Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Mauna Loa Observatory image from its webcam this evening, where the highest CO2 levels in human
history were recently recorded, setting off a new alarm about global warming. Image from Mauna Loa Observatory

GREENHOUSE GAS CARBON DIOXIDE has reached its highest concentration since humans evolved, according to conclusions drawn from measurements on May 11 at Mauna Loa Observatory. Mauna Loa hosts the oldest greenhouse gas measuring station, founded in 1958, alerting scientists worldwide to the threats of climate change.
     Scripps Institution of Oceanography chose Hawaiʻi Island to set up its station because of its distance from pollution on the Earth's continents. Vegetation, which can interfere with air quality tests, is sparse around Mauna Loa Observatory, making it one of the best scientific stations to measure CO2 on the planet. Dr. Charles Keeling, whose scientific research led to the discovery of global warming, is the namesake of the Keeling Building at Mauna Loa Observatory.

     Meteorologist Eric Hothouse said, "This is the first time in human history our planet's atmosphere has had more than 415 PPM CO2. Not just in recorded history, not just since the invention of agriculture 10,000 ears ago. Since before modern humans existed millions of years ago. We don't know a planet like this."
     Scientists conclude that human activity is causing the rise of CO2 levels and temperatures with the burning of fossil fuels. The C02 levels also reached this level some 2.5 to 5 million years ago during the Pliocene Epoch, when Arctic sea ice retreated.
     The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned last year that the planet could warm by 1.5 C by 2052 and 3 C by the end of 2200, making Earth a profoundly different place, with no coral reefs, massive extinctions, and destructive heat waves and wildfires. Some islands and coastal areas would become inhabitable. Limiting global warming to 1.5 C "would require rapid, far-reaching, and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society," said the report.
     The Mauna Loa atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements taken since 1958 constitute the largest continuous record of atmospheric CO2 available in the world, according to Scripps Institute

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Recent image of Kīlauea Crater captured by Big Island Video News from USGS film. 

A SHORT TIME FRAME TO FOREWARN THE NEXT ERUPTION of Kīlauea volcano is expected when – not if – it erupts again, report U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory scientists. Yesterday's weekly update on the active volcano confirms Kīlauea remains at NORMAL/GREEN status, and that it is not erupting.
     However, since early March, tiltmeters at the summit have recorded modest inflationary tilt. Over about the same time period, a GPS station within the 2018 collapse area recorded approximately 3 inches (5 cm) of uplift. Satellite radar data (InSAR) show "deformation consistent with inflation of the shallow Halemaʻumaʻu source, confirming the trends noted by both tiltmeters and GPS," said HVO. "One possible interpretation is that magma has begun to slowly accumulate within the shallow portion of the Kīlauea summit magma system, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) below ground level. Gas measurements have yet to indicate significant shallowing of large volumes of melt. HVO continues to carefully monitor gas output at the Kīlauea summit and East Rift Zone for important changes."
     Further east, GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with refilling of the deep East Rift Zone magmatic reservoir in the broad region between Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Highway 130, said HVO. This trend has been observed since the end of the 2018 eruption, said HVO, "and while its significance is unclear, monitoring data do not suggest any imminent change in volcanic hazard for this area."

Tiltmeter registration at Kīlauea summit over last two days. USGS image

     Monitoring data over the past nine months show "relatively low rates of seismicity, deformation, and sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit and East Rift Zone, including the area of the 2018 eruption," said HVO. No significant changes in volcanic activity were observed over the past week, and "generally low seismicity" continues across the volcano, with earthquakes occurring primarily in the summit and south flank regions.

     The largest Kīlauea earthquake over the past week was 2.9-magnitude near Keanakākoʻi Crater on May 11, at a depth of 3.1 km (1.9 miles) below ground level. USGS received 6 felt-reports for this event.
     HVO continues to closely monitor seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for any sign of increased activity at Kīlauea. HVO maintains visual surveillance of the volcano with web cameras and occasional field visits. HVO continues to issue a weekly update every Tuesday, and will issue additional messages as warranted by changing activity. HVO recommends Hawaiʻi residents be familiar with the long-term hazard map for Kīlauea Volcano, https://pubs.usgs.gov/mf/1992/2193/.

Fissure 8 lava fragments falling from the fountains built a 

cinder-and-spatter cone around the vent. USGS photo

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CHOOSING A HAWAIIAN NAME FOR FISSURE 8 and other geographic features created during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption moves forward tomorrow, Thursday, May 16, 5 p.m., at Pāhoa Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale Street. Open to the public, the meeting is led by the Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names, which will make the final decisions.
      The Board was formed by the 1974 Hawaiʻi Legislature. It is comprised of the chairs or their representatives for the state Board of Land & Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Department of Hawaiian Homelands; director of the Office of Planning; president of the University of Hawaiʻi; the State Land Surveyor; and director of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum.

     Name suggestions received by the board from the public include:

     Puʻu Leilani, Hill of Leilani, from Dale A. Smith.

     Puʻu ʻO ʻAilāʻau, Hill of Medicine or Healing, from Gary E. Smith.

     Keahiluawalu O Pele, from Mahealani Kaiwikuamoʻokekuaokalani-Henry, who said it comes from a dream given to her from "Papa and Waikea."

     Puʻu Kupaianaha, Hill of Surprise (also means strange, wonderful or marvelous), from Mele Stokesberry.

     Ahuʻailāʻau, Mound/shrine/altar/cairn of Hawaiʻi, "deity for the volcano and lava; predates Pelehonuamea," from Kalani Makekau-Whittaker, on behalf of Piʻilani Kaʻawaloa, Keone Kalawe, and Lei Kaleimamahu.

     Puʻu ʻO Luku, Hill of Destruction, from Rick LaMontagne.

     Hanaiaʻna Enoho Hou Hoʻomaka, Creation Regeneration New Beginnings, from Feeyah Hutchinson.

The tallest lava fountain during the 2018 LERZ eruption was Fissure 8, but others of the total 24 fissures 

spouted gasses and lava. USGS photo

     Keahilapalapa, spreading or blazing fire, from Vanessa Lee-Miller.

     Kekohehoʻohenonohoikalaʻiop unapaiaʻalaikahala, cherished crease occupying the calm of Puna of the forest bower fragrant with pandanus, from D. Leilehua Yuen. She said it could be shortened to Kekohe or Kekoheopuna.

     Ke Ahi ʻEnaʻena, Raging Fire, from Hannah Hana Pau.

     Luana-Lani, because Fissure 8 is at the intersection of Luana and Leilani Avenue, from RJ Quiocho.

Fountains from Fissure 8 spatter cone supplied lava to an 

open, braided channel that went all the way to the ocean, 

and was as much as 300 meters wide. USGS photo

     Papalauahi, which means smoked. The name, from Larry Kimura, would be for the entire 24 fissure volcanic eruption area. He said it is the traditional name for the location.

     Pōhāhā, Lightning, from Kainana Francisco and Drew Kapp.

     Pohākaʻena, Exploding Rage, from Hannah Hana Pau. She said "It was not only an angry flow, it was exploding in rage. Its enormous body mass moved with a vengeance of insatiable appetite, devouring forests, consuming homes, swallowing an entire lake, and belching forth lava bombs. Its aftermath - devastating."

     See more on Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names, and the list, at planning.hawaii.gov/gis/hbgn/.

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A BAN ON ABORTION UNDER MOST CIRCUMSTANCES, signed into law today by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, brought strong response from Sen. Mazie Hirono. The law makes abortion at any time an illegal act, with the exceptions of when the mother's life is in danger from the pregnancy, in cases of ectopic pregnancy, and when the "unborn child has a lethal anomaly." There are no exceptions made for cases of pregnancy by incest or rape. Doctors who perform abortions outside those exceptions face up to 99 years in prison.

     Hirono states the law "is a direct attack on Roe v. Wade and a woman's constitutional right to choose, and it's just the latest move in Republicans' war on women."

     She charged that Republican men are "abusing their power in a quest to turn back the clock on women's rights, threatening millions of women's lives, health, and safety by returning us to the days of back-alley abortions – the battles we fought so long and hard to win don't stay won.

     "I will continue to fight to stop the GOP from overturning Roe v. Wade and eliminating a woman's right to choose. In this moment, we need all the support we can get… Together, let's rise up and show these Republican lawmakers they don't know who they're messing with." She urges a donation to Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

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SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KAʻŪ HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY start with Uplink All-Stars on Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

     For high school students, Early College runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

     Open to all people under age 18, the Seamless Summer Program offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays in the school cafeteria. No registration required.

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

BASIC HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, a two-day course, is held in Pāhala at Kaʻū District Gym on Friday, June 28 from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 29 from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register for the free program, presented by Hawaiʻi Department of  Land and Natural Resources, no later than Friday, June 14. Space is limited. For ages ten and up. Valid Id or birth certificate for youth; full name, including middle initial; mailing address; date of birth; and telephone number.

     To register or for more information, call (808) 887-6050, and use code KAU.

TODDLER AND PRE-K STORY TIME with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me happens at Pāhala Public and School Library on Wednesday, May 22 at 10:30a.m. The free event includes a craft activity.

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UPCOMING

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, May 16, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Family Reading Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Each grade will perform a one-act murder mystery. Free admission, donations welcome. Park entrance fees may apply. volcanoschool.net

SATURDAY, MAY 18
Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday and Sunday, May 18, 25, and June 1 and 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko – Kumu Hula Wahineaukai Mercado with haumana (students) of Ke Ana La‘ahana Public Charter School, Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #1, Saturday, May 18, noon – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hand-build porcelain ceramic tea bowls with Volcano artist and tea farmer Chiu Leong. Includes history of tea bowl culture and brief overview of local tea farming by Eva Lee. Focused cupping, tasting and education on Hawaii grown white teas. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser on August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series; #2 set for May 18, #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop, $25 each. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Ka‘ū Little League Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Terraces, 92-1885 Princess Ka‘iulani Blvd., Ocean View. Lopaka Rootz and D-Tech Solutions, live. Tickets, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, plus can of food at entry. Sponsored by Criminal Justice Solutions and Kahuku Park Block Watch. Gabe Morales, gcmorales2020@gmail.com, Kathi Griffeth, kathiegriffeth@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 20

Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Monday, May 20 (Committees), Tuesday, May 21, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING

Paving work on South Point Road continues daily, weather permitting, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through tomorrow. On Thursday, paving will be the north bound lane of Hwy 11 to Kamāʻoa Road. The south bound lane will already be paved, according to a statement form the County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works Highway Maintenance Division.

     All vehicles needing access must take a detour from Hwy 11 to Kamā‘oa Rd. South Point Road will be open to local traffic only. Traffic pattern may change depending on conditions.

     Motorists are advised to drive with caution as heavy vehicles will be in the work zone. Signs will be posted on Highway 11 advising motorists of the roadwork and traffic control personnel will be posted in the area to facilitate traffic movement. 

      The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community for their patience and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns, please call the Highway Maintenance Division at 961-8349.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.

Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo

2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum.
HIMF photo

     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
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