Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Small boats, surfing, swimming, and family time at Pohoiki, before it was made off limits. The boat ramp,
 community parks and homes are threatened by lava moving along the lower Puna coast. Photo by Julia Neal
The pilings at Pohoiki with children on their bodyboards,
before the lava threat. Photo by Julia Neal
LAVA MOVING TOWARD POHOKI, with its boat ramp, swimming, fishing, surfing, and adjacent county park, threatens to cover the place within a few days, according to state officials. At 4 p.m. today, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the southern margin of the flow front was 0.4 miles (700m) from the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. It was nearing Bowls and Shacks surf spots.
      A crew from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, which manages the boat ramp at Pohoiki, flew over the area yesterday.
     Stephen Shmelz, Hawai‘i Island Branch manager for DLNR’s Division of Boating and Recreation, said he expected the area could be covered in a few days.
     A statement from DLNR says: “The flow from fissure #8 is slowly creeping to the State of Hawai‘i’s Pohoiki Boat Ramp adjacent to Hawai‘i County’s Issac Hale Park.”
Flowers for Pohoiki, the favorite ocean entry spot
in lower Puna. Photo by Julia Neal
     The statement said that during the DLNR assessment of eruption impacts, “steam and volcanic gasses from the nearby ocean entry wafted over the tall trees in the park’s now empty parking lot.”
    Schmelz said that the taking of Pohoiki “would be a significant loss for the people of lower Puna and the Pahoa areas, as Pohoiki is not only popular as a launch ramp for small boats, it is used by a variety of ocean recreational users.”
     Division of Boating and Recreation officials have already entered “very preliminary discussions about new ramp options should the flow overtake Pohoiki,” the statement reports. Any plans would hinge on road access being restored, available funding, and environmental factors. Schmelz added, “We are extremely mindful of the importance of Pohoiki for local people, and as with everything related to Kīlauea’s current eruption we need to be patient and see what develops in the future. As one of our colleagues noted recently, Pele is very much in control.”
Pohoiki surf spot. Photo by Julia Neal
     Concerned citizens posting on social media have indicated that turtles are trapped in the Pohoiki area. “Both today and during an earlier flight by the Hawai‘i County Fire Department, no turtles were seen,” according to DLNR. Joining the aerial assessment of the East Rift Zone was Steve Bergfed, Hawai‘i Island Branch Manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
     In video released by DLNR, he said that he flew over the Malama Ki Forest Reserve, just to the south of Pohoiki, about six months ago. He said that not much has changed since his previous assessment. About half of the reserve burned when lava inundated it in the early weeks of the current event. No new land has been lost recently. Trees in the reserve have been defoliated but Bergfeld commented, “Much of the vegetation is defoliated and stressed from the eruption. We are hopeful that the flora and fauna will recover because they have evolved over time with volcanic activity.”
Family fun gathering place at Pohoiki boat ramp and adjacent Isaac Hale county park. Photo by Julia Neal
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EIGHTY DAYS INTO THE ERUPTION that destroyed homes, farms, beloved land, marine preserves, businesses, and livelihoods, Kīlauea shows little sign of slowing down. Civil Defense reports that by July 16, at least 706 structures are destroyed and 8000 acres (12.5 square miles) are covered with lava.
Pohoiki boat ramp, deserted under a haze of laze, as the flow front
creeps closer. Photo from Big Island Video News
     The volume of lava flowing is historic. Fissures on the lower East Rift Zone have erupted an estimated 450 million cubic meters of lava, overwhelmingly more than in other recorded lava events in the area.
     Steve Brantley, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory deputy scientist-in-charge, said last night that 205 million cubic meters flowed in 26 days in 1840, 81 million cubic meters in 88 days in 1955, and 122 million cubic meters in 37 days in 1960.
     Today, Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel, where it flows in a river more than 8.7 miles long, to the ocean. An increase in lava supply on Tuesday night produced several channel overflows threatening homes on Nohea street. More lava overflowed both sides of the channel banks downstream. Channel overflows this morning sent lava into Leilani Estates and destroyed additional structures in the closed area along Nohea Street. The overflows stalled by mid-morning. South of Kapoho Crater, the surge produced an ʻaʻā flow that rode over the active southern flow that is still entering the ocean. The southern margin of the flow is located about 700 m (0.4 mi) from the boat ramp at Pohoiki and Isaac Hale Park.
Thermal map showing the fissure system and lava flows
as of 6 am on Tuesday, July 17. USGS map
     During a meeting at Pāhoa High School cafeteria on Tuesday, Brantley told the public that the ongoing activity is “unprecedented in scope and size” in the last 200 years. Brantley said the activity is similar to activity recorded in the 1800s. He said the eruption is the most voluminous eruption in over 200 years, with the highest eruption rate, and the highest SO2 emission rates ever measured at Kīlauea.

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Fallen Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa,
fatally shot on July 17. Photo from odmp.org 
OFFICER BRONSON KAIMANA KALILOA was fatally shot last night, July 17, during a traffic stop on Hwy 11 near Kukui Camp in Mountain View. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of his killer. Suspect Justin Joshua Waiki is about 5’11”, approximately 145 pounds, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and dark colored jacket. He fled on foot.
     “Waiki is to be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached by members of the public,” said Police Chief Paul Ferrera. “Do not approach him. Do not attempt to apprehend him. Call 911. Call 3311. Text to 911 if you have to… let us take care of it.” He said Waiki has 37 prior arrests, including 16 convictions, three being felony convictions including firearms, drugs, and forgery. He also has an outstanding no-bail warrant for bail violation. His last known address was Las Vegas, but he is a resident of Hawaiʻi Island who has lived in various locations including Hamkua, Hilo, and Puna. There is no indication the suspect was hit by officer fire.
Suspect Justin Joshua Waiki
About 5’11”, approximately 145 pounds.
Last seen wearing a white t-shirt
and dark colored jacket.
Photo from hawaiipolice.com
    Police have organized a Task Force to operate 24 hours a day, “relentlessly following up on tips and information regarding the whereabouts of fugitive Justin Waiki,” said the police chief. Tips and sightings may be reported by calling (808) 935-3311. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300.
     An emotional Ferrera said to press this morning, “This is probably the worst day in my 36 year career.” He said this is “the first time I know that an officer has been shot and killed” in the line of duty on Hawaiʻi Island.
     “Upon officers approaching the vehicle the suspect, Justin Waiki, exited the driver front seat and fired multiple shots from what is believed to be a handgun, striking Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa in the neck and leg area. Other Officers at the scene immediately returned fire, however, the suspect Waiki, was able to flee into the brush on foot. Highway 11 was closed down, while police searched for the suspect and process the scene for evidence.
     “Officer Kaliloa was transported by the Hawaiʻi Fire Department Medic Unit to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room, where the medical trauma team began treating his life threatening injuries and prepared him for surgery. Officer Kaliloa underwent surgery; however, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:45 a.m.
Police Chief Paul Ferrera.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     “Officer Kaliloa, a 10-year veteran of the Hawaiʻi Police Department, leaves behind his wife and three children.”
     Ferrera said, “I want to put a face to the name of this fallen officer… to show how senseless his death was, by bringing the personal side of his life to bear. He was a loving husband to a wife of 23-years. A father to three children, two sons and a daughter. He was also a loving son to his parents, who also reside on Hawaiʻi Island. Officer Kaliloa was only 46 years old. He was a 1990 graduate of the Waimea High School in Waimea, Kauaʻi. He was hired by the Hawaiʻi Police Department on August 1, 2008. He started his career in the South Kohala Patrol Division. He transferred to the Puna Division in 2010. In 2014, Officer Kaliloa was honored by his peers at a very young career age, being selected as the Officer of the Year for the Puna District.
     “This was an officer, this was a father, a son, a husband. Put a face to the name.”
     As police searched for the suspect this morning, Hwy 11 was closed off around the area of the incident, and commuters between Kaʻū and Hilo took Stainbeck Hwy, with delays of more than an hour.

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NEW and UPCOMING
Image from volcanoartcenter.org
THE QUILTMAKERS OF GEE’S BEND, a movie released in 2004, is featured at this month’s Volcano Art Center Movie Night on Monday, July 23, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own cushion. A $5 donation is suggested.
     “For more than 150 years, the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama have made quilts reflecting their history and daily lives. Over generations they worked in isolation, continuing to inhabit the remote plantation land their parents once slaved. Today, art critics worldwide compare them to the great creative enclaves of the Italian Renaissance,” states volcanoartcenter.org. For more, call 967-8222.

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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THURSDAY, JULY 19
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, July 19, 9-1pmOcean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Pāhala Community Meeting, in response to the recent USGS report on Kīlauea eruption possibilities will be held Thu, July 19, at 6 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The presentation will be similar to that at the recent meeting in Volcano. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, the Mayor's office, and state of Hawaiʻi will address the community. County Council member Maile David will be on hand, and state Department of Health's Aaron Ueno will be available to respond to questions. The issues of sheltering and personal preparedness will also be on the agenda. A Q&A session will follow. American Sign Language interpretation will be available. For further information, call the Department of Research and Development at 961-8368.

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, July 19, 6:30pmUnited Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Thursday Night at the Center: The Joy and Challenges of Native Bird Photography in Hawai’i w/Jack Jeffrey, Thu, July 19, 7-8pm, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Photography and biologist Jeffrey shares his experiences and photos. Free; $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, JULY 20
1st Annual Hawaiian Wicked Tuna Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, July 20-22, Honokahau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-4,000. Qualifying weight of 50lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org

SATURDAY, JULY 21
Birth of Kahuku, Sat, July 21, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Writing From the Heart w/Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, Sat, July 21, 9:30-4pm, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Bring notebook, pen and lunch. $65/VAC Member, $75/Non-Member. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222. franceskaihawwang.com

Second Annual Pig Hunt, hosted by Kaʻū Multicultural Society, happens Saturday, July 21, at the parking lot adjacent to 96-3258 Maile Street, near the old Radio Station Building. Location provided by Olson Trust. The scale for the weigh-ins for the wild pigs will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be food booths and a variety of contests. Contact Kalani Vierra at 938-2005, Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740, or Liz Kuluwaimaka at 339-0289.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, July 21, 10-1pmOcean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kaho’okele Crabbe w/Halauokalani, Sat, July 21, 10:30-11:30amVolcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Hula performance. Free. Desiree, 987-7288, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula - Loke Kamanu and ‘Ohana, Sat, July 21, 11-1pmVolcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free. Desiree, 987-7288, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

A Group of Ranchos Property Owners are meeting Saturday July 21, 4 p.m., at 92-8305 Mamalahoa Highway, last building on the Easement Road that has the Thai restaurant on it.

Bunco and Potluck, Sat, July 21, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, JULY 22
People and Land of Kahuku, Sun, July 229:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

TUESDAY, JULY 24
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Tue/Wed, July 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, July 25, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Wed, July 25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Summer Fun Event, Wed, July 25, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Parents, caregivers and keiki create fun summer art; 0-7 years old. Wear clothes that can get messy. Art supplies, healthy snacks and drinks provided. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Vision Board Event, Wed, July 25, 4-6pm, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 8-18 years old and parents/caregivers. Set intentions, goals and give voice to wishes and dreams by creating a vision board. Art supplies, healthy snacks and drinks provided. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

ONGOING
25th Annual Hawai’i Conservation ConferenceUlu Ka Lāiā I Ke Kumu: From a Strong Foundation Grows an Abundant Future, Tue-Thu, July 24-26, Hawai’i Convention Center, Honolulu. Registration ongoing, $80+. hawaiiconservation.org

Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Shows at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors 60+ and students, $12 keiki 12 and under. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. Info and reservations: 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Daily, through Aug 4, 9-5pmVolcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org

Volcano Rain 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 Sun, Aug 11: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $45/person. From Aug 13: $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.

Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keaʻau High School Gym. Buses run to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. The Salvation Army continues to operate a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.

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

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.

Find Your Park, invites Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Kamaʻaina and tourist alike are encouraged to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka‘ū to Volcano to Hilo. “While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater – causing the partial closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on May 11 – park rangers continue to enlighten and engage visitors from other locations,” says a release from HVNP staff.
     Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
Kahuku Unit
     Sneak Peek into next week: July’s Artist in Residence John Ferdico will showcase his multicolored model aircraft and discuss how they are made at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, Friday, July 20, at 10 a.m. Supported by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the National Parks Arts Foundation.
     In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
     Visitor Contact Station hosts ʻIke Hana Noʻeau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. July 21: Cordage. It’s all about connecting to culture – literally. Learn how Hawaiians use plant materials to bind and lash together everything from wa‘a (canoes) to slippers. July 22: Hula. Get into the groove and learn basic moves of the beloved Hawaiian dance in both the kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles.
     Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
     Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
     Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus
     Find Park Rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
     The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter, TBA.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai‘i Island’s volcanoes – including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
     Third Thursday by the Bay, Thu, July 19, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Ranger Dean Gallagher will provide a riveting Kīlauea eruption update, using Liquid Galaxy map technology, photos and storytelling. Bring your questions.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
     Find Park Rangers alongside the park’s non-profit partners, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
     Find Park Rangers 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.
     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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