Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Mauna Loa, the long mountain and active volcano where most of Kaʻū is located is under an advisory for
volcanic activity issued by the U.S. Geological Survey. Photo by JW Frank/NPS
AN ADVISORY ALERT FOR MAUNA LOA VOLCANO was issued today by the U.S. Geological Service's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. For the past several months, earthquake and ground deformation rates at Mauna Loa have exceeded long term background levels. According to HVO scientists, this indicates changes in the shallow magma storage system at Mauna Loa.
     HVO raised the alert level from NORMAL to ADVISORY and the aviation color code from green to yellow. HVO will issue updates on Mauna Loa weekly.
     HVO explains that "days or weeks prior to an eruption, monitoring instruments will detect signs of an increased potential for eruption. These signs could include further increases in rates of earthquakes and ground deformation, increases in the sizes of earthquakes, an increase in surface temperatures, or an increase in visible steam plumes or sulfur dioxide emissions. However, it is also possible that the timeframe to eruption could be shorter - hours to days. All communities on the flanks of the volcano should be prepared."
A thermal camera on the edge of Mokuʻaweoweo Crater at the summit of Mauna Loa keeps track of
volcanic activity which led to an ADVISORY alert today and a yellow code for aviation. USGS photo
     Following a significant earthquake swarm in October 2018, HVO seismic stations have recorded an average of at least 50 shallow, small-magnitude earthquakes per week beneath Mauna Loa's summit, upper Southwest Rift Zone, and upper west flank. This compares to a rate of fewer than 20 per week in the first half of 2018. Shallow earthquakes are occurring in locations similar to those that preceded Mauna Loa's most recent eruptions, in 1975 and 1984.
     During this same time period, GPS instrumentation and satellite radar have measured ground deformation consistent with renewed recharge of the volcano's shallow magma storage system. The current rate and pattern of ground deformation is similar to that measured during inflation of Mauna Loa in 2005 and again from 2014 - 2018.

Instrumentation on the top of Mauna Loa will help to provide updates on the status of volcanic activity. NPS Photo
     Together, these observations indicate the volcano is no longer at a background level of activity.An eruption is not imminent and current rates are not cause for alarm. A similar increase in activity occurred between 2014 and 2018 and no eruption occurred.
     HVO states it is possible that current low-level unrest will continue and vary in intensity for many months, or even years, without an eruption – or that the current unrest is an early precursor to an eventual eruption. "At this time, we cannot determine which of these possibilities is more likely," states HVO.
     HVO continues to monitor the volcano closely and promises to report any significant changes.            HVO is in close touch with Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and other agencies responsible for public safety.
Mana Ke and Merle Becker, representing Lanaʻi.
Photo by Leilani Esperanza
     Stay informed about Mauna Loa by following volcano updates and tracking current monitoring data on the HVO web page hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/maunaloa
status.php or by signing up to receive updates by email at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns. Alert levels and aviation color codes are explained at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html.

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THE KAʻŪ MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY led by Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka organized horses and riders for the annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday in Nāʻālehu. Horses carried princesses and escorts in honor of each island.
     Pā‘ū riders, a woman and her escort each, represented one of the eight main islands in their signature colors – red for Hawaiʻi, pink for Maui, gray for Kahoʻolawe, orange for Lanaʻi, green for Molokaʻi, yellow for Oʻahu, purple for Kauaʻi, and white and brown for Niʻihau. Flag bearers on horseback led the procession of the islands.
Ricky Souza and Teʻani Souza, representing Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo by Leilani Esperanza
     Lori-Lee Lorenzo, who rode for Kauaʻi in the parade, reports that Vierra and Kuluwaimaka helped to bring the tradition back into the parade in 2008 and have "organized, set up, and run the Pāʻū Riders participation every year."
     Also helping with horses were Merle and Phil Becker of Aikane Plantation; Lani and Bill Petrie of Kapapala Ranch; the Lorenzo family; the Souza family; the Derrasin, Wong, Hanoa Family; and the Frank and Claudia Lawrence family.
     See more on the parade in recent and upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs and the July print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar.

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HURRICANE BARBARA became the first Major Hurricane of the season today, reaching a Category 5 status. She was less than 2,100 miles east southeast of Hawaiʻi at 5 p.m., traveling west northwest at 14 miles per hour, with 155 mph winds.
Richard Souza and Kamalani Salmo, representing Kahoʻolawe. 
Photo by Leilani Esperanza
     However, Barbara is forecast to be downgraded to a tropical storm by Saturday, around the same time she passes from the Eastern Pacific into the Central Pacific. Forecasts indicate Hawaiʻi, especially east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island, may see some effects from the storm.

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PROVIDING AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING "has been a top priority for Hawaiʻi lawmakers and with the signing of House Bill 1312 by Governor David Ige today, the state has move a step closer to that goal," says a statement from the state House of Representatives.
Ikaika Derrasin and Makela Akana, representing Maui.
Photo by Leilani Esperanza
ion
     HB1312 HD1 SD1 CD1 authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates $50 million each in 2019 and 2020 into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. This is in addition to the $35 -$38 million from the conveyance tax that is placed annually into the RHRF, bringing the total appropriation to about $170 million for two fiscal years.
     "By passing and signing this bill, the Legislature and the Governor continue their resolve to address Hawaiʻi's affordable rental housing crisis for the whole spectrum of local households," said House Majority Leader Della Au Belatti. "We now look forward to working with the state housing agencies and developers to get projects moving through the pipeline and built for our residents."
     In 2018, the Legislature passed an historic and comprehensive housing measure to create more affordable housing by putting $200 million into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. This year, HB1312 builds on that commitment and coupled with prior legislative funding initiatives, more than $350 million will have gone into the RHRF from fiscal year 2016-17 through 2020-21.
Aislynn Mandaloniz and Makana Gravela, representing Molokaʻi. 
Photo by Peter Anderson
     "According to the Hawai'i Housing and Finance Development Corporation, the more funding that is made available emboldens developers to be more aggressive with the scope of their projects, and the confidence to move forward on such plans," Belatti said.

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DETAILS ON FIREWORKS PERMITS have been issued by the Hawaiʻʻi County Fire Department. Permits can be purchased through Thursday, July 4 at 8 p.m. Fireworks may be set off only on Thursday, July 4, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers. Public firework displays will be at 8 p.m. on July 4, at Hilo Bay, Kona Bay, and at Queens' Marketplace in Waikoloa.
Ikaika Grace and Lori Lee Lorenzo, representing Kauaʻi.
Photo by Peter Anderson
     Each fireworks permit entitles the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits are issued to those 18 years or older. They are non-transferable and non-refundable. The $25 permits are available at Phantom Fireworks Tents in Hilo at Walmart Center and at Kona Commons Shopping Center; Fire Administration in Hilo, County Building, 25 Aupuni St., through Wednesday, July 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Fire Administration Kona, West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, 2nd floor, through Wednesday, July 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     The Fire Department issued a statement asking the public to help prevent fireworks-caused fires and injuries by having a connected water hose or fire extinguisher readily available on the 4th. Wet down surrounding brush prior to setting off fireworks. Set fireworks off in areas away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials. Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.
     HFD reminds the public that children playing with firework must be under adult supervision at all times as "even the smallest of firework can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries."
Laʻa Ke and Elaine Togami, representing Oʻahu. Photo by Peter Anderson
    HFD states it is illegal to offer for sale, sell, or give any firework to minors, and for any minor to possess, sell, set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firework, except under the immediate supervision of an adult. So is removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework or throwing a firework from a vehicle. Aerial Luminary Devices such as Sky Lanterns and Hawai‘i Lanterns are illegal. It is illegal to set off any firework outside of permitted hours; within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly, or animal hospital; in or on any school building or property; on any highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or other public way; in any park; or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held. This includes Hilo Bayfront and Liliuokalani Park areas.
     HFD will collect un-used and unwanted fireworks following July 4. Anyone interested in disposing of any firework, including Aerial Luminary Devices, with amnesty, should call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911. Fi
reworks are not accepted for drop-off at local fire stations.
     For more on firework permits, disposal, and safe use, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911.

Frank Lorenzo and Raylynne Welker, representing Niʻihau. Photo by Leilani Esperanza
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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Early Head Start, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Stacey Kapuaikapolipele Ka‘au‘a, Wednesday, July 3 – 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, JULY 
July 4th Breakfast Buffet, Thursday, July 4, 6:30-11a.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Includes: Waffles with Toppings, Omelet Station, Meats, Breakfast Potatoes, Steam Rice, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Baked Breads, and a beverage. $12.50/Adults, $6.50/Child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair, Thursday, July 4, parade starts 9a.m., festival and craft fair at Cooper Center until 1:30p.m. Parade starts at Volcano Post Office, down Old Volcano Road, up Wright Road, and ends at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Free entry to activities, food, entertainment. Sponsored by Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center Council. Leashed dogs allowed. Parade entry form at volcanocommunity.org. Vendor application at thecoopercenter.org, email to idoaloha@gmail.com. Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8a.m.-5p.m.

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, July 4 and 18 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9-10:30a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

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

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JULY 
Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association 42nd Annual 4th of July Buckle Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7. Slack starts 8a.m., show starts noon, at rodeo grounds behind Nā‘ālehu Park. Tickets available at gate, $8/person. Pre-sale tickets available $7/person around town from Rodeo Queen contestants. Ralph or Tammy, 929-8079

Stewardship at the Summit, July 6, 12, 20, and 26, 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 under 18 yrs. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

Edible Landscaping for Backyards and Beyond with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, July 6, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. Learn how to transform lanai and lawn, field and fence into an abundant oasis of edible and multifunctional plants. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. Class size limited; register early. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Alternative Handbuilding - East African Pottery with Erik Wold, Saturday, July 6 through August 31, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class August 24. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Cartouches with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, July 6, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no experience necessary. Potluck - bring dish to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, July 6 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, JULY 7
Postcards from the Edge - Painting Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Alice Leese, Sunday, July 7, 10a.m.-noon, edge of Kīlauea, behind Volcano House. Meet and paint with Leese. Limited to 12 people. Attendees receive a postcard-sized blank canvas but must bring their own paints and a small travel easel. $75/person includes lunch at Volcano House. Register, fhvnp.org/events/postcards-from-the-edge-painting-workshop-with-artist-in-residence-alice-leese. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, July 7 to Sept. 1, morning session 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m., or afternoon session 2:45-5:45p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class Aug. 25. Eight wheel-thrower and three hand builder slots per session. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee, per 8-week session. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, July 7 – 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/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, JULY 8
Head Coaches Wanted for Ka‘ū High School, 2019-2020: Coed Judo, Coed Swimming, and Boys Basketball. Applications due Monday, July 8 - pick up at school office weekdays, 8a.m.-4p.m. Must pass criminal background check. Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, 313-4161

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, July 8, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Monday, July 8 (Committees), Tuesday, July 9 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Couples Dinner, Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 4:30-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Followed by Couples Engagement, 6-8p.m. Hosted by Ocean View Baptist Church. Open to the public.

TUESDAY, JULY 9
Flameworking - An Introductory Class with Nash Adams-Pruitt, Tuesday, July 9, 5-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $75/VAC member, $80/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited. Register early. Advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park - New Insights from Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tuesday, July 9, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Matt Patrick describes expected and unexpected aspects of the eruption and how the activity might be used to improve his and other scientists' ability to forecast future hazards on Kīlauea. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair happens Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road, and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center Council, Volcano Community Association, and more. To be in the parade, download the entry form at volcanocommunity.org and email to vcainfo@yahoo.com. Vendors, download applications at thecoopercenter.org and email to idoaloha@gmail.com, or call Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Head Coaches for Coed Judo, Coed Swimming, and Boys Basketball are wanted by Kaʻū High School for the 2019-2020 school year. Applications, due Monday, July 8, can be picked up at the school office weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches hired by Hawaiʻi Department of Education are required to pass a criminal background check. Contact Kaʻū High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 313-4161 with questions.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may 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.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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