Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, August 30, 2019

Dr. Megan Porter will share some recent discoveries of cave life in an upcoming presentation at
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Peter Bosted

LEARN ABOUT NEW DISCOVERIES IN HAWAIʻI LAVA TUBES on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Cave biologist and UH associate professor Dr. Megan Porter introduces the unique community of lava tube animals found on the island. Porter has studied cave life for over 25 years.

Dr. Megan Porter has been studying caves for over
25 years. Photo from Christy Melhart Slay

     Porter was one of two scientists, experienced in Kaʻū lava tubes, who worked on a documentary last September, by True to Nature. Using super-macro filmography, the documentary captured cave-adapted underground life. For some of the species, that was the first time they had ever been filmed. Most of these insects are smaller than a pea, and some smaller than a single grain of rice. The biologists selected a lava tube in Ocean View that was easily accessible, with a rich selection of lava tube life. The film crew and scientists were hosted by resident cavers Peter and Ann Bosted, of the Ocean View Ranchos community.

     Asked about cave adaptations during an interview with The Kaʻū Calendar last year, Porter said some easily observable characteristics include longer legs, a lack of pigment, and no eyes or reduced vision. "Since these animals live in complete darkness all their lives, they don't need visual senses, but do require better non-visual senses - so their hairs are more sensitive and their antennae are longer. They can easily create and detect vibrations. Plant Hoppers living in lava tubes in different parts of the island have different 'songs', to communicate with each other, and they likely attract mates that way."

     Said Porter, "Volcanoes create lava tubes and these habitats are a sanctuary for animals that are able to colonize and adapt to living their lives in darkness. Lava tubes have fairly constant temperatures, and are always moist, unlike the outside where insects must endure rain, drought, heat, and cold. Lava tubes are also free of insect predators, such as birds or bats."

     Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

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HALEMAʻUMAʻU POND, the first in recorded history, keeps growing. Many days of clear weather since the discovery of the pond on July 25 during a checkup of the now vastly expanded crater have allowed a good amount of study of the phenomenon.
     Assisted by laser rangefinder measurements, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists state the pond continues to rise at a rate of less than one meter (yard) per week. The pond measures more than 35 meters (yards) wide by more than 80 meters (yards) long. The surface pond is probably no more than a couple of meters (yards) deep. But the visible pond could be just the top of the saturated zone, which could conceivably be several tens of meters (yards) deep.

Telephoto shots of the pond on Aug. 7 and Aug. 23 show the original 

three smaller ponds coalesced into one, now more than 250 feet 

long by 100 feet wide. USGS photo/ M. Patrick

     Most of the water's surface is opaque greenish-yellow in color, with some semi-translucent blue areas. The temperature of the water is approximately 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit). Steam across the water rises slowly and moves with the shifting wind. Shimmering on the pond surface happens intermittently, indicating agitation of the water surface, source unknown.
     Since there has been no major rainfall since the discovery of the pond, scientists surmise the source is groundwater. The local water table is at an elevation of about 590 m (1936 ft; the elevation changes slightly with time), as measured in a deep hole drilled in 1973 about 800 m (about half a mile) south of Halema‘uma‘u. The elevation of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u is about 520 m (1706 ft), 70 m (230 ft) lower than the nearby water table. It is probable that the 2018 eruption drew down the water table during the months of collapses. The water table is likely recovering now, and as it rises, water inundates low areas such as the crater floor.

Halemaʻumaʻu sports a hot pond - the first in recorded history - which is suspected to be filling from groundwater sources. 

USGS photo/ M. Patrick

     There is probably a bottom to the standing water, because heat in the plugged magma conduit below the floor of Halema‘uma‘u would boil away water at some depth. But as the conduit cools, the floor of standing water could move downward, deepening the water body from below as well as at the surface. If the body of water is think potential hazards during future eruptions are possible, an explosive scenario HVO scientists are "quite sure" has happened repeatedly in Kīlauea's past. Detailed study of textures of glass fragments in deposits some 400 years old provide evidence of water quenching, when a lava fountain has to push past layers of water.
     If the water body is thin, even rapidly rising magma would not create large explosions because of the small amount of steam generated. If, however, the water is several tens of meters (yards) deep, locally powerful explosions could ensue, probably not large enough to diminish public safety but perhaps big enough to create a nuisance ash fall during unfavorable wind direction.

     At present, state HVO scientists, monitoring data show no signs of impending eruption, and it could be years down the road before the next summit eruption happens.

     Learn more at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html.

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NĀʻĀLEHU HONGWANJI HOSTS BON DANCE AND TWILIGHT LANTERN PARADE tomorrow, for the first time in over a decade. The Celebration of Remembrance at the Buddhist Temple happens Saturday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Lantern Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. Taiko drums, Hachimaki headbands, saimin, teriyaki bowls, vegetable bowls, and fun for the whole family are on offer. All are welcome at the community celebration. Free. Temple President Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LARGE EARTHQUAKES and Hilina fault system is covered in Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. This week's article is by HVO geophysicist Ingrid Johanson:

     New research sheds light on relationship between Hilina fault system and large earthquakes.

     The pali (cliffs) of Kīlauea's south flank are some of the volcano’s most striking features. Reaching up to 500 m (1500 ft) high, they stand out against the otherwise gentle slopes of Hawaiʻi's most active shield volcano. These pali, including the Hilina Pali, the Holei Pali, and others, are often referred to as faults, and are together called the Hilina fault system. The faults form head-scarps; the above-ground evidence for a large landslide called the Hilina slump. 

     Offshore seismic reflection surveys – similar to doing an ultrasound on the earth – show rock and rubble layers consistent with the Hilina slump extending to about 4 km (2.5 mi) below the surface, and its leading edge to be about 22 km (13 mi) offshore. While the size of the slump and the possibility of catastrophic landslide can be alarming, the seismic reflection data also show that there is good news.

The Hilina Pali on Kīlauea Volcano's south flank is visible evidence of the steep Hilina fault system. Beneath this
system lies the flat-lying decollement fault that has no visible surface expression but was responsible 

for the May 4, 2018, magnitude-6.9 earthquake. USGS photo/Ingrid Johanson

     The good news is courtesy of the decollement fault below Kīlauea's south flank. The decollement fault is a nearly horizontal fault at the boundary of the original ocean floor and overlying volcanic rocks. It lies deeper below the surface than the Hilina slump, but although they are right on top of each other, current evidence shows that the two are not connected. Instead, the Hilina slump rides on top of the portion of the island moving with the decollement.

     It was the decollement fault that was responsible for last summer's magnitude-6.9 earthquake and for the magnitude-7.7 Kalapana earthquake in 1975. Slow movement on this fault is also responsible for moving the south flank steadily seaward and for episodic slow slip events that nudge the flank an additional several centimeters (just over an inch) farther every 3-4 years.

     When the decollement fault slips, the over-riding rocks move seaward and slightly up. Over many thousands of years, the slight upward motion has caused a ridge to form in the ocean floor where the fault approaches the surface. In 2003, scientists from Rice University concluded that this ridge acts as a backstop, making it more difficult for the large Hilina slump to slide. This is similar to how a bookend prevents books from sliding down a shelf.

     In this way, continued slip on the decollement helps prevent catastrophic landslides. However, decollement slip also produces large earthquakes that can affect the slump. In 1975, two faults in the Hilina fault system moved by over a meter (yard) during the magnitude-7.7 Kalapana earthquake. The magnitude-6.9 earthquake in 2018 resulted in a lot of questions from the public about whether it might trigger slump motion. However, in the days that followed, there was no evidence for widespread motion of the Hilina slump.

Hilina Slump. Map by Roger P. Denlinger and Julia K. Morgan

     Indeed, scientists recently reanalyzed deformation data on Kīlauea's south flank and found that only a few isolated portions of the Hilina fault system moved, mostly by less than a centimeter (half-inch). The only location with substantial movement during the earthquake, was a short (2.5 km, 1.5 mile) segment of a previously unmapped fault near the earthquake's epicenter.  Furthermore, data from the 17 years prior to the magnitude-6.9 earthquake showed no resolvable motion of the Hilina fault during that time period.

     Despite triggering motion on the pali, no catastrophic failure of the slump occurred in either 1975 or 2018. Plus, in 2018, motion is attributed to only the shallowest part of the slump, not the entire structure. This assures us that some motion can occur at the surface, without that motion continuing deeper in the slump and generating widespread failure.

     Taken all together, these observations suggest that movement on the Hilina fault system occurs only very occasionally and perhaps only together with the very largest earthquakes, like the 1975 Kalapana earthquake. The Hilina fault system certainly plays a role in Kīlauea's complex dynamics and understanding that role is important in order to know the full range of hazards on the volcano. The USGS HVO continues to monitor motion on Kīlauea's south flank to better determine the area's hazard potential.

     Volcano Activity Updates

     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL.

     The water level at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly rise. HVO is monitoring the pond closely, and under the current conditions, its presence in the crater has not increased the risk to public safety.

     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY.
     Two earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaii this past week: a magnitude-3.1 quake 6 km (4 mi) southwest of Kailua-Kona at 10 km (6 mi) depth on August 22 at 7:54 p.m., and a magnitude-4.2 quake 57 km (35 mi) southeast of Pāhala at 46 km (29 mi) depth on August 22 at 4:33 a.m.

     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through September

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Sat., Sept. 7, 2 p.m., HPA hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Sept. 14, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Wed., Sept. 4, 6 p.m., Christian Liberty hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 6, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Tue., Sept. 10, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kealakeha

Fri., Sept. 13, 6 p.m., Honokaʻa hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Waiakea hosts Kaʻū

Thu., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Cross Country:

Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

Sat., Sept. 7, 10 a.m., @Kamehameha

Fri., Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m., @HPA

Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

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.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Kaʻū Skate Club Garage Sale Fundraiser, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, at 92-1780 Aloha Blvd. in Ocean View. All proceeds go directly to Kaʻū Skate Club, which recently became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Ocean View, toward their goal of building a roller skating rink in OV. Contact Lzena Barrett, president of Kaʻū Skate Club, at (808)747-1147 or kauskateclub@gmail.com with questions or to help the skate club grow. kauskateclub.com

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Community Clean-up, Saturday, Aug. 31. Free; donations appreciated. Full – waitlist only; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required. 769-7629, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com

Food from Wood: Growing Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps, and Wood Chips with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Aug. 31, 9a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center and Shaka Forest Farms. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, includes take home shiitake and King Stropharia mushroom kits. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Paths and Trails, Sat., Aug. 31, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, 2-mile, hike. nps.gov/havo

Healing Through Words creative writing workshop with Dr. Heather Rivera, Saturday, Aug. 31, 10-11:30a.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Bon Dance Festival and Twilight Lantern Parade, Saturday, Aug. 31, 6-10p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Lantern Parade at 7:30 p.m. Taiko drums, Hachimaki headbands, saimin, teriyaki bowls, vegetable bowls, and fun for the whole family. First time the temple has held this event in over 10 years, a Celebration of Remembrance. All are welcome. Free. Temple President Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

Kaʻū Skate Club Garage Sale Fundraiser continues Sunday, Sept. 1 at 92-1780 Aloha Blvd. in Ocean View. All proceeds go directly to Kaʻū Skate Club, which recently became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Ocean View, toward their goal of building a roller skating rink in OV. Contact Lzena Barrett, president of Kaʻū Skate Club, at (808)747-1147 or kauskateclub@gmail.com with questions or to help the skate club grow. kauskateclub.com

Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Sept. 1, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Sept. 1 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, SEPT. 2

Empower Meeting, Monday, Sept. 2 and 16 – 1st and 2nd Monday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Sept. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, SEPT. 3

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Wildlife Recovery and Restoration, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses recovery and restoration efforts after the Keahou Fire which ignited near HVNP and burned nearly 4,000 acres in 2018. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammye Young, Wednesday, Sept. 4 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Sept. 5 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Registration Open: Finger Puppet, Thursday, Sept. 5-10, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Sept. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

Stewardship at the Summit, Sept. 6, 14, 20, and 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7

Child Passenger Safety Event, Saturday, Sept. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m at Nāʻāehu Community Center. Certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will be there to demonstrate proper car seat installation, selection, and usage. Seat Belt Fit tests will also be done on-site to demonstrate proper usage of booster seats. kipchawaii.org, safercar.gov/parents

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Sept. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

The Business of Art with Ira Ono - Full-Day Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 7, 9a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member. Bring personal art samples. See Ono's work at iraono.com. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Sounds at the Summit featuring Hawaiian Style Band, Saturday, Sept. 7, 5:30-7:30p.m., VolcanoArt Center. Multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning band. Doors open 5 p.m. Tickets, $20/VAC member, $25/non-member, available for purchase online. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING

Talk Action, Take Action Surveys Deadline is Saturday, Aug. 31. The surveys ask for information regarding 2018's Kīlauea eruption recovery. Hawaiʻi County residents are encouraged to take the surveys at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. Hard copies of the surveys can also be picked up at Council member offices, the Department of Research & Development, and the Planning Department. Unless one chooses to be contacted individually, the information from the surveys will be anonymous.

Applications for Grants to Steward PONC Protected Lands on Hawaiʻi Island are open through Friday, Aug. 31. In Kaʻū, areas of the Kahuku Coast, Kahua Olohu, and Kāwā Bay are eligible. Only 501(c)3 non-profits or organizations that operate under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 non-profit should apply.

     Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship%20Grant%20Request.pdf. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6, Hilo. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311.

Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4-7p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

Applications are Open for Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Nā‘ālehu and Wai‘ōhinu, at Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Limited space available. Pāhala and Miloliʻi Home Visits also available. Call 939-8573 for Nā‘ālehu,  929-8571 for Pāhala. pidfoundation.org

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sunday, Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

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.