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| The first JV Trojans Baseball Team in many years. Front row: Samthen Ainos, Joner Labin and Erwin Ralling. Back row: Coaches Terry Cox and Jeremy VanArkel, with players Caleb Crook, Eli Crook, Riley Koch, Devin Alpin, Bobti Carlend, Bobgi Carlend, Obten Boaz, Ian Beck and Coaches Rolland Alcoran and Josh Crook. Photo from Trojans JV Baseball |
IN ITS FIRST SEASON OPENER IN MANY YEARS, JV TROJANS BASEBALL, representing Kaʻū High and Kanu o ka ʻĀina schools, on Wednesday led Hilo Vikings at start of the game by more than four points. Final score saw the Vikings win 13-5.
This is the first time in perhaps a decade or more for Trojans to sponsor a JV team. Varsity Trojans baseball begins its season in February.
Trojan's next game is home at Kaʻū High this Saturday Jan. 27 at 1:30 p.m. against Pahoa, followed by a game in Hilo against Waiākea on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. Their last game is at home on Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m. against Hawai'i Preparatory Academy. For the home games there will be food concessions to raise money for the sport.
During the JV game against Hilo, Trojans added to their early lead after Sophomore Riley Koch of Kaʻū High, Sophomore Caleb Crook of Kanu o ka ʻĀina, and Freshman Eli Crook of Kanu o ka ʻĀina together scored four runs by the end of the second inning. Both Koch and Caleb Crook each hit a double. In the third inning Caleb Crook scored another run giving the Trojans five total. Hilo Vikings took the lead in the
bottom of the fourth inning.
Caleb Crook began the game for the Trojans as starting pitcher giving up three hits, and four unearned runs over three innings, striking out five and walking three. Hilo's starting pitcher Shayden Sipinga allowed five hits and five runs (four earned) over four innings, striking out three and walking five.
Leadoff hitter Koch led the Trojans with two hits in three at bat. Caleb Crook, Eli Crook, Freshman Ian Beck of Kaʻū High, and Sophomore Devin Alpin of Kaʻū High each drove in one run for the Trojans. Koch, Caleb Crook, and Eli Crook each stole multiple bases. The Trojans ran wild on the base paths, piling up seven stolen bases for the game. Center fielder Samthen Ainos and Second baseman Eli Crook turned a double play. Shortstop Caleb Crook and first baseman Alpin also turned a double play. Other notable highlights of the game featured Beck who played as catcher the entire game, as well as Sophomore Bobgi Carlend and Sophomore Erwin Rilang both of Kaʻū High making great catches in the outfield.
Koch was named Trojan's Player of the Game with batting 2 for 3 and hitting a double. Trojan's Head Coach Josh Crook said, "I am proud of all the boys and their hard work in athletics and school. I look forward to see how their skills will improve the rest of the season and the upcoming Varsity season. It's been a blessing to get to know these boys and be an influence in their life." Assistant coaches are Rolland Alcoran, Jeremy VanArkel and Terry Cox. Kaʻū High has three more games to finish the JV season.
During the JV game against Hilo, Trojans added to their early lead after Sophomore Riley Koch of Kaʻū High, Sophomore Caleb Crook of Kanu o ka ʻĀina, and Freshman Eli Crook of Kanu o ka ʻĀina together scored four runs by the end of the second inning. Both Koch and Caleb Crook each hit a double. In the third inning Caleb Crook scored another run giving the Trojans five total. Hilo Vikings took the lead in the
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| Coaches Jeremy VanArkel, Rolan Alcoran, Josh Crook and Terry Cox. Photo from Trojans JV Baseball |
Caleb Crook began the game for the Trojans as starting pitcher giving up three hits, and four unearned runs over three innings, striking out five and walking three. Hilo's starting pitcher Shayden Sipinga allowed five hits and five runs (four earned) over four innings, striking out three and walking five.
Leadoff hitter Koch led the Trojans with two hits in three at bat. Caleb Crook, Eli Crook, Freshman Ian Beck of Kaʻū High, and Sophomore Devin Alpin of Kaʻū High each drove in one run for the Trojans. Koch, Caleb Crook, and Eli Crook each stole multiple bases. The Trojans ran wild on the base paths, piling up seven stolen bases for the game. Center fielder Samthen Ainos and Second baseman Eli Crook turned a double play. Shortstop Caleb Crook and first baseman Alpin also turned a double play. Other notable highlights of the game featured Beck who played as catcher the entire game, as well as Sophomore Bobgi Carlend and Sophomore Erwin Rilang both of Kaʻū High making great catches in the outfield.
Koch was named Trojan's Player of the Game with batting 2 for 3 and hitting a double. Trojan's Head Coach Josh Crook said, "I am proud of all the boys and their hard work in athletics and school. I look forward to see how their skills will improve the rest of the season and the upcoming Varsity season. It's been a blessing to get to know these boys and be an influence in their life." Assistant coaches are Rolland Alcoran, Jeremy VanArkel and Terry Cox. Kaʻū High has three more games to finish the JV season.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
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| A pair of nēnē and gosling are Hawaiian State Birds, their protection supported by Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association, which recently raised more than $90K through its stores at parks and historic sites. NPS photo |
Since its founding in 1933, HPPA has been a dedicated National Park Service Partner with a mission to support the preservation, interpretation, and educational programs of national parka and. historic sites in Hawai'i and American Samoa. Over the past 90 years. Hawai Pacific Parks Association has raised tens of millions of dollars to support projects and programs. All donations raised at the park stay with that park. The fundraiser in 2023 was called 90 for 90 Challenge. The goal was reached on Dec. 1 but donations continued to flow in through Dec. 31, reaching $106,125.
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| Mel Boehl, Executive Director of Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association. |
Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association Executive Director Mel Boehl said, "We reflect on the incredible impact that HPPA has made over the past nine decades. We are grateful to our partners, supporters, and the dedicated staff who have helped us achieve our mission and ensure that our national parks are supported for generations to come."
DIVERSE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be explained this Saturday by volunteer Harvey Scott. He will meet people at the Cooper Center Swap Meet on Wright Road from 9 a.m. to noon.
THE 1868 ERUPTION OF MAUNA LOA will be the subject of the 9:30 a.m. Coffee Talk at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, this Saturday, Jan. 27, just off Hwy 11 between South Point Road and Ocean View.
At Volcano, a hike to Ha'akulamanu, the Sulphur Banks, begins at 10:30 a.m.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
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| Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park volunteers at recent Appreciation luncheon. Photo by Janice Wei |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY REPORTS ON ICELAND ERUPTIONS, A REMINDER OF LAVA FLOW HAZARDS in its weekly column Volcano Watch, by USGS scientists and affiliates:
Lava flows slowly approaching houses. Authorities evacuating neighborhoods. The tension of residents not knowing when, or if, they can return to their homes.
These scenes may bring up difficult memories for Island of Hawaiʻi residents whose lives were affected by the destructive 2018 eruption of Kīlauea. During the four months of that eruption on the lower East Rift Zone, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and thousands of lives were disrupted.
But this scenario also occurred just this month, in Iceland. A new eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula began on Jan. 14, threatening the small fishing village of Grindavik. Fissures opened just a few hundred meters (yards) upslope of the town, sending a lava flow into residential areas. The flow inched into the edge of town and destroyed several houses.
By the next day, the flow front had stalled, and the eruption was ending. But the magmatic system has been reinflating beneath the surface, indicating another eruption could happen in the near future.
This isn't the first time that Iceland has dealt with destructive lava flows. In 1973, an eruption sent lava through the village on the island of Heimaey, with lava creeping into the nearby bay. That eruption was, perhaps, most notable for the use of water cannons to try to cool the flow and arrest its advance before it blocked the entrance to the fishing harbor.
Nearly half of the town was destroyed and today, a house "graveyard" is present on the surface of the 1973 lava flow that covered the town, with stone markers showing the location of each owner's house accompanied by a small sketch of the residence.
The eruption this month in Iceland hasn't been the only recent eruptive activity there. Over the last three years, five different eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Most of these have been a safe distance from residential areas. Thousands of tourists were drawn to the up-close views of spectacular lava fountaining.
Unfortunately, the geologic record suggests that more eruptions could occur in the near future on the peninsula. The last eruptive phase in this part of Iceland occurred 800 years ago, but eruptive phases have lasted decades or longer. This suggests that the past five eruptions may be just the start of activity that could persist for years. This no doubt adds to the anxiety of Grindavik residents.
In a way, this recurrent eruptive phase in the Reykjanes Peninsula is reminiscent of the current era that we see at Kīlauea. The summit caldera at Kīlauea has been in a multi-year phase of crater refilling, following the collapse and subsidence of the caldera floor during the 2018 eruption. Five eruptions have occurred since 2020.
However, at Kīlauea, we have been fortunate that this multi-year eruptive phase has been safely contained within the summit caldera, with no threat to residential areas. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists keep a close eye on the monitoring data, particularly for any signs of magma migrating into the East Rift Zone.
The Iceland and 2018 Kīlauea eruptions are just two of several recent examples that highlight the destructive nature of lava flows. In 2021, the eruption of Cumbre Vieja, in the Canary Islands, produced lava fountains and flows which reached the ocean, cutting through residential areas and destroying over a thousand buildings.
Earlier that same year, a flank eruption of Nyiragongo volcano, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sent lava flows through several villages, destroying about a thousand homes and killing 32 people. Thousands of residents were displaced.
In each of these places—on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Kīlauea in 2018, Cumbre Vieja, and Nyiragongo—the impact of the eruption extends far beyond the margins of the lava flow. Large numbers of nearby residents have been displaced, and their lives severely disrupted, even if the flow spared their property.
Residents and communities take time to adjust to a changed landscape. The effects of the lava flows can linger for years after the eruption ends.
While advances in monitoring and forecasting of eruptive activity have improved our ability to provide warning to stakeholders before an eruption; residential areas around the world are still vulnerable. Whether it's been 800 years or five years since the last eruption where you live, it's important to know the volcanic hazards that could impact you and make a plan for taking care of yourself, your family, and your property.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Earthquake activity in Kīlauea summit region remained low over the past week, while summit tilt shows continuing inflation. Unrest over the past several months has fluctuated and eruptive activity could occur in the near future with little or no warning. The most recent sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate for the summit—approximately 70 tonnes per day—was measured on January 17. No unusual activity has been noted along the rift zones.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
Three earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.0 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) ENE of Honaunau-Napo'opoo at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Jan. 22 at 5:41 a.m. HST, a M2.7 earthquake 23 km (14 mi) SE of Waikoloa at 32 km (19 mi) depth on Jan. 19 at 8:04 p.m. HST, and a M3.4 earthquake 20 km (12 mi) W of Kailua-Kona at 8 km (5 mi) depth on Jan. 18 at 2:54 p.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Lava flows slowly approaching houses. Authorities evacuating neighborhoods. The tension of residents not knowing when, or if, they can return to their homes.
These scenes may bring up difficult memories for Island of Hawaiʻi residents whose lives were affected by the destructive 2018 eruption of Kīlauea. During the four months of that eruption on the lower East Rift Zone, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and thousands of lives were disrupted.
But this scenario also occurred just this month, in Iceland. A new eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula began on Jan. 14, threatening the small fishing village of Grindavik. Fissures opened just a few hundred meters (yards) upslope of the town, sending a lava flow into residential areas. The flow inched into the edge of town and destroyed several houses.
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| A stone marker over a house destroyed by a lava flow from the 1973 eruption on the island of Heimaey, Iceland. Photo from USGS |
By the next day, the flow front had stalled, and the eruption was ending. But the magmatic system has been reinflating beneath the surface, indicating another eruption could happen in the near future.
This isn't the first time that Iceland has dealt with destructive lava flows. In 1973, an eruption sent lava through the village on the island of Heimaey, with lava creeping into the nearby bay. That eruption was, perhaps, most notable for the use of water cannons to try to cool the flow and arrest its advance before it blocked the entrance to the fishing harbor.
Nearly half of the town was destroyed and today, a house "graveyard" is present on the surface of the 1973 lava flow that covered the town, with stone markers showing the location of each owner's house accompanied by a small sketch of the residence.
The eruption this month in Iceland hasn't been the only recent eruptive activity there. Over the last three years, five different eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Most of these have been a safe distance from residential areas. Thousands of tourists were drawn to the up-close views of spectacular lava fountaining.
Unfortunately, the geologic record suggests that more eruptions could occur in the near future on the peninsula. The last eruptive phase in this part of Iceland occurred 800 years ago, but eruptive phases have lasted decades or longer. This suggests that the past five eruptions may be just the start of activity that could persist for years. This no doubt adds to the anxiety of Grindavik residents.
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| https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo |
However, at Kīlauea, we have been fortunate that this multi-year eruptive phase has been safely contained within the summit caldera, with no threat to residential areas. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists keep a close eye on the monitoring data, particularly for any signs of magma migrating into the East Rift Zone.
The Iceland and 2018 Kīlauea eruptions are just two of several recent examples that highlight the destructive nature of lava flows. In 2021, the eruption of Cumbre Vieja, in the Canary Islands, produced lava fountains and flows which reached the ocean, cutting through residential areas and destroying over a thousand buildings.
Earlier that same year, a flank eruption of Nyiragongo volcano, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sent lava flows through several villages, destroying about a thousand homes and killing 32 people. Thousands of residents were displaced.
In each of these places—on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Kīlauea in 2018, Cumbre Vieja, and Nyiragongo—the impact of the eruption extends far beyond the margins of the lava flow. Large numbers of nearby residents have been displaced, and their lives severely disrupted, even if the flow spared their property.
Residents and communities take time to adjust to a changed landscape. The effects of the lava flows can linger for years after the eruption ends.
While advances in monitoring and forecasting of eruptive activity have improved our ability to provide warning to stakeholders before an eruption; residential areas around the world are still vulnerable. Whether it's been 800 years or five years since the last eruption where you live, it's important to know the volcanic hazards that could impact you and make a plan for taking care of yourself, your family, and your property.
Volcano Activity Updates
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
Three earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.0 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) ENE of Honaunau-Napo'opoo at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Jan. 22 at 5:41 a.m. HST, a M2.7 earthquake 23 km (14 mi) SE of Waikoloa at 32 km (19 mi) depth on Jan. 19 at 8:04 p.m. HST, and a M3.4 earthquake 20 km (12 mi) W of Kailua-Kona at 8 km (5 mi) depth on Jan. 18 at 2:54 p.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 latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
