Saturday, March 16, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, March 16, 2019

Kaʻū High National Honor Society welcomed ten new members this week.
See story, belowPhoto from David Brooks/Harry McIntosh
WHITE NATIONALIST TERRORISM in New Zealand on Friday drew action from Sen. Mazie Hirono and Gov. David Ige.
     Hirono spoke with the U. S. Ambassador to New Zealand Rosemary Banks to "offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the people of New Zealand. We all must join together to condemn this senseless act of terrorism and stand up to bigotry and hatred in all its forms." Said Hirono, "We know that white supremacist, extremist terrorism is on the rise. But @realDonaldTrump refuses to recognize it. He knows the language that he uses is harmful, that's why he does it - to animate his base."
     Gov. David Ige said, "Our hearts are heavy with grief for New Zealand. Dawn and I and the people of Hawaiʻi send our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all who are affected around the world by this mindless attack. We stand with all New Zealanders and send our aloha."
     Fifty people died after a self-described 28-year old white supremacist from Australia opened fire on worshipers in two mosques in Christ Church, New Zealand. Another 50 victims remained in hospitals today.
     New Zealand and Hawaiʻi are within the Polynesian Triangle. Hawaiʻi maintains strong ties with New Zealand, especially among those of the Maori and Native Hawaiian communities. Many educational connections thrive with the universities and the revival of the native Maori and Hawaiian arts, dance, and language teachings in the schools. New Zealand is known for its aroha and Hawaiʻi for its aloha.

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"REPUBLICANS REALLY ARE COMING AFTER YOUR HEALTH CARE," said Hawaiʻi's Sen. Brian Schatz, who delivered the national Democratic Address on Saturday morning. The weekly speech, hosted by the Democratic Party, is a tradition of both Republicans and Democrats. It responds to the Address of the President, weekly since the presidency of Ronald Reagan, and intermittent since Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt started it. However, Pres. Donald Trump discontinued the Weekly Address of the President in 2018.
Sen. Brian Schatz. Photo from Schatz's Facebook
     In spite of the absence of the Weekly Address of the President, the Democrats continue. This morning, Schatz proclaimed, "Republicans are all about tax cuts and paying for it by cutting health care." He said that Trump's budget proposal would cut $1.5 trillion for Medicaid and $845 billion for Medicare. These add up to $2.3 trillion, about the same as tax cuts given to corporations and "the wealthiest Americans" last year. He said Trump is trying to make up for the tax cuts "by coming after your health care."
     Schatz called other Trump budget cuts "totally unacceptable": $25 billion from Social Security, $207 billion from federal student loan programs, $220 billion from programs that feed the poor, and "one-third of the entire budget of the Environmental Protection Agency."
     Said Schatz, "Democrats want to expand health care coverage, invest in students, and protect the air we breathe and the water that we drink. It's that simple."

A celebratory cake with butterflies graced the
National Honor Society inductee potluck table.
Photo from David Brooks/Harry McIntosh
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KAʻŪ HIGH NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY welcomed ten new members to its roster Thursday evening. National Honor Society membership recognizes four traits of scholarship: a minimum 3.2 GPA; service in selfless actions that help others; leadership; and character.
     Kaʻū High School principal Sharon Beck said all four are important; character spearheads the others.
     Inductees are: Crystal Jane Velasco, Destenie Alani Horan, Gabrielle Anne Santos, Alyana Malpal, Emalia Tiner, Angelica Felipe, Terree Oyama, Melinda Eder, David Moskalenko, and Mandy Crabbe-Jones. Other members are junior Maliah Ababa and graduating seniors Jennifer Abalos, Aaron Delos Santos, Bennen Nishimura, Therese Pascua, Justine Rosario, and Kianne Mederos Dancel. Advisor is David Brooks.
     Family and friends of National Honor Society members attended.
     Brooks congratulated the new inductees, and wished "best of luck to the graduating seniors who will be heading off to university or service in the US military."
Kaʻū High's newest National Honor Society members: Krystal Jane Velasco, Destenie Alani Horan, Gabrielle
Anne Santos, Alyana Malpal, Emalia Tiner, Angelica Felipe, Melinda Eder, Mandy Crabbe-Jones,
Terree Oyama, and David Moskalenko. Photos from David Brooks/Harry McIntosh

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THIS WEEK'S MAGNITUDE 5.5 M EARTHQUAKE IS A BUMP IN THE NIGHT, reports Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     Early Wednesday morning, just before 1 a.m. on March 13, houses in east Hawaiʻi began to shake. Without a doubt, it was an earthquake. To those who endured the near-daily shaking from last summer's collapse events at Kīlauea's summit, this week's earthquake was clearly different.
     Geophysicists from the USGS HVO quickly verified that the earthquake did not originate from beneath Kīlauea Volcano's summit region. Rather, the earthquake was centered 12 km (roughly 7 miles) south-southeast of Volcano Village, at a depth of 7 km (~4 miles) below sea-level. HVO reported the earthquake's magnitude as M5.5.
Map of selected earthquakes beneath a portion of southeast Hawaiʻi from May 4, 2018, to March 14, 2019, showing 
principally aftershocks following May 4, 2018, M6.9 earthquake. Black dots indicate epicenters of 13,083 earthquakes 
located during this time interval; yellow stars show locations of the M6.9 earthquake and the March 13, 2019 M5.5
 earthquake. Data source: USGS HVO
     Earthquakes at this location and depth in Hawaiʻi are due to movement along a decollement or detachment fault which separates the top of the original oceanic crust from the pile of volcanic rock that has built up to form the Island of Hawaiʻi. This is the same fault that was responsible for last May's M6.9 earthquake.
     The first earthquake in Hawaiʻi that scientists associated with decollement faulting was arguably the M7.7 earthquake in November 1975, Hawaiʻi's largest earthquake in the past century. The great Kaʻū earthquake beneath Mauna Loa's southeast flank in 1868 has also been interpreted as a result of decollement faulting. This is in part because the decollement is the only fault large enough to produce such a high-magnitude earthquake.
The 6.9M earthquake on May 4, 2018, indicated by the
orange star, was felt as far away as Oʻahu. USGS map
     Wednesday's M5.5 earthquake is, to date, the largest event among the thousands of earthquakes considered aftershocks of last May's M6.9. The aftershock sequence following the 1975 earthquake lasted roughly a decade, and it is generally understood that aftershock sequences could include earthquakes as large as one magnitude unit lower than the mainshock magnitude.
     In this regard, while not strictly predictable, this M5.5 was expected.  And, we expect aftershocks to persist for several more years.
     Importantly, though, this week's earthquake does not signal an increase in volcanic activity. Instead, it is part of an evolution of Kīlauea seismicity back to more typical levels.
     HVO's seismographic network has expanded and improved since 1975. Studies of the 2018 M6.9 earthquake show the extent of earthquake fault movement to underlie a large portion of the island’s southeast coast. This is quite similar to the model computed for the 1975 earthquake developed with more limited observations.
     Besides scientific interest in understanding how faults move during earthquakes, these models of fault rupture factor into considerations of possible tsunami generation and other earthquake impacts.
     The timing of the events in 2018 – the draining of Puʻu ʻŌʻō on April 30, the migration of earthquakes from Puʻu ʻŌʻō to Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone and breakout of lava in Leilani Estates on May 3, the M6.9 earthquake on May 4 and subsequent collapse of the floor of Kīlauea Caldera – suggests connections between and among these processes. Much of HVO's work now is focused on describing these connections to much greater detail. As one of our colleagues wrote several months ago, our ultimate challenge is to understand what Kīlauea will do next https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_volcano_watch.html?vwid=1393.
Foreshocks and aftershocks of the May 4, 2018, earthquake. NOAA map
     For example, further seismological modeling offers insights into how the M6.9 earthquake rupture progressed in time and space along the decollement.  This relates to redistribution of stresses beneath Kīlauea's southeast flank due to the earthquake. The impacts of these stress changes on the rift zone and how magma was supplied to lower East Rift Zone eruption of 2018 remain to be studied.
     Because of the overwhelming numbers of earthquakes recorded between April and August 2018, much of the continuing aftershock sequence awaits detailed review and analysis. As with any earthquake, the locations and the timing of the earthquakes will provide our first clues of why they happened. They will also help us piece together other important details of Kīlauea's awesome 2018 sequence. 
Activity Update
     Kīlauea is not erupting. Rates of seismicitydeformation, and gas release have not changed significantly over the past week. Deformation signals are consistent with refilling of Kīlauea Volcano's deep East Rift Zone magma reservoir. Sulfur dioxide emission rates on the ERZ and at Kīlauea's summit remain low.
     USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL.
     Visit hvo.wr.usgs.gov for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates and other volcano status reports, current volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more; call (808) 967-8862 for a recorded Kīlauea summary update; email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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KAʻŪ BOYS VOLLEYBALL fought hard against larger school Waiakea Friday, March 15. Kaʻū scored 4 in the first set, 10 in the second, and 8 in the third, with guests Waiakea at 25 for each set. Come to home games – see list below – to support the Trojans.

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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
Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m., @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., host Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe
Softball:
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m., host Honokaʻa
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe
Boys Volleyball:
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m., @Kealakehe
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m., host Kohala, Varsity
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea
Track:
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 30, 3 p.m., @Keaʻau
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

JUST ANNOUNCED
KEIKI, AGES 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD, INVITED TO ATTEND READ TO ME, a performing arts program in Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room on Tuesdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open registration.
     For more, contact Recreation Director Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. Ka‘ū District Gym is located on the Ka‘ū High School campus on Kamani Street in Pāhala. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours of operation.

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UPCOMING
MONDAY, MARCH 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, March 18, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Tuesday, March 19, RSVP in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station Community Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Discussion will focus on closing the station one additional day per week, bringing open days to three. See more on recycling and solid waste at hawaiizerowaste.org and hawaiicounty.gov/dem-solidwaste-division.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, March 20, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Family Reading Night, Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

PiYo Live Classes, Thursday, March 21 and every Thursday after, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Low-impact Pilates and yoga-inspired workout to improve core strength, flexibility, and balance. Bring mat and water. Shoes optional. Donations welcome. Sara, 520-389-0620

Poetry Reading with Joe Harrington and Susan Schultz, Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 22
Rummage Sale, Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Center. Food and refreshments available. Donations accepted March 20 and 21, 8a.m.-4p.m., Discovery Harbour Fire Station. No clothes accepted. All tools and appliances in good working condition. Call for pick-up of bulky/large items. Tom Reis, 503-260-6187, or Ken Shisler, 410-299-5359.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23
Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting w/Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection with Tom Peek, Saturday, March 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Second Chance Prom, Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. to 10p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to adults. Register March 1-20. $25/person. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING
Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through Sunday, March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.
     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience. Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.

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