Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted overflight monitoring of Halemaʻumaʻu, noting that

that the lava lake within the crater was mostly solidified, though incandescence was visible. USGS image by J. Bard

MAUNA LOA AND KĪLAUEA ARE NO LONGER ERUPTING. U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory made the announcement on Saturday. HVO lowered their Volcanic Alert Level for Kīlauea from Watch to Advisory and Aviation Alert Level from Orange to Yellow at 7:12 a.m., followed by the same change for Mauna Loa at 7:17 a.m. On Dec. 9, lava supply to Halemaʻumaʻu’s lava lake ceased, HVO drew the conclusion, based on measuring “lava lake levels and behavior of the crater floor.” However, “potential remains for resumption of this eruption or initiation of a new eruption at or near the summit of Kīlauea,” and “seismicity and deformation patterns remain unsettled.”

This aerial image from 7 a.m. on December 12 shows no activity at Mauna Loa’s most 

recent eruption site. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed “only

residual incandescence and no lava movement in the fissure 3 vent on the Northeast

Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The channels below the vent appear drained of lava and

no longer feed the main flow front.” USGS image by F. Trusdell

   On Dec. 10, lava supply to active fissure 3 of Mauna Loa’s first eruption in nearly 40 years ceased: “Sulfur dioxide emissions have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels. Volcanic tremor and earthquakes associated with the eruption are greatly diminished. Spots of incandescence may remain near the vent, along channels, and at the flow front for days or weeks as the lava flows cool.                    However, eruptive activity is not expected to return based on past eruptive behavior. Summit and Northeast Rift Zone inflation continues,” said HVO. “A vent on the west side of the fissure 3 cone remains incandescent and occasionally produces small explosions as trapped gases are released. The lava flows around the vent remain hot and unstable. The vent area is also cut by numerous ground cracks,” HVO stated.
   Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has closed the Mauna Loa Road from Kīpukapuaulu to the summit caldera, according to HVO.
   According to the HVO website, sulfur dioxide emissions for both volcanoes have returned to background levels, similar to pre-eruption levels, for both volcanoes. However, residents and visitors should remain informed of possible hazards and “follow County of Hawai‘i and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guidelines.” HVO continues to closely monitor both volcanoes for signs of renewed activity: “Should volcanic activity change significantly a new Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued.”
   Kīlauea updates will now be issued weekly on Tuesdays, Mauna Loa updates daily until Dec.15, after which they will be issued weekly on Thursdays. Should volcanic activity change significantly, a new alert will be issued.
   For more information about activity and aviation color codes, see usgs.gov/programs. Stay up-to-date on Hawaiian volcanic activity at usgs.gov/observatories. See HVNP for visitor information: nps.gov/havo. Contact askHVO@usgs.gov for more.

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GOV.  JOSH GREEN ANNOUNCED THE LAST BATCH OF DEPUTIES to state departments on Monday. The appointees are:

   Dean Hazama, Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Hazama has extensive institutional experience with the department and "brings a strong passion to serve the people of Hawai'i. He has an important background in fiscal, budget, and legislative management, which will ensure the department's operations will not be disrupted," says the statement from Green.
   Gordon Ito, Insurance Commissioner for the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Ito is returning as the state's Insurance Commissioner, a role he held from 2010 to 2019. Through his time as Insurance Commissioner, Ito served as a national leader in the field as the Secretary Treasurer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Previously, Ito held roles as Chief Deputy Insurance Commissioner and Supervising Attorney for the state's Insurance Division.
   Tammy Lee, First Deputy for Administration for the Department of Transportation - Lee joins the Department of Transportation, having served in various management roles for the department. Her more than 18 years of experience in the department are foundational as the department executes on federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
   Dre Kalili, Deputy Director for Harbors for the Department of Transportation - "Kalili is a solutions-oriented leader with a background in policy development and project management. She joins a strong team at the Department of Transportation who are energized to propel the department forward in a steady direction," says Green's statement.
   Robin Shishido, Deputy Director for Highways - Department of Transportation. “Shishido leverages his engineering background to pave a lasting impact on our state highways. His experience in the Department of Transportation paves a strong roadmap for our state's infrastructure demands,” says the statement from the governor.

   William Oku, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement for the Department of Public Safety - Oku joins as Deputy Director for Law Enforcement having served as the Sheriff and as a Senior Special Assistant with the Office of the Governor. Green’s statement says, “He has a strong law enforcement and administrative background and will support the transition efforts of the department.”

   Michael Vincent, Deputy Director for Administration for Department of Law Enforcement - Vincent served as the Supervising Deputy Attorney General for the Civil Recoveries Division at the Department of the Attorney General. “His strong management and legal background will help the department transition to full operations,” Green’s statement says.
   Mark "Dutch" Hanohano, Sheriff for Department of Law Enforcement - Hanohano brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience to the leadership of the department, having served as U.S. Marshall for the District of Hawai'i and Deputy Sheriff. He is currently the state's Harbor Police Chief, a position he has held for the past 11 years, where he has worked “to ensure the safety and security of the commercial harbors, the state's lifeline,” says the governor’s statement.
   William Kunstman, Deputy Director for Department of Labor & Industrial Relations - Kunstman has served the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for over a decade and has “important institutional knowledge” of the department as well as labor issues across the state,” says Green’s statement.
   Kristen Sakamoto, Deputy Director for Department of Taxation - Sakamoto has experience not only in the department but also as a Deputy Attorney General, having represented the department. Her return to the department comes with “a passion for results,” says the statement from the governor, and shares in Governor Green's commitment to reduce the cost of living in Hawai'i.

   Scott Glenn, Director of Office of Planning & Sustainable Development - Green’s office stated: “Glenn returns to his roots as an urban planner and will leverage his passion and strength with climate policy to lead this office in a sustainable direction. He shares Governor Green's vision to grow our economy and address climate change simultaneously.”
   James Koshiba, Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness - Koshiba has over 20 years of experience as a non-profit executive, policy leader, and community builder. He co-founded Kanu Hawai'i and Hui Aloha, where he has been an advocate and social entrepreneur focused on creating permanent solutions to homelessness.

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TAKE A FREE WORKSHOP ABOUT PESTICIDES tomorrow and Thursday. Attend via Zoom, or in-person in Kona or Kamuela. Offered by University of Hawai’i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, this Pesticide Safety and Education Workshop will teach about reducing pesticide exposure, pesticide labels, invasive species, and more. Up to four Continuing Education Units offered to attendees. Register at eventbrite.com.

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See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Holiday lighting and decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see. See story at kaucalendar.com.

A toy drive is ongoing at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano through Saturday, Dec. 18. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monetary donations accepted. Toys purchased online can go to Cooper Center Community Pantry, P.O. Box 1000, Volcano, HI 96785.

Letters to Santa is ongoing at Pāhala Post Office through Thursday, Dec. 15. Keiki write letters and receive gifts. Monetary donations and gifts accepted. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni’aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Walk into the Past with Thomas A Jaggar to 1939. Talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano on Fridays, Dec. 16 and 23, at 10 a.m. and noon. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

Christmas Keiki Party at St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m to 11 a.m. with Giving Tree.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Coffee Talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park will feature a presentation about hāhā, a critically endangered endemic Hawaiian plant, on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. Learn about the plant and what the Park is doing to save it from extinction.

A night Christmas Parade in Nā’ālehu will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, sponsored by Ka'ū Roping & Riding and featuring lights and displays after dark.

Volcano Thursday Market Christmas Fair will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m with crafts, food, produce, live music and entertainment for kids at Cooper Center in Volcano, Wright Road.

Showers, soup, haircuts, and decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m, followed by Aloha Hour.

See daily, weekly, and monthly events, outdoor markets, and free food listings on page 8 and page 9 of the monthly print edition.