Kaʻū News Briefs July 25, 2024

Catimor Hybrid trees are available from U.H. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to coffee farmers.
The hybrid is resistant to Coffee Leaf Rust and is sold first come, first serve. Photo from CTAHR

COFFEE LEAF RUST RESISTANT COFFEE TREES are offered by University of Hawai'i  to help farmers recover from the devastating pest. The College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources says the prices are set at market value with grafted Catimor Hybrid Trees #2 and #4 at $15 each and ungrafted seedlings $10 each. "CTAHR shall not compete with industry growers," says the statement. Preorders are being taken the plants are conventionally grown and not certified organic.
    Catimor Hybrid Tree #2 and #4 will be available as seedlings and grafted trees on (coffee root-knot nematode-tolerant) liberica rootstock. Distribution of plants will be organized according to availability of

plant materials and on a first come, first serve basis.
    Email mail andreak@hawaii.edu to express interest in Catimor hybrids and to receive a waiver and release to be completed and returned prior to purchase. The waiver advises that seeds from Catimor Hybrid Tree #2 and #4 shall not be used for propagation as there is likely genetic variability from cross pollination with non-CLR resistant trees that can reduce or eliminate CLR resistance. The Catimor Hybrid plant materials are to be used solely for the purpose of production of coffee cherry and berries and not for propagating for the use of harvesting, selling, and/or distribution of seeds, cuttings, air layers, or other propagative plant materials by the recipient or anyone else.
    The minimum number of plants for an order is 12. Depending on plant availability, orders may be received in incremental batches. Payment is expected at pick-up. "Please be sure to water, fertilize, inspect and treat for disease and pests, and plant quickly after receipt," says the announcement.
Review a presentation on the Catimor Hybrid CLR-resistant Coffee Project at Kona Research Station presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11-ytPT2jFU.

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THE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN is coming to Ocean View this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, instead of Volcano, as the original Kilauea MIlitary Camp venue is

being renovated. The musical is based on the comic strip and is produced by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network which normally stages musical and operetta productions at Kilauea Theater in the park. However, since the theater is getting a new roof, it is not available for performances.
KDEN is bringing its production to Ocean View. "That's really good news for those of us who value live music in our town. You really won't want to miss such a rare opportunity," says music and play enthusiast Annie Bosted.
   The musical was originally produced off Broadway from 1967, making it a classic. Though considered a "good man" by his friends, Charlie Brown can't seem to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, nor his friend Lucy, her crush, the piano-playing Schroeder. Meanwhile Snoopy and Linus daydream and the rest of the friends battle with kites, school, baseball and misunderstandings before finally coming to realize what makes them truly happy.
    As usual for this theatrical company, they do three shows a weekend - Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The dates are this weekend July 26 - 28.
"The prices are very reasonable, considering the very professional shows they have put on over the past few decades. You can book ahead or just show up at the door. Come early for the best seats," said Bosted.

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WHAT'S BEEN A MOVIN' AND A SHAKIN' IN KILAUEA'S UPPER EAST RIFT ZONE? That's the title of this week's U.S. Geological Survey Hawai'i Volcano Observatory's Volcano/ Watch. The weekly article and activity update is written by USGS scientists and affiliates:

The upper East Rift Zone (UERZ) of Kīlauea has been shaking more than normal, with nearly 1,500 earthquakes between July 22 and 25. The activity is being closely monitored by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff and prompted closures in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. What is causing it and what should we expect to see happen if itcontinues?     Kīlauea's UERZ extends southeast of the summit to Maunaulu. Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park parallels the UERZ and is aptly named for the numerous craters that it passes by. These craters, as well as the nearby lava flows, tell us that the area has been volcanically active in the past. Earthquakes began at a low rate in the UERZ within a few days after the June 3 eruption. Between June 27 and July 1, seismicity increased drastically with 1,500 earthquakes beneath the UERZ. That swarm was related to pressurization of the magma storage areas beneath Kīlauea's summit, which were inflating following the June 3 eruption. This reference map depicts recent unrest along Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone. Earthquakes that occurred between July 22–25, 2024, are shown as yellow circles. Recent ground deformation in this region, over the timeframe of July 15-24, 2024, is shown as colored fringes; data were recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (ASI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. More fringes indicate more deformation, and each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground motion. The bullseye feature southeast of Pauahi Crater on the upper East Rift Zone indicates inflation over this time period due to magma accumulation underground. USGS map continues?     On July 22, another swarm of earthquakes began in Kīlauea's UERZ and is ongoing. Earthquake locations have shifted, first being distributed along the UERZ, then concentrated near Pauahi Crater on July 23–24, and clustering to the northwest near Koʻoloʻolau Crater the morning of July 25.     Pulses of intense earthquake activity have been accompanied by changing patterns of ground motion, first in just the UERZ, then also in Kīlauea's summit region. As earthquakes increased in the UERZ, Kīlauea's summit began to deflate. This indicates that magma is moving from the summit storage regions into the UERZ, likely being intruded upwards into planar crack systems called dikes in the area between Pauahi Crater and Maunaulu.     This type of activity isn't surprising for Kīlauea. During the past 50 years, there have been about 50 intrusive episodes like this in the UERZ. In each case, magma moved underground in the UERZ, causing earthquakes and ground deformation. Only five of the events resulted in UERZ eruptions: in 1968, May 1973, November 1973, 1974, and 1979. These eruptions were relatively brief, each lasting for hours to about a month.     The most recent significant intrusion in this area started on Father's Day in 2007. An earthquake swarm near Maunaulu was accompanied by changing ground deformation rates. Over the following days, earthquakes moved downrift towards Puʻuʻōʻō in the middle portion of Kīlauea's East Rift Zone. Cracks and steam vents formed, and a small amount of lava erupted in the middle East Rift Zone, downrift of Maunaulu.     Kīlauea's UERZ also connects with the Koaʻe fault system, which is between Kīlauea's Southwest and East Rift Zones south of the summit. It's a complicated area—with deep cracks and vertical pali (cliffs)—that magma can sometimes move into, though eruptions have been rare. Deformation related to the ongoing swarm is localized along a strand of the Koaʻe fault zone, which is something that can occur when the fault zone is stressed.     These examples of past activity give us clues as to what could happen in the coming days and weeks. The Kāne Nui O Hamo during Upper East Rift Zone eruption in 2011.  Photo by Alan Cressler UERZ intrusion could continue to grow underground, which has been the most common scenario in this area in the past.     The intrusion could result in a brief eruption in the UERZ, which has happened just a handful of times in the past 200 years.     The intrusion could also migrate to the east, farther down the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, which in turn may or may not result in an eruption. If this occurs, HVO expects to see earthquake locations migrate to the east, past Maunaulu. Features on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, such as the lava shields of Maunaulu, Kāne Nui O Hamo, and Puʻuʻōʻō, are examples of long-lived eruptions in this area (months to years) but shorter duration eruptions are also possible.     Intrusions are common processes at active volcanoes, and at Kīlauea. Whereas lava flows on the surface are how shield volcanoes grow externally, they also grow internally via intrusions. The UERZ has not produced many intrusions in the near past, so this event is a unique opportunity to learn more about magma transport along the East Rift Zone. HVO will continue to closely monitor Kīlauea during this dynamic phase of UERZ activity. Volcano Activity Updates      Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Elevated earthquake activity and local ground deformation patterns in Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone indicate that an intrusion is ongoing in this area. Over the past week, approximately 2,000 earthquakes were detected beneath Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone, the area immediately southeast of the summit caldera. Unrest may continue to wax and wane with changes to the input of magma; changes can occur quickly, as can the potential for eruption. The most recent summit sulfur dioxide emission rate measured was approximately 65 tonnes per day on July 13, 2024.     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.     Nine earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.9 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) S of Volcano at 1 km (0 mi) depth on July 25 at 4:33 a.m. HST, a M3.4 earthquake 13 km (8 mi) ESE of Pāhala at 27 km (17 mi) depth on July 24 at 3:48 p.m. HST, a M3.1 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) S of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on July 23 at 9:18 p.m. HST, a M3.0 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) SSE of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on July 23 at 6:42 p.m. HST, a M3.4 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) SSE of Volcano at 1 km (1 mi) depth on July 23 at 6:33 p.m. HST, a M3.1 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) SSE of Volcano at 1 km (1 mi) depth on July 23 at 8:58 a.m. HST, a M3.6 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) SSE of Volcano at 1 km (0 mi) depth on July 23 at 3:33 a.m. HST, a M3.0 earthquake 5 km (3 mi) S of Volcano at 1 km (0 mi) depth on July 22 at 10:24 a.m. HST, and a M3.5 earthquake 6 km (3 mi) SSW of Volcano at 1 km (0 mi) depth on July 20 at 11:45 a.m. HST.     HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands. The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar, A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation  and the closing of the mill in 1996 5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i  See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 24, 2024

Summer Fun keiki gets upfront experience with a county firefighter as the youth visited work places
and hosted speakers this summer during the County program at Nāʻālehu Community Center.
Photo by Elijah Navarro

KA'U SUMMER FUN YOUTH met professionals in their community and visited workplaces during this year's session from June 12 to July 19 at Nāʻālehu Community Center. The Summer Fun Program

Summer fun keiki interact with a Hawai'i Police Department
officer during their school break. Photo by Elijah Navarro

hosted nearly 40 participants and ran for six weeks.
    Students visited Punalu'u Bakeshop and the adjacent Ke Ola Pu'uhonua cultural grounds, Nāʻālehu Library and Ka'u Coffee Mill. Guests interacting with the Summer Fun youth included county firefighters and medics and Hawai'i Police Department Officer Calican.

    Elijah Navarro, County of Hawai'i Recreation Director II at Nāʻālehu Community Center, said he would like to thank the all the venues and the police and fire department representatives. He said he would also like to thank guest speakers and other programs including: John Kahiapo with state Department of Land & Natural Resources; Gemini Observatory; West Hawaii – Tobacco & HEAL Coalition: James Akau, caretaker of Kahuku Ranch; Nohea Kaawa with The Nature Conservancy; Karratti 'Ohana ranching family; CU Hawai'i Federal Credit Union; and County Council member Michelle Galimba.

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HAWAI'I ISLAND FENTANYL TASK FORCE WILL HOST ITS 3rd Annual Hawaiʻi Fentanyl and Addictions Summit on Monday, August 5 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A statement from

the County says, "This free event has established itself as the State's premier opioid and addiction awareness summit since its inception in 2022. It brings together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds across Hawaiʻi to tackle the opioid-driven addiction and overdose crisis affecting our communities."
    "We are committed to doing all we can to protect our community from the opioid and fentanyl epidemic," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Since November 2021, we have worked closely with community leaders and healthcare professionals to address this crisis head-on, and this summit represents a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to protect and educate our residents."
    The event will feature sessions aimed at educating attendees about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl, sharing the latest facts and statistics of this crushing epidemic, and identifying actionable solutions. Attendees can expect to hear from families directly impacted by a drug overdose, participate in active discussions, and collaborate on strategies.

    Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, the Chief Executive for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council and one of the leaders of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, emphasized the importance of community involvement: "This epidemic is much closer to your household than you might think. By attending the summit, you can become more educated and aware of this issue and learn how to protect your loved ones."
    Wally Lau, another leader of the Task Force, added, "Our goal is to save lives by raising awareness and providing the necessary tools and resources to fight this epidemic. We are grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors, without whom this summit would not be possible."
    Dr. Kevin Kunz, also a Task Force leader, echoed these sentiments: "The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved in this summit demonstrate our collective commitment to making a difference. Together, we can turn the tide on this crisis that is killing someone every nine days on Hawaiʻi Island and one every twenty-eight hours in the State of Hawaiʻi."
    For more information on the summit and to register, please visit https://www.hiftf.org.

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Kalo to Poi 101 with Desiree Moana Cruz during the upcoming Experience Volcano Weekend.
Photos from Experience Volcano

'Ukulele lessons with Wes Awana

EXPERIENCE VOLCANO IS THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY at venues around Volcano Village. The opening oli (chant) will kick off the festival. Other cultural highlights will include creating Leī Hulu with Zenaida Sawyer, Kalo to Poi 101 with Desiree Moana Cruz, Lauhala Weaving with Ku`uipo Morales, and Hawaiian hula with Ke `Olu `Āhinahina and Ke `Olu Makani O Mauna Loa.
    Participants will be able to learn about the 'ukulele and learn to play it with Wes Awana, and listen to Hawaiian jams with Keoki Kahumoku, Ti Chun, Tutu Bee, Huliau and Boni Narito.

Hula performances and hula lessons will be at Experience Volcano this weekend.

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The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 23, 2024

Kani ka pū welcome at the 40th Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival. NPS photo by Janice Wei

Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell (left) emceed. She and her 'ohana
 have been lead organizers and participants since the first of
the 40 annual cultural festivals. Photo by Sara Espaniola

NEARLY 900 PEOPLE GATHERED IN KAHUKU on on Saturday, reports Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. They learned about, participated and shared in Hawaiian culture at the 40th Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival. Sounds of the pū, pūʻohe and the oli E Hō Mai led by Kumu Kaʻuhane Heloca, opened the festival, while a light makani and intermittent cloud cover kept everyone cool in Kaʻū. 

    Hundreds of community members and visitors made ti leaf lei, wove bracelets from lauhala, sanded their own makau (fishhooks), and created ʻohe kāpala designs on canvas bags. The scent of maile and puakenikeni lei filled the air as performers took the stage at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station.
    "Every cultural festival is a wonderful experience for the park and the community," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent, Rhonda Loh. "We send our biggest mahalo nui loa to all the performers, partners, food vendors, exhibitors and cultural practitioners who made Saturday such a huge success. It really is a kākou thing and I deeply appreciate everyone, including our staff and volunteers, who worked hard together to make the 40th fun and memorable!"
    Festival goers were dazzled with hula performances by nā ʻōlapa (dancers) from 

Ken Makuakane sang solo and performed
 with the original members of his legacy band
 The Pandanus Club. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

Kaleilaniakealiʻi and Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and were treated to a day of mele by the original members of the legendary Pandanus Club: Ken Makuakāne, Roddy Lopez and Alden Kaiʻaokamālie. Ken Makuakāne, a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner, also performed solo.

    The theme of the festival, E Ho'omau i ka Poʻohala, was personified by generations of the Makuakāne ʻohana who have helped organize, emcee, perform, and share Hawaiian cultural practices from the very first Hawaiian cultural at Kamoamoa through Saturday's 40th event. The park sends a special mahalo to the ʻohana, especially Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell, who served as a vivacious emcee and helped organize the event.
    The Park statement said, "In addition, the cultural festival would not be possible without the dedicated support of the park's supporting partners, the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association."

Dancers with Hālau Kaleilaniakealiʻi perform at the 40th Cultural Festival at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

NPS Photo by Janice Wei

Volunteers with the Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Project engage with the public at an exhibit table at the 40th Cultural Festival in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in Kahuku. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

Keiki learn ʻohe kāpala with Khloe Ontiveros. NPS photo by Janice Wei

Ulana lauhala with ʻAha Pūhala o Puna. NPS photo by Janice Wei

Keiki learn how to play the Hawaiian game, kōnane. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

Makau, fish hooks and line put together at the cultural festival. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Lori Lei Studio hula at Kahuku. Photo by Sara Espaniola

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NINETEEN WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI DURING THE WEEK OF July 15 through July 21. Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for driving under the influ

ence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 544 DUI arrests compared with 543 during the same period last year, a decrease of 0.18 percent. Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 547 major crashes so far this year, compared with 467 during the same time last year, an increase of 17.1 percent.
    To date, there were 18 fatal crashes, resulting in 20 fatalities, compared with 9 fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 100 percent for fatal crashes and 100 percent for fatalities.
    In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is zero compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 22, 2024

The USGS HVO observation tower stands out on the bluff amongst construction equipment. Other deconstructed facilities have almost been fully removed. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

END OF AN ERA, BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE at Uēkahuna, posts Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The removal of Jaggar Museum and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory buildings from Uēkahuna is nearly complete. This Thursday, July 25, workers will take down the HVO Tower, "a solemn occasion for the USGS HVO scientists who fulfilled important work in these facilities," posts the Park.

USGS webcam view of the construction project to build the new

USGS field station

     The buildings, which were constructed at the edge of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), were irreparably damaged in the 2018 summit collapse of Kīlauea volcano.
      The Park reports that "This revered area at the summit of Kīlauea volcano will eventually reopen to Hawaiian cultural practitioners and visitors without buildings. The historic low rock walls and viewing platform will remain, and awe-inspiring Kaluapele will dominate the viewscape again."
    Meanwhile, construction of the new USGS HVO field station is underway well away from the caldera’s unstable edge, near the historic ballfield adjacent to Kilauea Military Camp. Soon, the next wave of volcanic research will build within its walls.

USGS webcam view of the deconstruction process of Jaggar Museum and the USGS HVO facilities.

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SUDDEN INCREASE IN EARTHQUAKES AND GROUND DEFORMATION led to closure are areas in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park "that could put visitors and staff at risk if the volcano erupts," says the statement issued by the Park on Monday. The frequent quakes and ground deformation started around 11 a.m. Monday in the volcano's upper East Rift Zone. The temporary closures include:

Kulanaokuaiki Campground is closed due to the
possibility of the volcano erupting. NPS photo

    Chain of Craters Road from the intersection at Devastation parking lot to the coast.
    Kulanaokuaiki Campground.
    Crater Rim Trail south of Nāhuku lava tube.
    Coastal backcountry areas and Nāpau sites All new backcountry permits for those areas are canceled.
    Escape Road from Nāhuku to Maunaulu.

    "It is never an easy decision to close areas, but it is the right thing to do. Safety is always our top priority," said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. "We remain in constant communication with scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and will continue to notify the public of any changes."
Risks include the uncertainty of where an eruption could break out, the potential for elevated volcanic gases, dangerous lava flows, damaging earthquakes and lava-ignited wildfire.
    According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, it is not known if the current conditions will lead to an eruption in the near future or if magma will remain confined below ground. However, an eruption in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea is one potential outcome.
    The uptick in activity has not impacted traffic safety or infrastructure projects at the summit.
Many popular areas in the park remain open, including Kīlauea Visitor Center, overlooks along Crater Rim Trail, Volcano House, and Nāhuku. However, it is a very busy time of year and the visitor center parking lot was filled by 10 a.m.
    Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

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DR. C. KIMO ALAMEDA HAS THE STATE OF HAWAI'I ORGANIZATION OF POLICE OFFICERS' endorsement. Alameda made the announcement on Monday, calling it a significant development in the 

Candidate for Hawai'i County Mayor, Kimo Alameda walks in
 the Volcano July 4 Parade. He has the backing of State
  of Hawai'i Organization of. Police Officers, UPW and
HGEA unions. Photo by Sara Espaniola

2024 mayoral race for Hawai'i County.
    "As our county faces rising crime and a statewide police staffing crisis, our community needs leaders with a proven track record of putting public safety first. Additionally, we believe we will need a leader who will bring the community together. Dr. Kimo Alameda has demonstrated his ability to make tough decisions and establish strong community relationships," said Sean Phelan, Hawai'i County SHOPO PAC Chair.

    SHOPO represents over 2,600 police officers across the State of Hawai'i, including many on Hawaiʻi Island who provide essential public safety services.
    "I am humbled and honored to receive this
endorsement by SHOPO," Alameda said when accepting the endorsement. "I have the utmost aloha and respect for the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day for us."

    This endorsement adds to Alameda's growing list of supporters, which now includes the Iron Workers Union Local 625, Hawai'i Government Employees Association and United Public Workers.
    Alameda expressed his gratitude for the "mounting support. I'm excited to earn the support of everybody who wants to bring the spirit of aloha back to County government."

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