Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022

A  GNSS monitoring site deployed by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on the floor of Kīlauea caldera is part of the
 rapid response to the December 2020 Halema‘uma‘u eruption. With funding from the Additional Supplemental Appropriations
 for Disaster Relief Act of 2019, this site will be upgraded to continuously operate, complete with state-of-the-art
instrumentation and engineered antenna mast. USGS photo by A.P Ellis.

THE GEODETIC NETWORK IS UPGRADING to help USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists monitor and respond to volcanic activity. That's the topic of this week's Volcano Watch by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates: 
    In the four years since the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse, HVO has been working to rebuild the monitoring network and provide other updates as part of the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157).
    Before describing specific updates to the geodetic network at HVO, let’s first explore and define what we mean by ‘geodesy’ and the way we measure surface deformation in geoscience.
    Geodesy is the study of measuring and understanding how the Earth’s surface deforms and changes. The main geodetic datasets currently used by HVO scientists to measure surface deformation (ground movements) are GNSS (global navigation satellite system, which includes GPS), tilt, and satellite radar (InSAR) imagery.

More than 70 Global Navigation Satellite System
Stations record and transmit data on this island.
Photo from USGS

    HVO's geodetic monitoring network includes over 70 GNSS stations and 15 tiltmeters on the Island of Hawai'i that continuously record and transmit data. These instruments require routine maintenance, must be upgraded periodically due to age, and must be replaced if destroyed by volcanic activity such as in 2018.
    Current upgrades focus on rebuilding and improving HVO’s geodetic network in order to better detect, assess, and respond to volcanic hazards related to Hawaiian Volcanoes. Some of the network upgrades include replacing out-of-date instruments and improving HVO’s network of near real-time monitoring instruments at critical areas on Kīlauea’s summit and rift zones to support early detection of magma movement and associated hazards.
    In 2018, lava flows destroyed 3 GNSS stations in the lower East Rift Zone. Another three GNSS stations were destroyed in the caldera collapses at Kīlauea’s summit. HVO staff rapidly deployed new GNSS stations at nearby locations to allow for continued monitoring during the 2018 crisis. These rapidly deployed sites included GNSS antennas mounted on surveys tripods, which is a set-up typically only used for temporary deployments that last several days to weeks.
    Many of these rapidly deployed sites were decommissioned and removed after 2018. However, approximately 13 of them are still being used for critical monitoring and remain on temporary tripods. These sites will be upgraded and hardened using engineered fixed monuments and masts instead. New sites will also be installed to replace sites destroyed in 2018.
    GNSS receivers acquired by Supplemental funds have already supported emergency monitoring of active eruptions and other volcano-related activity. Data from these instruments help HVO detect volcanic activity and inform partners at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i County Civil Defense and Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency.
    For example, HVO rapidly deployed three new semi-continuous GNSS stations in response to the

Seventeen tiltmeters continuously record data for
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Photo from USGS

December 2020 Kīlauea eruption. These stations gave scientists a more complete view of magma returning to Kīlauea's summit.
    Similarly, HVO deployed rapid-response GNSS equipment at two pre-existing benchmarks during the Kīlauea south caldera intrusion event in August 2021, allowing scientists to track the migration of magma from the south caldera to farther south. New instruments give HVO a more detailed understanding of and ability to monitor Kīlauea’s volcanic processes.
    HVO’s geodesy program plays a critical role in monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes. HVO’s updated geodetic network ensures that scientists can monitor changes in the shape of volcanoes, respond to eruptions, and understand magma storage and movement underground.
    Thanks to Supplemental funding, HVO is in the best position ever to leverage our state-of-the-art geodetic network to gain insights into the active volcanoes in Hawai’i, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of volcanic eruptions.

Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea volcano is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at WATCH (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels). Kīlauea updates are issued daily.
    Over the past week, lava has continued to erupt from the western vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. All lava is confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and were last measured at approximately 1,250 tonnes per day (t/d) on August 19. Seismicity is elevated but stable, with few earthquakes and ongoing volcanic tremor. Over the past week, summit tiltmeters recorded two deflation-inflation sequences (DI-events). For more information on the current eruption of Kīlauea, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/recent-eruption.

Mauna Loa Summit in August. Photo by Calder Randolph

   Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption from the current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
    This past week, about 118 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded below the summit and upper elevation flanks of Mauna Loa—the majority of these occurred at shallow depths less than 15 kilometers (9 miles) below sea level. Global Positioning System measurements show low rates of ground deformation over the past week. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures at both the summit and at Sulphur Cone on the Southwest Rift Zone have remained stable over the past week. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring.
Three earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.0 earthquake 21  km (13 mi) SSE of Waimea at 24 km (15 mi) depth on August 23 at 12:58 p.m. HST, a M2.0 earthquake 9 km (5 mi) E of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on August 22 at 7:19 p.m. HST, and a M4.0 earthquake 9 km (5 mi) E of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on August, 22 at 7:11 p.m. HST.
    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea's ongoing eruption and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.

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A gift of flowers from Daydrie Nurial Dacalio, a member of Kumu Debbie Ryder's Halau Hula O Leionalani, to attendees
at the 50th Anniversary of Discovery Harbour Golf Course, with Tony Llanes looking on. Photo by Adryana Lorenzo

 
THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF DISCOVERY HARBOUR GOLF COURSE was a rounding success and its organizers applaud the community. The Club at Discovery Harbour Board President Doug Phillips and managers Andrew and Ann Lorenzo said they have never seen such a large gathering of people at the clubhouse. Andrew Lorenzo received a certificate of acknowledgment for the celebration from representative of Mayor Mitch Roth, Pomai Bartolome.
    The 50th anniversary on Aug. 13 saw an outdoor, open house at The Club at Discovery Harbour. A slew of local artisans, food vendors and service providers, along with live bands and a hula, contributed to the celebration.
    Phillips noted that The Club at Discovery Harbour, LLC manages the golf course, leasing it from its

Folks of all ages practiced their swings at Doug Phillip's booth
booth at the 50th Anniversary of Discovery Harbour Golf Course.
Photo by Noalani Barmachia

owners. "The Club is a locally formed corporation with the goal of improving upon the current facilities, while maintaining a naturalist philosophy," said Phillips. "The club is committed to providing a venue that is accessible and affordable to the community." Services include DaBomb meals with Chef Jason with lunch on Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner on Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Live entertainment fills the space on Friday and Saturday.
    Phillips said said that an emphasis on the golf course grounds is placed on preserving historical sites and nesting areas for the such birds as Gray Francolins and Kalij Pheasants. The Club is committed to a golf course that maintains a minimal amount of water waste along with a minimal use of pesticides, said Phillips.
   The use of The Club and its facilities are based upon a members and guest system. Memberships are open to everyone at an economical price, said Phillips. "The current business model is similar to a fitness club membership, with different tiers of membership that provide various levels of access to club amenities. The Club offers pickle ball courts, golf, a pro shop, a bar, along with weekend dinners and live music. Members may also apply to rent out the facilities for weddings, family reunions and private parties.
 

Triple 7 Shave Ice, with Tyler Blanco, Malia Corpuz and Chloe,
Abero, brought many flavors to the Club at Discovery Harbour
for the 50th Anniversary. Photo by Adryana Lorenzo

  Plans to host more events featuring local artisans, craftsman, musicians and food vendors are underway and will be announced soon, said Phillips. Also assisting in the evolution of The Club at Discovery Harbour are its General Manager Andrew Lorenzo and Ann Lorenzo, who helps to manage the golf course and clubhouse.
   Board members are: President Douglas Phillips, Ron and Thelma Hughes, Mark Peters, Paul Morris and Sharon and Tom Shinings.
    The 50th Anniversary drew support from hundreds of attendees, the vendors and entertainers. Halau Hula O Leionalani and its Kumu Debbie Ryder performed, accompanied by musicians Demetrius Oliveira and Gene Beck of The Band Kaʻū. Musical groups Shootz opened the event, the day ending with a a dinner by Da Bomb, Chef Jason Lofland.

    Offerings from vendors came from: Triple 7 Shave Ice; Club Tec with Hawaiʻi's personalized golf clubs; Bea Padrigo with lunches; Donna Masaniai with quilts and wallets; Looking Glass; Island Swanky; Fused Fragments; P&L Farms, with dried macadamia nuts, dried and fresh picked mangoes, bananas, and other fruits; Mai Treats 808 with Pastries; Tanya Ibara Design; Maile Design; K's Green House; Kapu's Hawaiian Makana; Kealaʻikoa Coffee Company; Paradise Kettle Corn; South Point Creations; and Have Tools Will Travel yard games, professional repair and home maintenance. Also on hand were Kami Takacs of ESP Realty and Jamie Kalua with handmade jewelry.
   The address of The Club at Discovery Harbour is 94-1581 Kaulua Circle in Discovery Harbour, Nāʻālehu. Any questions call 808-731-5122.

Pomai Bartolome, center, delivers a message and certificate of congratulations from Mayor Mitch Roth to the 50th anniversary celebration of Discovery Harbour Golf Course. At right are Ann and Andrew Lorenzo who manage the Club at Discovery Harbour. At right is Board President Doug Phillips and board member Ron Hughes. Photo by Adryana Lorenzo

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

Kaʻū High, Sept. 1 - for students.