibit the operation of drones in the incident area.
     An estimated 401 evacuees in lower Puna are staying in two Red Cross shelters. The Red Cross will begin case work with evacuees this week. The Keaʻau Armory shelter is at capacity.
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KĪLAUEA SUMMIT EXPLOSIONS MAY HAVE A PATTERN, says Wes Thelen, seismologist at USGS. He gave the example of today's seismic activity, with several hours of frequent earthquakes leading to one with a 5.5 magnitude, followed by an ash explosion in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. While the ash reached 5,000 feet in altitude, most of it fell near the crater.
Possible slow down at Fissure 8, which is responsible for the destruction
of Kapoho, is shown by lower lava fountains. USGS photo
     After today's explosion, earthquake activity “diminished significantly,” said Thelen, “which is consistent with the pattern we have seen over the last couple of weeks. Deflation at the summit continues; if the current pattern holds, we should expect increased earthquake activity to lead to another explosion in the next 24 to 48 hours.” Thelen said those in the “immediate vicinity” of the summit should expect to feel many of these earthquakes.
     A similar pattern occurred in 1924 before Halemaʻumaʻu Crater settled down.

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A CARBON-NEUTRAL HAWAIʻI BY 2045 is the goal of three bills signed into law by Gov. David Ige Monday, June 4. Carbon net neutrality for the state will arrive in three forms:
   - House Bill 1986 will create a program to use carbon credits. These will be used by companies, such as airlines, to offset the carbon footprint made by airplanes delivering things like goods and people to and from the islands. The credits will go to fund projects like planting native plants.
Gov. David Ige spoke to those assembled on Monday, as he signed 
three bills that aim Hawaiʻi toward a goal of carbon net 
neutrality by 2045. Photo from Wayne Yoshikoa/HPR
   - House Bill 2106 will require the Environmental Council to adopt and maintain rules for environmental assessments that reflect best available scientific data regarding sea level rise.
   - House Bill 2182 will work to a goal of a zero-emissions clean economy.
     Ige stated at the signing: “We do have net-zero vehicles today and so, we are making progress. The counties have all committed to carbon neutral kinds of transportation future. Air transportation is one area that we are not making the kind of progress that we are in others. And, so, they definitely will not be able to help with our efforts on climate change, other than investing in projects that increase carbon sequestration or really, really reduce greenhouse gases.”

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FUNDING THE PROPOSED NĀʻĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT COMES BEFORE THE COUNTY COUNCIL in its CIP budget meeting tomorrow, June 6. The proposed plant location is next to Nāʻālehu Elementary School. The public is invited to attend or give testimony via videoconference at the Nāʻālehu State Office Building, starting at 9 a.m. The last council meeting drew several testifiers speaking against the plant, including Nāʻālehu Elementary School Principal Darlene Javar.
     Sandy Demoruelle, of Nāʻālehu, is campaigning for the county to move the location away from the school. She is also urging the county to consider putting in a septic system, which she contends will be less costly to taxpayers on the island. The county, working with the state Department of Health and EPA, decided to change from septic system plans to a newer design for wastewater treatment: a lagoon treatment system with water, oxygen, microbes, plants and trees processing the wastewater.
     Read more on the proposed plant in past Kaʻū News Briefs.

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THREE SCIENTISTS WITH RESEARCH APPLYING TO KAʻŪ have been chosen for National Public Radio's Science Friday interviews.
     Dr. Alison Greggor works near Volcano Village at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center. She is focused on reintroducing the ʻAlalā (Hawaiian crow) to the wild;
     Dr. Greg Asner, a Stanford University professor and staff scientist with the Carnegie Institution for Science, applied the technology of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory to mapping Hawaiʻi's ʻōhiʻa forests, with much of it in Kaʻū;
     Dr. Lisa Keith is the lead researcher at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, which is damaging Kaʻū native forests.
     The Science Friday radio show interviews by Ira Flatlow, with entertainment by Makana and Red Water Trio, will take place on Saturday, July 7, at Kahilo Theatere in Kamuela at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are at bit.ly/scifrihi. The purchase of a ticket also entitles the purchaser to a one-year membership in Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Funds raised by the event will support HPR, which serves Kaʻū through KAHU 91.3 and KANO 89.1.

Ready with her skateboard at the Kahuku county park.
Photo from Kevin Aicorn
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OCEAN VIEW SKATEBOARD SESSIONS will be held on Saturday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the county’s Kukuhu Park basketball courts. Organizer Travis Aicorn said that all ages are welcome to “show the need for a real community skatepark for the youth of Ocean View.”
     Aicorn said that 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, he said. The sponsor is Pueo Skate, LLC.
     Organizers ask that families back a lunch and bring water. For more information, call Aicorn at 808-494-5192 or contact him through grindcurbs@yahoo.com

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment
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   WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed, Jun 6 (Council), Hilo. Mon/Tue, Jun 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

AdvoCATS, Wed, Jun 6, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 7
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

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Jun 7, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Cooper Center in Volcano Village on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m., 19-4030 Wright Road. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat, Jun 9, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II, Sat & Sun, Jun 9 & 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Jun 9, 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

Kāwā Volunteer Day, Sat, Jun 9, 9:30am, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org

Zentangle: Stacks and Dangle Designs for a Dr. Seuss-Inspired Whimsical Garden, Sat, Jun 9, 10-1pm, $30/VAC Member, $35/non-Member, $10 supply fee. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register at volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

CANCELLED: Jazz in the Forest Concert, Sat, Jun 9. The July concert is also cancelled. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, JUNE 10
Stained Glass Basics II, Sun, Jun 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Jun 10 & 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. Free. nps.gov/HAVO


Meet Candidate Raina Whiting, candidate for state Rep., Dist. 3. Sun, June 10, 2-3:30pm, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, upper pavilion. Bring prepared, written questions for the candidate. Light refreshments provided. Questions? Ezmerelda5@gmail.com, mgw1955@gmail.com, voteRaina.com



TUESDAY, JUNE 12
Special Event: Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, Tue, Jun 12, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. HOT has been producing opera in Hawai’i for 33 years - Broadway and classical favorites. 939-2442

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Jun 12, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

NEW & UPCOMING
Kumu hula Manaiakalani Kalua is featured at Hula Voices on Thursday, June 7.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
HULA VOICES FEATURING MANAIAKALANI KALUA will take place on Thursday, June 7, at Volcano Art Center’s Niʻaulani Campus location in Volcano Village. Kumu hula Kalua joins moderator Desiree Moana Cruz.
     Kumu Kalua, born and raised in Keaukaha, graduated from Kamehameha School in 1996 and received a BA in Hawaiian Studies in 2002 from Ka Haka ‘Ula ‘o Ke‘elikolani at UH Hilo. He has been an instructor at Hawaiʻi Community College in the Hawaiian Life Styles-program, since 2003. His hālau, Akaunu, opened in 2012 and is closely tied to the traditions of UNUKUPUKUPU and Hālau O Kekuhi.
     Each month, Hula Voices presents an intimate “talk story” session with Hawai‘i Island’s hula practitioners, as they share their hula genealogy, traditions, protocols and experiences. These free, educational offerings occur regularly on the first Thursday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Volcano Art Center’s Niʻaulani Campus location in Volcano Village, until Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopens.
     Hula Voices is supported in part by a grant from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development, and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ʻohana. See more at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through Jun 29 (closed Jun 11).
     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 (except Mon, June 11), 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 Jul 14, statewide & online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & 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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