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Friday, August 02, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, August 2, 2019

Streams and gulches overflowed in Wood Valley this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

TROPICAL STORM ERICK POURED THROUGH Kaʻū today, dumping more than three inches of rain above Pāhala and overflowing streams and gulches in Wood Valley. Kaʻū Farm Bureau President Phil Becker said Erick "made a mess and made it hard to get anything done." Only minor damage to waterways was reported. Wood Valley Road was flooded at the ford for several hours this morning.
     By late afternoon, the Flash Flood Watch and Advisory were canceled. High Surf Warning for south facing shores are cancelled, and Whittington and Punaluʻu Beach Parks, and South Point Road, reopened. Tropical Storm Erick, at 5 p.m., was more than 250 miles west southwest of South Point, continuing to weaken. It is expected to have no more effect on Hawaiʻi Island after tonight.
     Camping permits and pavilion reservations, put on hold at Punaluʻu and Whittington during Erick's approach, will not be honored until Monday; by then, Tropical Storm Flossie could be in the area to extend the closure. At 5 p.m., Flossie was about 1,000 miles from South Point, with 60 mph winds, moving at 17 mph. She is expected to turn north, away from Kaʻū, before arriving at Hawaiʻi Island late on Sunday. High winds are expected, starting midday Sunday.
     A High Wind Advisory is in effect for the entire island. The High Surf warning for east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island is in effect through this evening.
     Officials and forecasters remind the public that tropical storms can cause wind, rain, and surf damage, and to be prepared with at least 14 days of food, water, and other necessary supplies.
Flowing water from Tropical Storm Erick blocks Wood Valley Road for a father and daughter who look at
the turbulence this morning. Photo by Julia Neal
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UH BOARD OF REGENTS WILL STUDY MAUNAKEA MANAGEMENT with a task force. It will be tasked with assessing University of Hawaiʻi's  management of the mauna, which has gained international attention with the Kiaʻi, Protectors of Maunakea, making a stand to block the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
     The "permitted interaction group" meetings won't be public, and there will be no record of what is discussed. The six members will be selected in a public meeting, report to the full board in a public meeting, and any action will be decided in a public meeting separate from the first and second. There is no deadline given for this reporting.
Erick passes over Kaʻū, heading west, while Flossie approaches. Image from nhc.noaa.gov
     Today's meeting of the UH regents was crowded, as many supporters of TMT attended. Though TMT was not on the agenda, it took up much of the five-hour meeting, reported Hawaiʻi News Now.
     UH Prof. Kaleikoa Kaeo testified that UH Pres. David Lassner should resign over the arrest of kūpuna and others while protesting, reported HNN. "I challenge Mr. Lassner to a public debate on whether or not this institution is a system of racism."
     HNN reported Lassner saying that he has no plans to resign. "I know there are a lot of people, friends disappointed in me from their perspective. They wish I had gone another way. I also have many friends and community members who are incredibly supportive."
     UH professor Cynthia Franklin said regents should be meeting "to stop TMT" rather than setting up a task force. She asked, "How can you do anything at this point other than apologize to the people?"
Hawaiʻi Island is out of danger from Erick, but Flossie threatens with more rain, wind, and high surf.
Image from nhc.noaa.gov
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LEGISLATION PROMOTING NATIVE PLANT USE, RESEARCH, AND PROTECTION was introduced to the U.S. Senate on Wednesday by Sen. Mazie Hirono. The Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act would "encourage federal land management agencies to hire botanists; establish a collaborative grant program to support efforts to keep rare plant species from becoming endangered and help endangered plant species recover; and proactively encourage the use of native plants in projects on federal land when feasible."
     Said Hirono, "Hawaiʻi is home to over one thousand native plant species, and nearly 90 percent of those are found nowhere else in the world. Without these plants, our communities and our ecosystems face serious economic and ecological consequences. This bill would provide federal, state, and local land management entities the tools and resources they need to further protect native plant species and ensure the wellbeing of these plants for generations to come."
     Dustin Wolkis, Seed Bank and Laboratory Manager, Department of Science and Conservation, National Tropical Botanical Garden, said, "As a plant scientist working to conserve rare Hawaiian plants, securing funding for my work can be difficult. Increasing research capacity through competitive grants will help fund the much-needed research to adequately conserve plant biodiversity. This bill seeks to overcome 'plant blindness' by raising awareness and increase funding for the conservation of plant species."
     Debbie Edwards, President of The Garden Club of America, said, "In today's world, the need for using native plants to promote vibrant ecosystems which are drought resistant, wild fire resistant, and resilient has never been greater. Measures such as Senator Hirono's legislation will help move us in this direction and promote intelligent, cost-effective land management practices."
     The full text of the bill is available here. A one page summary and section-by-section breakdown of the bill is available here and here.

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Telehealth is expanding across Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo from Big Island Video News
ENDORCHINOLOGY CLINIC at Hilo Medical Center is now accessible to established Telehealth patients of the Hawaiʻi Island Family Health Center the second Wednesday of every month, says a release from Hilo Medical Center. Dr. Jaime Parra (first year intern); Tara Wilson, RN (Nurse Manager); Briana Fiesta, CMA; Dr. Antoinette Moore (2nd year resident); and Dr. Ann Marie Busick (Telehealth Endocrinologist) conducted the first telehealth appointment.
     Endocrinology addresses the many hormone systems in the body, including those that are involve with reproduction, the automatic nervous system, how insulin is regulated, and more.
     The schedule has the potential for expansion. Access to endocrinology is the latest in telehealth services that include telepsychiatry – addressing behavioral health – and telenephrology – addressing the health of kidneys.

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PLAY PICKLEBALL at Kīlauea Military Camp's new pickleball courts in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Aug. 24 and 25, starting at 9 a.m. The courts are open to all skill levels. Players will play with those of similar ability. No military ID is required to enjoy the courts, restaurants, and lodging.  For more information, contact Jim Buck at kilaueajimmy@gmail.com.
     Play pickleball on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cooper Center (2 courts) and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon at KMC (4 courts).

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Aerial view of Halema'uma'u at the summit of Kīlauea taken during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on 
Aug. 1. The small green patch visible at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u is a new pond forming at the lowest point of the crater. 
The pond is at about 525 m (about 1722 ft) elevation. USGS photo by S. Conway
WATER OR NO WATER ON HALEMAʻUMAʻUMA`U'S FLOOR? That is the question in this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist emeritus Don Swanson:
     USGS HVO scientists usually base their research on observations, either visual or instrumental. Interpretations come from these observations, so they must be as good as possible. Incorrect observations can, and have, led to erroneous interpretations.
     But what if an observation is tempting but unverified? In that case, it's time to hold the interpretations until the observation can be shown to be correct or incorrect.
     On July 25, 2019, I was enjoying my birthday when a friend sent an e-mail asking if HVO knew about water on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u. Talk about a surprise! The friend's friend, a helicopter pilot, later sent a photo that showed a possible green pond on the crater floor and provided an oral account of it as being "about as large as a pickup truck."
     The next day, observers in the helicopter, which was collecting lidar data of Kīlauea Volcano's caldera, provided another photo. They said the smooth green patch looked like water, but they had seen no reflection from its surface.
     Then, on July 30, a passenger in a different helicopter took a photo from a high altitude that showed a similar feature. This photo was posted on social media with a brief commentary.
     So, is water at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u – or not? Everyone agreed that the photos could well show water, but could the green patch be something else?
     Another possibility is that the smooth, green color comes from a flat surface underlain by ash or rock-fall dust blown from the wall of Halema‘uma‘u and trapped in the bottom of the crater. The green color could result from sulfur minerals or algae. A weak point of this idea is that large rocks adjacent to the supposed pond are not coated with ash, much less green ash.
     HVO received several inquiries about the photographs and the possibility that they show water in the crater. Water was on everyone's mind, and rightly so. But Halema‘uma‘u has never had a pond of water since written observations began, so the presence of a pond would be unusual.
Telephoto views of water in the bottom of Halema'uma'u taken during a helicopter lidar survey on July 25 (left), when the pond was first 
observed, and a USGS overflight on Aug. 1(right). The pond grew slightly in size and depth between the two dates; an "x" marks the 
same rock in both photos for comparison. Left photo courtesy of Ron Chapelle, Quantum Spatial. USGS photo (right) by S. Conway
     If there is water, the next question is, "where is it coming from?" The floor of Halema‘uma‘u is now about 68 m (223 ft) below the level of the water table as measured in a deep well about 1 km (0.6 mi) farther south.
     While tempting, speculation was not in order. No one had seen a reflection or ripples on the purported pond of water, and all discussion was based on the suggestive, but non-definitive, photos. So, before HVO could begin assessing how water got there, we had to first be confident that water IS there.
     With the "water or no water" question in mind, HVO scientists flew over the summit of Kīlauea on the morning of August 1.
     We can now confirm the presence of water at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u. HVO observers on the helicopter overflight saw reflections from the green pond – the 'smoking gun' for water. The pond has clearly enlarged since the earliest photos on July 25.
     With the presence of water confirmed, HVO scientists can now start thinking about the implications of water in the crater, relieved of the burden of having to prove its existence. Until we better understand where the water is coming from, it's impossible to understand its significance.
     However, at this time, there is no reason to think hazards at the summit have increased or decreased because of the presence of water.
     HVO is now exploring options for additional observations. The inaccessible location of the water – deep within Halema‘uma‘u – makes it impossible to see the pond from most parts of the crater rim, although one potential viewpoint will be examined in the coming days (weather permitting). If that proves out, a webcam can be installed with National Park Service permission to monitor the new pond. If not, remote sensing could be another option for continued observations.
     HVO scientists will closely monitor the water in Halema‘uma‘u, and as more information about the pond becomes available, we will keep readers informed through future Volcano Watch articles and posts to our website. Please stay tuned.

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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:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
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
SATURDAY, AUG. 3
Edible Landscaping for Backyards and Beyond with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, Aug. 3, 9a.m.-2:30p.m.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

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Aug. 3, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Aug. 3 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Flameworking - An Introductory Class with Nash Adams-Pruitt, Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4, 2-4:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited; advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, AUG. 4
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Aug. 4, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Aug. 4 – 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, AUG. 5
Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool Accepting Enrollment Applications - orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 and 6, with programs in Nā‘ālehu/Wai‘ōhinu at Kauaha‘ao Church on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45-10:45a.m., and Pāhala Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-10:30a.m. Limited space. 939-8573, pidfoundation.org

Empower Girls Mtg., Monday, Aug. 5 and 19, from 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, AUG. 6
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 6 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 7 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7a.m.-4:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

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

Paniolo: Hawaiian Cowboys, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Dr. Billy Bergin, local author and expert on Hawaiian ranching and all things paniolo, presents. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7
Registration Open: Instructional Volleyball (8+, 10+, 12+, 14+), Aug. 7-15, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 20-Oct. 17, 6-7:30p.m. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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

Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Kindergarten Registration, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 9a.m.-5p.m, Ocean View Community Centerovcahi.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 8
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:30p.m.United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Peter Lee & the Road Ahead, Thursday, Aug. 8, 7-8:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Martha Hoverson discusses the role that Peter Lee, an immigrant from Norway, played in the early development of tourism in Hawai‘i. Free; $5 donation to VAC suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Registration Open: Watercolor Art, Thursday, Aug. 8-14, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Aug. 14, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 9
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Aug. 9, 9a.m.-noonOcean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Friday, Aug. 9, 10a.m.-noon, Devastation Trail Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate 2 mile hike. $40/person. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

Community Dance, Friday, Aug. 9, 7-10p.m.Cooper CenterVolcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

ONGOING
Talk Action, Take Action: surveys available through Aug. 4recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: households, businesses, and community.

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

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45a.m., and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30a.m. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

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. 84 p.m. to 7 p.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.

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 7 a.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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