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Saturday, August 21, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021

A photo taken from within Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), near the summit of Kīlauea. This lava tube was formed during the ‘Ailā‘au eruption in the 15th century, efficiently transporting lava over great distances with minimal heat loss. 
See Volcano Watch below. NPS photo by D. Boyle

A SURVEY OF CONSTITUENTS REGARDING YES AND NO TO COVID VACCINES was reported today by Congressman Ed Case. He also noted the big picture of world events: "By any measure, this is a very difficult week for our country. COVID infection and hospitalization rates are soaring especially in our Hawai'i, the Taliban now holds power in Afghanistan with tens of thousands of Americans and our allies and partners still stranded and many others at great risk, and in Congress we face critical decisions on multi-trillion dollar infrastructure proposals."
    Regarding COVID, he said thousands responded to his survey last week, reporting that 84 percent took the COVID Vaccine, 16 percent have not. In surveying those who haven't taken the jabs, he found that 68 percent were concerned about safety of the vaccine, 56 percent don't like government/people telling them to get vaccinated; and 32 percent are waiting for FDA to give final approval to the vaccine. Twenty-one percent had COVID and don;t believe they need to get vaccinated. Another 17 percent said the doctor advises no vaccination due to medical conditions. Fifteen percent contended they are not at risk of getting COVID. Only 1 percent said the vaccine is not readily accessible and less than 1 percent said they don't know how to get the vaccine.
Congressman Ed Case sent out a detailed message today on his COVID 
survey on vaccine hesitancy and his recommendations.
Photo from Roll Call
    
    Case reported: "Matching my survey results, to date 84% of Hawai'i adults 18+ have received at least one COVID vaccination (and 76% of adults 18+ are fully vaccinated). While we once led the nation in overall vaccination rates, we have slipped to 21st according to the latest data being reported. Directly related, we are now one of the nation's infection hotspots, especially with the Delta variant spreading rapidly among our unvaccinated (and filling hospital beds to capacity) and 'breaking through' among some vaccinated (though generally with far less severe health impacts)."
    Case contended that "Every credible public health expert advises that the best way to protect ourselves, our families and our communities and to limit community spread and open up safely is to get vaccinated. "Here then are some information and comments to address concerns:
    "As reflected in my survey results, vaccination availability and information are not issues as they are widely accessible and free. Here is our State of Hawaii's website on where and how to get vaccinated.
    "As to safety concerns, all three of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been through standard safety testing, have all published standard trial results, and all continue to undergo standard safety monitoring. Please view here independent media fact-checker responses to various vaccine myths. At the end of the day, any possible risk from getting vaccinated is far outweighed by the risk of serious health consequences up to death from not getting vaccinated and contracting COVID-19.
    "As to comments that vaccinations do not protect against COVID-19, our Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research shows that while Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus, vaccinated people are still largely protected from hospitalization and death from COVID-19 and are infected for a shorter period than unvaccinated. For more information on CDC's tracking of the Delta variant and breakthrough cases, visit its website here and here.
    "As to comments that our ongoing surge in COVID infections and hospitalizations is the result of larger tourist numbers and vaccinated individuals, while the increasing visitor numbers is a concern, State of Hawai'i cluster reports - view here - are clear that local community virus hotspots are the source of recent outbreaks. It is also clear that the unvaccinated are far more likely to get infected, transmit the infection, be hospitalized and die than those who are fully vaccinated against the virus.
    "As to concerns with government or people telling anyone to get vaccinated, nobody can or should be forced to do so. But we all have an interest in a functioning community, society and economy, and that means gathering together in various ways from school to work to play to travel and on without widespread fear or risk of infection, hospitalization and death, and that depends now on widespread vaccinations. So, for those who choose not to get vaccinated, some restrictions on high-risk gathering places and activities are the only real way to assure public health and safety during the current crisis.
    "There remain many other misstatements and myths circulating on COVID-19 and vaccinations. Some include, 'If you already had COVID-19 you don't need to get vaccinated.' For this, the science is clear: you can get sick again from COVID-19 and carry and transmit the disease to others. Independent researchers and medical experts at the Johns Hopkins University have listed and responded to many of these here. The public health reality is that, with very limited exceptions for specific medical conditions, the only real way to protect you and your family and community from the virus and to contribute to a functioning society is to get vaccinated," concluded Case.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Nāhuku, the Thurston Lava Tube. NPS photo

THE FORMATION OF NAHUKU, THURSTON LAVA TUBE, is one of the subjects of Volcano Watch this week, the column written by scientists and affiliates of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
    Kīlauea volcano alternates between periods dominated by lava flows, such as the one we are currently in, and periods of explosive activity. About 1000 years ago, effusive eruptions broke a 1200-year-long period of predominantly explosive activity. During this time, lava flows accumulated on the floor of the Powers caldera—the predecessor of the present-day caldera at Kīlauea summit. Eventually, lava filled and started to overflow the caldera, forming two large shields where the caldera had been.
    In the early-1400's, lava erupted from a vent on the eastern-most shield, near the eastern end of Kīlauea Iki crater—commencing the ‘Ailā‘au eruption. The eruption is estimated to have lasted about 60 years during which time about 430 square kilometers (166 square miles) of land was covered by pāhoehoe lava flows. For comparison, the 2018 lava flow covered less than one tenth of this area and the longer-lived Puʻuʻōʻō flows covered about one third.
    The main ‘Ailā‘au lava flows advanced to the east and covered most of the Puna District north of the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, leaving numerous kīpuka of older lava within the flow field. A large number of communities within the Puna District are built mainly, or entirely, on ‘Ailā‘au flows, including, Mauna Loa Estates, Fern Acres, Fern Forest, Hawaiian Acres, Mountain View, Orchidlands Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, ʻĀinaloa, and much of Hawaiian Beaches. The Kahauale‘a Natural Area Reserve and the Puna Forest Reserve are also covered in large part by this flow.
    The majority of the lava was transported away from the ‘Ailā‘au vent by an extensive lava tube network which formed during the eruption. When the eruption ended, much of the lava within the tube drained away, leaving natural subsurface caves. The most well-known tube system, Kazumura cave, is the longest identified continuous lava tube in the world. It starts near Kīlauea summit and extends almost to the coast, near Kaloli Point, about 40 km (25 mi) away. It also has the largest vertical drop of any lava tube, descending approximately 1100 m (3,600 ft) in elevation between the upper and lower extents.

Kazamura cave, the longest identified continuous lava 
tube in the world. NPS photo
    Numerous skylight entrances into Kazumura cave have provided access for scientists, spelunkers, and other curious minds. The complexity of lava tube formation is apparent in the braided tubes, multiple level (stacked) tubes, lava falls, thermal erosion, and many other geologic features preserved within the cave. Lava tubes, including Kazumura, are also home to many Hawaiian cultural sites that are protected by the State of Hawaii. Combining that with the unique biology of lava tubes, these fragile ecosystems and archaeological sites should be respected.
    Although Kazumura is the main tube system that transported lava during the eruption, there were many shorter lava tube sections that formed in the ‘Ailā‘au flow field. One example, near the ‘Ailā‘au vent, is Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) on Crater Rim Drive in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
    In addition to the main flow field to the east of the vent, a small portion of the lava flow was directed south, where it eventually entered the ocean from Keahou Landing to east of Apua point.
    The ‘Ailā‘au eruption has been studied, mapped, and dated using radiocarbon data, in order to estimate the duration, area, and lava flow volume. The eruption has also been documented in many stories and Hawaiian chants about Pele and Hi‘iaka.
    Based on the age ranges of the flows from radiocarbon dating, the formation of Kīlauea’s present-day caldera, either abruptly ended, or took place shortly after, the ‘Ailā‘au eruption. How the caldera formed in about 1500 is still poorly understood, having more questions than answers about what triggered the caldera collapse.
    Kīlauea has a mixed history of explosive and effusive eruptions, with a wide range in duration and size. Because of the profound effect these eruption behaviors can have on our island, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to study past and present eruptions to better understand Hawaiian volcanoes and their hazards.

 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE URGES ATTENTION TO THE HIGH SURF ADVISORY THROUGH MONDAY morning: "A High Surf Advisory means surf will be higher than normal, shore break, and 
dangerous currents could cause injury or death. Surf of 6 to 10 feet is expected with the most danger
Sunday afternoon when the tide is the highest."
    Due to the High Surf Advisory, Civil Defense issued the following:
    There are no closures at this time but be aware that beach and road closures may occur at any time.
    Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution if  entering the water.
    "Please keep yourself informed." urges the County of Hawai'i Civil Defense Agency.

 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.













KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.

ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.




HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.

LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg

KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.

CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.

EDUCATION

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in  To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.

Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.ECONOMIC RELIEF

Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.



REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.


GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.



ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.

O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.