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| 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.
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USGS webcam view of the construction project to build the new USGS field station |
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.
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| 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:
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| Kulanaokuaiki Campground is closed due to the possibility of the volcano erupting. NPS photo |
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.
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.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
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| 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 |
"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."
"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."
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."
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.
