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| Kaʻū residents listened to public officials calling for preparedness in case of larger volcanic events, and discussing the possibility of Hwy 11 being cut off near Volcano. Photo by Julia Neal |
Merrick Nishimoto, Deputy Director of Hawaiʻi County Public Works, talked about continuing damage to Hwy 11 near the entrance of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. He said the road is failing as the regular earthquakes change the landscape. He said the state, county, and federal government are doing all they can to keep it open for as long as they can.
He talked about a possible emergency route starting from the intersection of Hwy 11 and the road to Volcano golf course, running parallel to Hwy 11. He said it would have to be an emergency rather than permanent road, as the land is mostly owned by Kamehameha Schools. While government could use the land in an emergency, it would have to acquire land to make a permanent bypass.
Nishimoto said he understands that if Hwy 11 were blocked, then people from Kaʻū who work in Hilo would have to travel to Kona and over Saddle Road. "That's not normal life." He said that the
county and the mayor are trying to do everything they can to keep normalcy during this time of the volcano eruption, and that it takes a lot of money and effort.
A state Department of Transportation representative said Hwy 11 experienced another failure today at the 28.7 mile marker, reducing traffic to one lane. She also said the DOT's research branch has come up with innovative approaches to repair the road, such as using geo-textiles under the pavement to give it more strength.
Gary Domondon, a Pāhala resident who works for the county, said he saw the 6 foot by 12 foot sinkhole in Hwy 11 today. He said the road is deteriorating because of the crater dropping. He suggested an alternative route that could travel along old Volcano Hwy to help keep Kaʻū from being isolated. Nishimoto said the county welcomes community suggestions.
Several government officials repeated the promise to keep Hwy 11 open as long as possible. Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said that in the worst case scenario, Kaʻū could be isolated if the road were cut off by a larger volcano event - a big earthquake or eruption. He urged people to be prepared for this slight possibility and short term isolation. He said residents should store 14 days of supplies. When a speaker from the public asked about food, the Civil Defense Administrator said that in Kaʻū, "The mountains and the ocean are your refrigerator." He followed up to say a FEMA trailer with supplies is located in Kaʻū.
Joan Obra, of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee, asked whether the drinking water in Pāhala would be safe. The Civil Defense Administrator said that it would be drinkable as long as it is contained, which would likely be the case with the water well, tank, and distribution pipes in Pāhala.
She asked how long people might have to stay in place if a large ash fall occurred. Magno said that it could take several days to settle, and that people should stay in their homes or the gym, which is an emergency shelter.
Ron Ebert, the Pāhala volunteer fire chief, said that if people were to attempt to drive toward Kona, should there be a volcanic event and also heavy rain, Kāwā Flats could be flooded. The DOT representative said that elevating the road at Kāwā flats is now a higher priority.
Obra asked USGS scientists whether Kīlauea volcano may be transitioning into a long period of explosive eruptions. They said there is no evidence that it has entered such a long term phase.
Obra also asked the scientists about the damage caused by ash falling onto the coffee orchards in Kaʻū. They said that acidic ash falling on a coffee tree leaf could kill the leaf. A high volume of ash building up on coffee tree leaves could block sunlight and also kill the coffee tree. They said that the ash that fell on Kaʻū in May, however, was far less than the ash that fell in the 1924 eruption.
County Managing Director Wil Okabe talked about the islandwide impact of the volcano on communities, especially their economies. He said that the volcano has physically impacted about 2 percent of the island, but through media sensationalizing the event, people internationally perceive the volcano affecting the whole island, sending tourism into a slump.
He also talked about the almost daily earthquakes that measure 5.3 and stronger in Volcano. He said there have been 55 of them. "It has to be a nightmare every single night." Okabe reported that Mayor Harry Kim's "main goal is safety," while trying to bring back normalcy to everyone's lives as the volcano continues to be active.
Rep. Richard Onishi said a recent caucus at the legislature was held to brief its members on the crisis here. He said the state stands ready to help. He said he has been in touch with the administrator of Kaʻū Hospital and reminded the community that the late Rep. Robert Herkes worked for the hospital to be air conditioned and sealed. He said last month the hospital received six months of air treatment filters that will keep ash out.
He also vowed to help Kaʻū High & Elementary School with air quality, saying, "We are preparing the school to be safe." He talked about additional air conditioners and fans, and said the Department of Education sent a team to the school to make an assessment.
See more on the public meeting in an upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.
 |
Joan Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee talks to Rep. Richard Onishi
about ash fall affects on Kaʻū Coffee orchards. Photo by Julia Neal
|
Gary Domondon, a Pāhala resident who works for the county, said he saw the 6 foot by 12 foot sinkhole in Hwy 11 today. He said the road is deteriorating because of the crater dropping. He suggested an alternative route that could travel along old Volcano Hwy to help keep Kaʻū from being isolated. Nishimoto said the county welcomes community suggestions.
Several government officials repeated the promise to keep Hwy 11 open as long as possible. Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said that in the worst case scenario, Kaʻū could be isolated if the road were cut off by a larger volcano event - a big earthquake or eruption. He urged people to be prepared for this slight possibility and short term isolation. He said residents should store 14 days of supplies. When a speaker from the public asked about food, the Civil Defense Administrator said that in Kaʻū, "The mountains and the ocean are your refrigerator." He followed up to say a FEMA trailer with supplies is located in Kaʻū.
Joan Obra, of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee, asked whether the drinking water in Pāhala would be safe. The Civil Defense Administrator said that it would be drinkable as long as it is contained, which would likely be the case with the water well, tank, and distribution pipes in Pāhala.
She asked how long people might have to stay in place if a large ash fall occurred. Magno said that it could take several days to settle, and that people should stay in their homes or the gym, which is an emergency shelter.
 |
Kaʻū Coffee farmer Ann Fontes talks to Rep. Richard
Creagan about impacts of volcanic activity on
coffee crops. Photo by Julia Neal
|
Obra asked USGS scientists whether Kīlauea volcano may be transitioning into a long period of explosive eruptions. They said there is no evidence that it has entered such a long term phase.
Obra also asked the scientists about the damage caused by ash falling onto the coffee orchards in Kaʻū. They said that acidic ash falling on a coffee tree leaf could kill the leaf. A high volume of ash building up on coffee tree leaves could block sunlight and also kill the coffee tree. They said that the ash that fell on Kaʻū in May, however, was far less than the ash that fell in the 1924 eruption.
County Managing Director Wil Okabe talked about the islandwide impact of the volcano on communities, especially their economies. He said that the volcano has physically impacted about 2 percent of the island, but through media sensationalizing the event, people internationally perceive the volcano affecting the whole island, sending tourism into a slump.
He also talked about the almost daily earthquakes that measure 5.3 and stronger in Volcano. He said there have been 55 of them. "It has to be a nightmare every single night." Okabe reported that Mayor Harry Kim's "main goal is safety," while trying to bring back normalcy to everyone's lives as the volcano continues to be active.
Rep. Richard Onishi said a recent caucus at the legislature was held to brief its members on the crisis here. He said the state stands ready to help. He said he has been in touch with the administrator of Kaʻū Hospital and reminded the community that the late Rep. Robert Herkes worked for the hospital to be air conditioned and sealed. He said last month the hospital received six months of air treatment filters that will keep ash out.
He also vowed to help Kaʻū High & Elementary School with air quality, saying, "We are preparing the school to be safe." He talked about additional air conditioners and fans, and said the Department of Education sent a team to the school to make an assessment.
See more on the public meeting in an upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
| 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 |
THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN AWARD MONEY is offered for
information leading to the arrest of the suspect in the fatal shooting of Hawaiʻi
County Police Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa. Today, the U.S.
Marshals Service and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms added another $10,000 each onto the $10,000 reward offered yesterday
by the FBI.
Reports of gunfire and police cordoning off an area of about one mile around Honaunau School this evening were on news and social media. Hwy 11 was closed off as SWAT teams and other police searched the area and residents sheltered in their locked homes. As of 10 p.m., the suspect was still on the run.
Kaliloa is the first Hawaiʻi County police officer killed by gunfire in the line of duty. Only four other Hawaiʻi County police officers have been killed in the line of duty since 1918:
Kaliloa is the first Hawaiʻi County police officer killed by gunfire in the line of duty. Only four other Hawaiʻi County police officers have been killed in the line of duty since 1918:
- On Nov. 19, 1936 , William L. Oili, 37,
died while trying to rescue two men from drowning.
- On May 7,
1990, Ronald S. Jitchaku, 52, died after Blaine K. Faris of Hilo reportedly
threw his elbow toward Jitchaku’s face, causing him to fall backward and hit
his head on the pavement. The incident happened on May 6, while he and other
officers were attempting to stop a fight and disperse a crowd of about 200
people on Banyan Drive . Faris
was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Jitchaku’s death.
- On March 28, 1997 , Kenneth K. Keliʻipio,
35, was killed when his vehicle was struck by a car driven by off-duty officer
Jeffrey Darrow, who had recently left a police recruit graduation party.
Darrow’s blood-alcohol level was 0.11 percent, over the legal limit of .08
percent. He was convicted of drunken driving and negligent homicide, and
sentenced to probation.
Gov. David Ige
has ordered that the United States
flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State
Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaiʻi
National Guard in the State of Hawaiʻi ,
until sunset on Friday, July 20.
 |
| Memorial to fallen officers at Hilo Police Station will add another name. Photo from hawaiipolice.com |
The governor has
also ordered that the flags be lowered on the day of Kaliloa’s memorial
service. Another flag notice will be issued when memorial plans are
finalized.
According to
Yahoo News, Kaliloa's niece, Kawehi Haug, sent a Facebook message to The
Associated Press, saying the immediate family wasn't ready to talk. “He was
strong and kind and funny and smart and chivalrous and served his community
every day as an honest and upstanding police officer whose convictions guided
him to always do the right thing,” she wrote. “He was a husband that saw
himself as equal to his wife in every way, and a father who loved and cared for
his three babies from the moment he laid eyes on them.”
Haug explained,
reported Yahoo News, that Kaliloa and his wife adopted three children, ages 3,
4 and 7, through the state foster care system. “They surrounded those babies
with security and love and he honored them every single day by giving them
everything he possibly could,” she wrote. “...Tragic doesn’t even begin to
describe this horror.”
A Go Fund Me has been made to benefit Officer Kaliloa's ʻohana: gofundme.com/kaliloa-ohana.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
A Go Fund Me has been made to benefit Officer Kaliloa's ʻohana: gofundme.com/kaliloa-ohana.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Pohoiki Boat Ramp and Isaac Hale Park this morning, with lava 500 meters away. USGS photo |
POHOIKI BOAT RAMP IS STILL THERE, but lava edges ever
closer. This morning, July 19, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the southern margin of the Fissure 8 ocean entry was about 0.3 miles (500m)
from the boat ramp at Isaac Hale
Park
Hydrovolcanic - littoral - explosions continue
as lava reaches the ocean. Lava levels in the channel “appeared a bit low this
morning,” and there were no overflows noted.
A
collapse event with energy equal to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake
occurred at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at 4:33 p.m. Jessica Ferracane of Hawaiʻi
Volcanoes National Park said the frequent earthquakes and subsidence continue
to cause damage to park structures, and that there are “a lot of sink holes”
all over the grounds, trails, and overlooks. Civil Defense reminds the public
to be alert for cracks and damage to roadways from earthquakes.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
| State Senate Candidate Brenda Ford |
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| A hole developed near mile marker 28 on Hwy 11. One lane will close at 7 p.m. tonight so crews can address the issue. Photo from DOT Facebook |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE is available to those without unemployment insurance who lost jobs due to the volcanic activity. The initial deadline for filing is July 23. However, a new deadline could be set for future claims, as the disaster continues.
According to labor.hawaii.gov, those who qualify are: “individuals who were living or working in the affected area at the time of the major disaster and unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations states that the major disaster declaration - FEMA-DR-4366 - by President Donald Trump on May 11 includes Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Hawaiʻi County.
According to labor.hawaii.gov, those who qualify are: “individuals who were living or working in the affected area at the time of the major disaster and unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations states that the major disaster declaration - FEMA-DR-4366 - by President Donald Trump on May 11 includes Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Hawaiʻi County.
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| Despite not being covered by lava, if the building in the lower portion of the picture was a business, employees would be hard-pressed to get to and from work. USGS photo |
Others who may
also be eligible for DUA include people who, due to the disaster, cannot get to
work or got injured. Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if
there is physical damage, destruction, or inaccessibility to the place of
employment; or “lack of work or loss of revenues to the employer or
self-employed business caused indirectly by a major revenue generating entity
that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or located in the disaster area
closed by the government.”
Workers
unemployed due to the disaster may apply for regular unemployment insurance
benefits by filing online at uiclaims.hawaii.gov.
Self-employed persons and those not qualifying for regular unemployment
insurance benefits who cannot perform services due to the disaster must apply
in-person for DUA benefits.
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| While scientists are able to enter the lava inundation zone in lower Puna, most who worked there cannot make the same commute. USGS photo |
Contact the Hilo
Claims Office at 974-4086 for more information, or visit the Disaster
Recovery Center 16-725 Keaʻau-Pāhoa
Road . For more detailed information regarding
eligibility for DUA benefits, go to labor.hawaii.gov/ui/assistance-programs
or contact the Hilo Claims Office, Kinoʻole Plaza, 1990
Kino`ole Street, Suite 101 , Hilo , HI
96720-5293 One-Stop
Center 427 Kilauea Avenue Hilo ,
HI 96720
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in Washington D.C., with supporters of a resolution to impeach Presidents who declare war without Congress approval. Photo from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard |
Gabbard said: “Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the
exclusive authority to declare war. But the last time Congress officially
declared war was December 8th, 1941
– the day the U.S.
entered World War II. Ever since, Congress has failed to uphold their
constitutional responsibility and have instead ceded power to the President.
So, we remain in a state of perpetual war, led by presidents in both parties at
great cost to the American people with no declaration of war by Congress and no
input from the American people.
“The direct and indirect costs of these
presidential wars are astounding. They take a toll on our troops, our veterans,
and on the American people. Since 9/11 alone, we’ve spent trillions of dollars
on regime-change wars and nation-building while people in our communities
suffer and struggle because of a lack of resources here at home, what to
mention the costs borne by our troops, those who pay the ultimate price, as
well as those who come home with wounds that are visible and invisible. The
American people deserve accountability. Mr. Walter Jones and I have introduced
a bipartisan resolution 922 to make sure that Congress fulfills its
constitutional role, ends presidential wars, and has robust debate before making
the decision to send our troops into battle.”
 |
| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in Washington D.C., with supporters of a resolution to impeach Presidents who declare war without Congress approval. Photo from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard |
Bruce Fein,
constitutional lawyer, said: “No war is worth fighting if the President is
unable to convince a majority of House and Senate members to vote for a
congressional declaration of war.”
Michael
Marceau, Veterans For Peace, President, DC Area Chapter, said: “We… urge all
our members to contact their representatives to demand that they cosponsor
this.”
Paul Kawika Martin, Peace Action, Senior Director, Policy and Political Affairs, said: “It’s long past time to stop permanent presidential... That’s why Peace Action supports House Resolution 922… that warns Presidents that circumventing the constitution and failing to get congressional approval for wars will be considered an impeachable offense.”See Gabbard's speech on the House floor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q91kRKF5EJw.
NEW & UPCOMING
HULA VOICES FEATURING KUMU HULA MANAIAKALANI KALUA takes place on Thursday, August 2, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Kumu Kalua joins moderator Desiree Moana Cruz.
 |
| Hula Voices in Volcano features Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua on Aug. 2. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
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 usually occur regularly on the first Thursday of each month at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; however, due to recent summit erruptions, the park is closed.
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. Call 967-8222 to confirm. See volcanoartcenter.org.
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 usually occur regularly on the first Thursday of each month at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; however, due to recent summit erruptions, the park is closed.
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. Call 967-8222 to confirm. See volcanoartcenter.org.
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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
|
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
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, July 21,
Nā Mea Hula - Loke Kamanu and ‘Ohana, Sat, July 21, 11-1pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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
Bunco and Potluck, Sat, July 21,
People and Land of Kahuku 9:30-12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
TUESDAY, JULY 24
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
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
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
THURSDAY, JULY 26
Volcano Bay Mobile Health Unit Visit, Thu, July 26, 1-5pm , Cooper Center Volcano Village
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
Summer Fun Event, Wed, July 25,
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
THURSDAY, JULY 26
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, July 26, 12:30-1:30pm , 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, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu, July 26, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
ONGOING
25th Annual Hawai’i 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‘iVolcanoes National Park 9-5pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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 from8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keaʻau High School Gym. The DRC will be closed on Sunday, July 22. 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.
Kahuku Unit
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.
Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Fridays and Saturdays,
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i
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,
Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
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
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.
