ALL COUNTY COVID RULES REGARDING LIMITS ON PEOPLE GATHERING were lifted by Mayor Mitch Roth today, but mask wearing in public indoor places remains the rule of the state. Roth terminated Hawaiʻi County’s Thirteenth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, declaring an end to all County emergency rules related to COVID-19. His statement says, "As a result, effective immediately, there will no longer be a limit on gathering sizes (indoor and outdoor), which ultimately removes the County’s coveted mechanism for ‘special gatherings’ review and approval."However, Hawai'i County residents must still adhere to the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation Related to COVID-19 (Omicron Varient), which includes indoor mask-wearing, Safe Travels requirements, and testing/vaccination requirements for County and State employees. The Governor’s emergency order will remain in effect until March 25 unless otherwise acted upon. It is unclear if the Governor will extend his emergency rules beyond then. "We are excited to announce a new day for Hawaiʻi County as we shift our efforts from response to recovery,” said the Mayor. “Since taking office in late 2020, our administration has worked tirelessly to manage the ongoing pandemic through fair and data-driven policies. It’s what has allowed us to keep our community safe while also allowing our small businesses and large employers to keep their lights on and their employees working. "The decisions we made were challenging and, at times, not always favorable, but we made them with aloha, with data to back them, and with the best interest of all in mind. We believe in our community and their ability to do the right thing for everybody. Moving forward, response is in their hands, and we are confident they will make the right choices for all of us.” The termination of the Mayor’s Thirteenth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation marks the first time since Feb. 28, 2020, that Hawaiʻi County is without emergency orders related to COVID-19 – two years to the day. “COVID is by no means gone, but we now believe that we are getting to a point where we can learn to live with the virus,” said Roth. “Our medical professionals and frontline first responders have shown that we are capable of moving forward cautiously. We have the resources, we have the want, and we have the capacity. If we have to pivot, we will. But for now, we remain optimistic and ready to tackle the challenges ahead – together.” To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.
The potential alternatives include no change from current condition, restricting minimum altitudes, reducing the number of flights, limiting flight routes over sensitive areas and prohibiting flights on specific days of the week. An average of 11,376 annual flights occurred over Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from 2017 to 2019. People can comment through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HawaiiVolcanoesATMP until April 1. The NPS and FAA in a joint statement said they will consider the comments as they develop the draft ATMP and will seek public comment on that draft document.
Incorporating input from Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals is an important part of this planning process. The agencies are consulting with those who attach historic and cultural significance to resources within the park. The public has expressed concerns about air tours over the park that include noise, privacy and ecological and cultural impacts. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is among 24 national parks developing air tour management plans in cooperation with the FAA. Haleakalā National Park on Maui is also seeking public feedback on its range of alternatives: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HaleakalaATMP. Visit the NPS site at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/airtours.htm?utm_medium=email. FAA site is https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ara/programs/air_tour_management_plan for more detailed information about air tour management plans. Links to meeting notifications, recordings and slide decks (where applicable) will be posted to the NPS site. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html. A NEW VOLCANO MARKET IS ON THURSDAY EVENINGS at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. The first market was held on Thursday, Feb. 8. Featured vendors include Volcano Cookshop, Carol's Creations, and Laiku Farm and Special Ti Nursery. To learn more, visit facebook.com/Volcano-Evening-Market105888795330870. CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF MARCH GIRLS DAY ORIGAMI at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2:30 – 4 p.m. This Japanese tradition of making paper dolls is open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Feb. 24 – Mar. 1. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102. THE BUSINESS OF ART WITH IRA ONO at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn basic business principles from internationally-known Volcano artist Ira Ono. Class topics covered include: pricing your artwork for profit, creating presentations that focus on gallery buyers, gift shops, and department stores, and visual merchandising. Cost for the full day workshop is $55/$50 for VAC members. To learn more and register, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/. BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I, the Right Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, will lead the service at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View on Sunday, Mar. 6. The service will be on zoom and live at 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. The zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85987340947?pwd=VmJOUWkvM3lCT0N2cVN2RUFiM1kzQT09 Meeting ID: 859 8734 0947; Passcode: Aloha. COFFEE FILTER BUTTERFLY at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Mar. 3 – 8. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102. VOLLEYBALL CLINIC at Nāʻālehu Community Center, Wednesday, Mar. 9, 4 p.m. Open to ages 10 to 15 years old. Register for free from Mar. 1 – 4. Bring close-toed shoes and a water bottle. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Richard Karasuda at (808) 939-2510. INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE & AQUAPONICS WEBINAR, Wednesday, Mar. 9, 6:30 – 8 p.m. An online Zoom event sponsored by Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, featuring Chantal Chung of Maʻona Community Garden & UH Hilo Sea Grant College Program and Maria Haws, Professor of Aquaculture at UH Hilo and Direction for the UH Center for Excellence for Sustainable Aquaculture. This event is open to the public, with priority given to Farmers Union members. To register and learn more about the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-30-integrated-aquaculture-aquaponics-tickets-274390658847?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=820ce93da5&mc_eid=563999cc96. PUBLIC INPUT FOR DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECT at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park due by Friday, Mar. 11. To submit comments, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HAVODisasterRecovery or call (808) 460-6212 and leave a message. ART OF INTERVIEW WORKSHOP presented by Kuhikuhi Mentorship Program and Vibrant Hawaiʻi, Friday, Mar. 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m. This workshop is the first of two in a series and will cover interview etiquette, deconstructing interview questions, and presenting your authentic self in a way that shines. To RSVP, visit vibranthawaii.org/get-involved. COFFEE TALK AT KAHUKU on Historical Hunting of Native Birds in Kahuku, Saturday, Mar. 12, 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit Visitor Center. Coffee Talk at Kahuku is an opportunity to get to know your park and neighbors. Held on the second Saturday of every month. Attendance is limited to 25 and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (808) 464-3550 and leave a message. Coffee will be available for purchase by credit card only. PAPER MAKING WITH PLANTS at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 12, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Learn the basics of papermaking using a variety of papers and local plant fibers, plant dyes, and earth pigments. Workshop will be led by artist Mary Milezcik. Workshop fee is $65/$60 for VAC members, plus $50 prep time and supplies. To learn more and register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/. ZENTANGLE PARADOX FOR THE EQUINOX at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn how to make Zentangle art with Valdeane Odachi in the week prior to the Spring Equinox. Class is open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. Workshop fee is $35/$30 for VAC members, plus a $15 supply fee. To learn more and register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/. SOUNDS AT THE SUMMIT FEATURING MURIEL ANDERSON at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 12. First performance at 4:30 p.m. and second performance at 7 p.m. Guitarist/Harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson will perform with a backdrop of visuals from award-winning photo-artist, Bryan Allen. Tickets are $20 for VAC members/$25 for non-members/$10 virtual. Tickets are available for sale online at volcanoartcenter.org/events/. CHARADES at Kahuku Park in Ocean View, Monday, Mar. 14 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages 6 through 12 years old. Register for free from Mar. 4 – 11. For more information, contact Recreation Technician, Teresa Anderson at (808) 929-9113. HOKU NIGHTS AT HIPUʻU, Friday, Mar. 18, 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Ohana Miloliʻi and Hipuʻu o Miloliʻi Kumu every full moon. Topic is Native Trails. Zoom ID: 227 574 9157. MALAMA MAKAI AT MILOLIʻI at Park Halau, presented by Kokua Entreprises and Kalanihale. Saturday, Mar. 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with village vendors, crafters, and stewards each month. For more information, call (808) 937-1310 or visit Kalanihale.com. SPRING FLOWER COLLAGE at Kahuku Park in Ocean View, Tuesday, Mar. 22 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages 6 through 12 years old. Register for free from Mar. 8 – 16. For more information, contact Recreation Technician, Teresa Anderson at (808) 929-9113. SPRING FLOWER CRAFT at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Mar. 16 – 22. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102. STORYBOOK – STEM PROJECT at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Mar. 3 – 8. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102. CULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (CIA) QUESTIONNAIRES related to Maunakea will be accepted through Thursday, Mar. 31. Experts on cultural resources, practices, and beliefs connected to Maunakea are sought by the University of Hawaiʻi. Responses to the questionnaire will help inform "the preparation of a Cultural Impact Assessment for an Environmental Impact Statement that will address proposed future UH land authorization for Maunakea." Go to https://www.pcsihawaii.mkcia to learn more about the CIA and participate in the cultural practices questionnaire. FREE FOOD ST JUDE'S HOT MEALS are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until they run out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. KAʻŪ FOOD PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 9:30 a.m. - Pau. Located at St. Judeʻs Episcopalian Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket. ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 10 a.m. - Pau. Located at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket. SACRED HEART: LOAVES AND FISHES FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Thursday, Mar. 24, 9 - 11 a.m. Located at 95-5558 Mamalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket. KUPUNA FOOD BASKET, Thursday, Mar. 24, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Located at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket. COOPER CENTER COMMUNITY PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Wednesday, Mar. 30, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Located at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket. OUTDOOR MARKETS VOLCANO EVENING MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com/Volcano-Evening-Market-105888795330870. ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE is hosted by Nā'ālehu Main Street on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Old Shirakawa Estate in Wai'ōhinu. It features Made in Hawai'i products, organic produce, creative crafts, art, flowers & plants, food, music, and more. Email AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800. 'O KA'Ū KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Masks, temperature checks and hand sanitizing required. Social distancing enforced. No vaccination proof required. 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 COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. 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. OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET 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. THE BOOK SHACK is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church grounds, located at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻōhinu. DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SWIM AT PĀHALA POOL at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School. Weekday lap swims. Call for hours. (808) 928-8177 PĀHALA DOJO Sensei Francisco Villa invite individuals to join in-person classes held at Pāhala Community Center. "All students of Pāhala Dojo are dedicated to participating in class during the pandemic," said Villa. Those interested can contact him at (808) 345 3036. HULA CLASSES WITH HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI at Pāhala Hongwanji taught by Kumu Debbie Ryder. Class times based on experience and age groups. Contact leionalani47@hotmail.com. YOGA AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 - 10 a.m. For more information, contact Trisha Meyer at +1 (208) 353-3594. WALK FOR FITNESS AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View. Tuesdays from 9 - 10:30 a.m. now until Mar. 24. Registration is ongoing. Open to all ages. Close-toed shoes required. For more information, contact Recreation Technician, Teresa Anderson at (808) 929-9113. KEEP ON WALKING III at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Mondays to Thursdays from 5 - 6:30 p.m. now until Mar. 31. Registration is ongoing. Open to adults. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102. 4-WAY FITNESS STATION at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Mondays to Thursdays from 5 - 7:45 p.m. now until Mar. 31. Registration is ongoing. Open to ages 15 yrs. and older. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102. HIKE AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. Description of trails, including Maunaula, Pu'uloa Petroglyphs, Keanakākoʻi Crater, Ka'ū Desert Footprints Trail and more at www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hikes_day.htm. KAHUKU RANGER GUIDED HIKES, Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Join a Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park park ranger to learn about the history, geology, and ecology of Kahuku while hiking through varied landscapes. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station. See www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku.htm. PICKLEBALL AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. For more information, please contact Jaquie Woodmansee at (808) 929-7022. NET RECOVERY PATROL on Mondays with Hawai'i Wildlife Fund. The team and core volunteers conduct marine debris recovery efforts targeting large debris items, including derelict fishing net and line bundles, that are especially hazardous to marine wildlife. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, these events are limited to current HWF volunteers. Please contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com for more info. Check https://www.wildhawaii.org/ with its HWF calendar for more opportunities to get involved with its bi-weekly net recovery patrols. SEED COLLECTION WORKDAYS. On various weekdays, join Hawai'i Wildlife Fun team and core volunteers to collect coastal strand and dry forest plant seeds for saving (with the Hawai'i Island Seed Bank) and future restoration efforts. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, these events are limited to small groups of current HWF volunteers. Please contact jodie.HWF@gmail.com for more info and www.wildhawaii.org/ for more opportunities. ST. JUDE'S SHOWER MINISTRY has reopened to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. noon, with hot water, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and clean towels. Masks and social distancing are required before and after showering. The long standing public shower service, put on pause by Covid, is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi's Commission on Mission Beyond Church and St. Jude's own outreach fund. Location is 8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Members of the congregation built the facility. FREE HELP WITH FAMILY HISTORY in Kaʻū is available 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday. All are welcome to the Family History Center. The aim is to "Come Discover Your Past," says the statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which hosts the weekly sessions at 95-5682 Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Nāʻālehu. The drop-in assistance includes free Ancestry.com, Familysearch.org, and other online resources. WEEKLY COMMUNITY COVID-19 TESTING is available for free at Nāʻālehu Community Center every Thursday from 3 – 5 p.m. For more information on free COVID-19 testing, visit health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/testing-locations/. SEE THE COLLECTION OF CALABASH EXHIBIT OF MIXED MEDIA by multiple artists at the Volcano Art Center Galley in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through Apr. 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Participating artists include Wesley Buscher, Jelena Clay, Stewart Geller, Tim Freeman, Aaron Hammer, Frank McClure, Heather Mettler, Daniel Moe, Michael & Misato Mortara, John Mydock, Les Pedersen, and Jeff Roth. While admission is free, park entrance fees apply. MAKE YOUR OWN GLASS MOSAIC with Michael Reeder is a 3 session workshop held on Sundays Mar. 13, 20, and 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. The class fee is $45/$40 for VAC members plus a $25 materials fee. Please bring your own glasses or goggles. To register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/. KEIKI DRAWING CLASSES WITH KEN CHARON, Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Mar. 15 – Apr. 19. A series of 6 drawing classes for children ages 8 to 14 at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. Fee: $120/$110 VAC Members plus a $17 supply fee. To register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/. See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com |
Monday, February 28, 2022
Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022
The state Board of Land & Natural Resources accepted public comment Friday on proposed Miloliʻi Community-Based Subsistence fishery rules. See https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2022/02/26/miloli%ca%bbi-community-based-subsistence-fishing-area-moves-forward/. The Miloli'i portion begins at about an hour and 54 minutes into the meeting. Video courtesy of Big Island Video News |
A map showing protected areas in the Miloli'i Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. |
Establishing rules for the area is more than 16 years in the making. The Hawai'i Legislature passed a measure to establish the Miloli'i Commuity-Based Subsistence Fishing Area in 2005. The language set the goal of ensuring "long-term sustainable populations of fish and other marine species.” It also aimed to “encourage the scientific study and understanding of subsistence fishing management.”
The proposed rules include bag limits for sea life like opihi, uhu, ula, kole and pāku‘iku‘i. They would also set seasons and off seasons for kole, ‘ōpelu, ‘ū ‘ū, and uhu. The proposed rules also include bans (some of them already in place) on taking fish for aquariums and taking the blue terminal males of larger uhu species; female 'a'ama with eggs; and 'opihi kō‘ele.
Among the proposed rules are restrictions on certain fishing gear and creating sub-areas within the Subsistence Fishing Area with further limitations on what can be taken.
New Trojan Athletic Director Tim Gould comes from rural high schools and colleges. |
The Dalai Lama at one of his visits to Wood Valley Temple. |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.
THE DALAI LAMA HAS ISSUED A STATEMENT ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE, saying hi is "deeply saddened." He called for those involved to reach for peace and mutual understanding. The Dalai Lama said, "War is outdated - non-violence is the only way. Genuine peace comes about through mutual understanding and respect for each others wellbeing."
The Dalai Lama is associated with the the Tibetan Buddhist Wood Valley Temple and retreat center above Pahala, where he has made visitations and met with the public. He wrote a forward to the recent book by Marya Waifroon Schwabe. of Wood Valley Temple, entitled Road to Freedom: A Journey from Occupied Tibet. See http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2021_02_13_archive.html
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.
Debbie Ward, farmer at Laiku Farm and Special Ti Nursery, at Volcano Evening Market. Photo from Volcano Evening Market |
A NEW VOLCANO MARKET IS ON THURSDAY EVENINGS at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. The first market was held on Thursday, Feb. 8. Featured vendors include Volcano Cookshop, Carol's Creations, and Laiku Farm and Special Ti Nursery. To learn more, visit facebook.com/Volcano-Evening-Market105888795330870.
YOUNG WOMEN IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AWARD offered by Zonta Club of Hilo. Deadline to apply is March 1. Open to women ages 16-19 interested in careers in public policy making, government, and volunteer organizations. For more details, visit zontahilo.org/scholarships-grants/.
SEE MORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
`Imi Pono No Ka `Aina helped during a Hawai`i Wildlife Fund cleanup of anchialine ponds near the coast of Wai'ohinu. Photo from Megan Lamson |
Opae'ula, one of the native species living in anchialine ponds. Photo from The Nature Conservancy. |
Kanonone Waterhole at Pohue Bay is an anchialine pond that hosts endemic and native species. Photo by Shalan Crysdale |
First hint: most people who know the name probably don't know it refers to a volcano. Second hint: where do many people think Noah's Ark landed when the Biblical Great Flood receded?The answer is Mount Ararat, a volcano that rises to an elevation of 5,137 m (16,854 ft) and towers over the Armenian Highlands in eastern Turkey near its borders with Iran and Armenia. A small glacier caps the mountain and is currently melting. The volcano dominates the skyline as seen from Yerevan (population 1.1 million), the capital city of Armenia some 65 km (40 miles) away and 4 km (2 miles) lower, and it has long been a cultural icon for Armenians.
Mount Ararat comprises two large cones 13 km (8 miles) apart, Greater and Lesser Ararat. Greater Ararat, the western of the two cones, is about 25 km (16 miles) wide and rises some 3 km (1.9 miles) above its surroundings. It is separated from Lesser Ararat (3,896 m or 12,782 ft high and 15 km or 9 miles wide) by a large north-south fault; many smaller cones and lava domes erupted along this fault and on the flanks of the two larger cones.
Greater Ararat remains volcanically active. It last erupted on July 2, 1840, when a pyroclastic flow issued from radial fissures high on its northern flank, accompanied by a phreatic explosion.
Unconfirmed eruptions may have occurred in CE 1783 and 1450. Oral traditions recount an eruption in about 550 BCE.
Could an eruption of Mount Ararat have covered or burned away Noah's Ark, assuming, for the sake of argument, that the ark existed? The eruptive history of the past 4500 years allows this remote possibility, but since we don't know the age of the ark, the question is moot.
Biblical scholars emphasize that the Hebrew of Genesis 8:4 refers to "mountains of Ararat." Postbiblical tradition assigns the location of ark landing to Mount Ararat itself, but the name Urartu (the cognate of the Hebrew Ararat) was the name of a much wider region that happens to contain Mount Ararat. Were volcanoes other than Mount Ararat active in Urartu?
A structure claimed to be Noah's Ark on the broad shield volcano called Tendurek near Mount Arawat, Turkey. Photo from Wikipedia |
At the southwest end of Lake Van is the well-known Nemrut volcano, with a summit caldera and, according to the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, 10 confirmed eruptions in the past 6,000 years. Other volcanoes, such as Suphan, also occur between Mount Ararat and Lake Van but are reportedly a little older than those mentioned.
The Mesopotamian "Epic of Gilgamesh" also describes a huge flood, probably some 4500-5000 years ago along the Tigris and(or) Euphrates Rivers, which drain much of the area containing these active volcanoes. Some scholars speculate that the Gilgamesh and Biblical floods are the same. Such speculation can probably never be more than just that, but the possibility that an eruption in Urartu dammed a river and led to a massive flood when the dam failed may be one element of speculation that is reasonable geologically.
Whether or when the great floods of Noah and Gilgamesh actually happened may never be known. A remote possibility overlooked in most discussions about these canonical events, however, is that volcanic activity could have played a role.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.
THE ONGOING ATTEMPTED TAKEOVER OF UKRAINE BY RUSSIA drew a statement from Gov. David Ige this week: "During WWII, Hawaiʻi experienced first-hand the destruction and suffering caused by bombs. Now, bombs are falling in Ukraine, and the people there are experiencing unimaginable loss of life and suffering. I know the people of Hawaiʻi join me in condemning this act of aggression and supporting President Biden’s actions to help the brave people of Ukraine and hold Russia accountable."To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.
YOUNG WOMEN IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AWARD offered by Zonta Club of Hilo. Deadline to apply is March 1. Open to women ages 16-19 interested in careers in public policy making, government, and volunteer organizations. For more details, visit zontahilo.org/scholarships-grants/.
SEE MORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS
Friday, February 25, 2022
Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022
Proposed new roundabout for entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. See more below. NPS image |
CHRIS KANAZAWA HAS RETURNED AS NEW RURAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR HAWAI'I AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC. The announcement was made Friday by President Joe Biden. The last Director was Brenda Iokepa Moses, of Pahala, appointed by Donald Trump. Since the Biden administration took office, an acting director has been in charge.
Rural Development headquarters for all of Hawai'i and Western Pacific are in Hilo at the historic federal building. In announcing the appointment of Kanazawa and ten other Rural Development Directors around the nation, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, "I am thrilled to welcome these talented and experienced public servants to USDA at a critical time in the Biden-Harris administration. I look forward to working alongside these individuals to build a better America.”
Chris Kanazawa, new and returning Director of Rural Development for Hawai'i and the Western Pacific, his appointment announced by Pres. Joe Biden on Friday. |
Rural Development State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.
The announcement comes with a statement saying, "USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America." To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. See the local Rural Development programs and news at www.rd.usda.gov/hi and follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RD_Hawaii.
Plans for the new Visitor Center at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with comments due March 11. Design from National Park Service |
The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Disaster Recovery Project with the proposed plans was topic of discussion during two virtual community meetings Thursday, Feb. 24. They were facilitated by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
Principal Landscape Architect Chad Weiser, of Otak, the architect and planning firm out of Portland, presented plans for recovery of damage related to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Weiser guided attendees through an ArcGIS Story Map of the project, which proposes to repair, replace, and remove/relocate critical park infrastructure and facilities damaged by the 2018 eruption at Uēkahuna (Kīlauea Lookout). Also in the plans is replacement of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory research facilities with a new USGS field station and new visitor center to replace the functions of the Jaggar Museum. Plans also call for Crater Rim Drive changes at the park entrance to improve visitor safety.
Proposed new visitor center for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Image from National Park Service |
The new visitor center building would be located next to the existing Kīlauea Visitor Center Headquarters and would provide a large covered outdoor area for orientation, ranger programs, exhibits, and special events. The existing building would continue to serve as the park headquarters and would be utilized for indoor park programs. Visitor parking and public restrooms would be expanded.
The last project element is to improve existing park entrance and re-align Crater Rim Drive. Weiser explained how visitation over the past decade has led to ongoing traffic congestion issues "that pose collision hazards for motorists and pedestrians" by the park entrance. To address this problem, the National Park proposes to relocate the intersection on Crater Rim Drive and convert it to a roundabout and add an entrance lane for administrative function.
In response to the proposed idea of expanding the parking area, meeting attendee Nancy Locke commented that many national parks in the continental U.S. are instituting a "no-personal-car policy, making visitors use park-supplied buses." Danielle Foster of NPS responded stating that they are considering this option for the future of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, however it is not part of the current proposed project.
Other meeting attendees commented on the thoroughness and conciseness of the project plans. To learn more, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/19519a65ac3d42bd825518909eebbdce.
resulting sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus."
He said he is also is relaying resources and practical advice "from our country’s leading cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies" together with a direct request that any online incidents or unusual activity be immediately reported to federal agencies.
Case said, “Today I joined a briefing to Members of Congress by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Director of Homeland Security Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray and our other national law enforcement and cybersecurity leaders on the reality of the heightened threat of cyberattacks associated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and our response and what each of us can and should do to
prepare, deter and respond.”
He reported that the briefers also stated that those initiating cyberattacks could be various bad actors, starting with Russia itself but also including criminal enterprises sponsored by Russia, other countries and organizations associated with Russia, or other countries, organizations and individuals who may take the opportunity to conduct their own attacks.”
Case said that the briefers asked and urged all Americans to assist, beginning with reviewing the information, resources and contact directions through the SHIELDS UP program at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) website at https://www.cisa.gov/shields-up. CISA also offers the following contact number for questions or information: (888) 282-0870. Case said the number one
request is that any actual attacks or unusual activity be reported as soon as possible to the federal
authorities through the CISA website or the FBI.
For the FBI, the number to call is 1- 800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). Reports can also be filed online at https://www.ic3.gov/. The FBI website features an interview with the head of its Cyber-Division in Washington, DC at https://www.fbi.gov/news/podcasts/inside-the-fbi-staying-ahead-of-the-cyber-threat-011422, with further advice on safety and security at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/on-the-internet Case said, “The reason for prompt reporting is that in the area of cyberattack vigilance, response and prevention time is of the essence to identify, authenticate and counter-attack,." He also relayed the following practical advice to heighten cybersecurity and head off attacks: • Update antivirus and anti-spyware software and operating systems to their latest versions. • Avoid clicking unknown links in emails • Enable and use multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. • Never give password to anyone, and do not reuse passwords across multiple sites. • Turn unused devices all the way on and off once a day • If unsure about an email, link, or attachment, save it as an attachment and send it to your IT department or to the FBI for analysis.
“Unfortunately, this is the reality of instability and conflict in a modern world so dependent on technology, “ said Case. “We have some of the most advanced cyber operations in the world, but others like Russia have long known that one key way to wage war is in the cyber realm and they have no hesitation to do so. So we must meet this threat just as seriously with preparation and defense throughout our governments, businesses, communities and homes (in addition to the counter-cyber efforts we will continue to conduct through our federal agencies).”
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MILOLIʻI ʻOHANA FUNDRAISER at Park Halau in Miloliʻi. Saturday, Feb. 26 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Food, crafts, music, silent auction, and more. For more information, contact (808) 937-1310 or visit www.Kalanihale.com.
ST JUDE'S HOT MEALS are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until they run out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.
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