Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Aug. 11, 2017

Sen. Mazie Hirono attended the graduation of the Naval Shipyard Apprentices on Friday and said she will
advocate for shipyard improvements across the country, including Pearl Harbor. US Navy Photo

HAWAI`I'S SHIPYARD WORKFORCE gained support from Sen. Mazie Hirono today. The Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, Hirono reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Hawai`i’s shipyard workforce at today’s Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Apprenticeship Program graduation ceremony. More than 80 Shipyard Apprentices graduated.

Hirono speaks to a 2017 Shipyard apprentice graduate Justiny M.C. Alimoot.

      “Given what’s going on in the world today, the work you’ve been training to do is very important,” said Hirono. “We need workers like you to maintain, repair, and overhaul the ships and submarines in our fleet. I will continue to work together with our delegation to make sure that Pearl Harbor Shipyard remains a strong and vital part of our national security.”

      Hirono said she continues to strongly advocate for federal funding to support the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and the modernization of shipyards across the nation. 

     Earlier this year, she worked with Hawai`i’s Congressional Delegation and others to exempt Navy shipyard civilian employees from the recent executive order that freezes federal hiring –preventing hiring delays that could threaten national security.  

      The Senator was joined at the Friday event by members of Hawai`i’s Congressional Delegation, Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

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HAWAI`I'S ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW, but at a slower rate, according to a state Department of Business and Economic Development's Statistical and Economic Report for the third quarter. The report, based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data, said that following a 2 percent per year grows during 2015 and 2016, growth slowed to .9 percent for the first quarter of this year.

     Luis Salveria, director of DBEDT said, “Hawai`i’s economic fundamentals are still positive, although growth has slowed down. We have the second lowest unemployment rate in the nation during the first half of 2017, and our visitor industry is performing well, with 4.6 million visitor arrivals during the first half of the year.” The unemployment rate during June was 2.7 percent, about .4 percent lower than last June. Employment and the number of people in the labor force reached an historic high during the first six months of 2017. Visitor arrivals are projected to increase by 3.2 percent this year.

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THERMAL CAMERAS KEEP A COOL EYE ON HOT LAVA, reports scientists with the USGS Hawai`i Volcano Obersvatory in this week's Volcano Watch:

     Thermal cameras have been used by volcanologists around the world for many years to study volcanic processes and search for signs of impending eruptions.

     On Kīlauea, data from thermal cameras are used to track the level and movements of the summit lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu. This helps us better understand lake behavior and the inner workings of the volcano. Insights gained from thermal images continue to teach us how molten lava erupts, degasses and, over geologic time, changes the landscape.

      Thermal cameras work by measuring energy in the long-wave infrared part of the emitted light spectrum (8–14 micrometers). That energy is translated into a temperature value using principles of physics.

Side-by-side images from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Thermal Web Camera (HTcam) located on the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu before (left) and after (right) lava veneer from the vent wall fell into the lake on July 28, 2017. The collapse scar is circled at right. You can follow the changing lava lake activity, as seen through the eyes of a thermal camera, on HVO’s website at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vsc/captures/kilauea/htcam.jpg. USGS images

      Included with this article are two recent thermal images of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit lava lake.  Colors correspond to surface temperatures: darker colors indicate cooler surfaces and lighter colors represent molten and recently solidified lava.

      The scale at right does not reflect true temperatures due to a variety of factors, including the obscuring effects of volcanic fume. Actual lava temperatures for the hottest areas in these images would be about 1150 degrees Celsius (2100 degrees Fahrenheit). But, relative temperatures are still correct. Hot is hot!

      The field of view in each frame is roughly 200 m (660 ft) across. In this view, the lake surface is about 125 m (410 ft) below the camera. 

      In these images, captured at 4:05 p.m. (left) and 4:42 p.m. (right) local time on July 28, 2017, you can see a dramatic difference in lava lake surface characteristics. The difference resulted from a sudden collapse of lava veneer, the rocky coating left on the vent wall by spattering and previous higher stands of the lake.

An HVO geologist performs a routine check of the thermal camera 

and webcam at the summit. USGS photo.

      The 4:05 p.m. image shows typical lake conditions, with spattering on the northeast lake margin. About a dozen different-sized plates of semi-solid crust on the lake surface slowly circulate. Jagged and straight cracks form as the plates pull apart, revealing molten lava beneath the crust. Bright areas, where the foundering of crustal plates churns up molten lava, are also visible. 

      At 4:28 p.m., a large patch of veneer – perhaps 50 m (165 ft) wide and 30 m (100 ft) high – cascaded into the lava lake, leaving behind a hot scar (circled in right image). The impact of this rocky debris falling into the lava lake caused agitation that persisted for tens of minutes. That disturbance broke the surface crust into dozens of microplates and possibly promoted new spattering along the lake margins. 

      HVO’s thermal camera at Halemaʻumaʻu has functioned well for over six years, sending data to us around the clock. The camera has a 53-degree-wide lens housed in a modified Pelican™ case for protection from weather, corrosive volcanic gas, and occasional bombardment by molten spatter. The box is mounted on a well-anchored, sturdy tripod. Images are transmitted by WiFi connection to HVO, where they are collected on computer servers for delivery to our public web site and to HVO staff for analysis.    

Thermal camera shows active lava pond inside Pu`u O`o Crater
in 2010. USGS Photo

   HVO also maintains thermal cameras that look into the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater on Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone and Moku‘āweoweo caldera atop Mauna Loa. These cameras capture an image every 2–3 minutes.  At Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, if a hot spot fills more than five percent of the camera images, a computer program sends a text message with an embedded image to HVO staff. Our Mauna Loa camera is similarly alarmed. If high temperature is detected, a text message is automatically sent to HVO staff. Upon receiving a text, we check other monitoring data (including more recent webcam images) to see if lava has suddenly appeared or if there is other cause for concern.

     In the coming year, Hawai`i Volcano Observatory scientists hope to upgrade the Halemaʻumaʻu thermal camera to a new model that will acquire higher resolution images. Better images will allow even more detailed analyses and enhance tracking of lava levels.

     An online interview with HVO geologist Matt Patrick (https://www.livescience.com/25952-kilauea-live-images-interview.html) tells more about how scientists use thermal cameras to study Kīlauea Volcano’s summit lava lake. He has also written a paper on the use of thermal cameras at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, which is available at https://appliedvolc.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/2191-5040-3-1.

     Visit the HVO website (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo) for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, recent earthquakes info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, AUG. 12, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 9389-7033.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS parade begins at Na`alehu School and travels down Hwy 11 to  Na`alehu beginning on Saturday, at 9 a.m, followed by the celebration at Na`alehu Community Center and park.
      There will be food booths, arts and crafts, information booths, games, keiki photos by the police department, tug o war, food contest, lauhala weaving, arm wrestling, archery shoot, silent auction, horseshoes, Hawaiian games, lei making and Hawaiian medicine.  The event is free and organized byt Ka`u Multicultural Society's Darlyne Vierra or Liz Kuluwaimaka, who can be reached at 640-8740 or 339-0289. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST SUMMER SERIES continues Saturday, Aug. 12 at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performance is called The Odyssey of Saxy Jazz!
    The evening explores evolution of the American jazz saxophone and highlights the historic diversions as America opened up on the East and West coasts with the creation of many styles and personalities. Jazz in the Forest takes place at the Volcano Art Center campus on Old Volcano Highway. The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. An area is set aside for dancing. Tickets are $18 for VAC members, $20 non-members. For more information or to register call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.

Tango and classical music are among the offerings at the Hawai`i International Music Festival concert at Pahala Plantation House on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 10, 2017

Rodrigo Romo, PICES program manager ,will give a talk on using Hawaiian basalt as construction
materials simulant for use on the moon and Mars. Photo from PICES

HAWAIIAN BASALT VOLCANIC ROCK could be used as a simulant for construction on the moon and Mars. Hawaiian basalt found on this island can be employed for experimentation, says Rodrigo Romo, Program Manager at PICES - the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. He will give a presentation on the subject at Imiloa in Hilo on Friday, August 18 at 7 p.m.
     Romo explains that basalt is a volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava. Volcanoes in Hawai‘i primarily erupt basalt, and have a relatively high fluidity that favors the formation of lava flows. “We have conducted chemical analysis on the composition of Hawaiian basalt using samples collected at various locations on Hawai‘i Island,” says Romo. “We’ve found that some of these samples closely resemble lunar regolith (fine dust) in composition. This makes our local basalt an ideal lunar simulant, and we are using it to research how we can harness the basalt found on the Moon as a construction material.”

    

PICES Rover, developed to help with construction on a moon or
other planet. Photo from PICES

     PISCES has been involved in researching various methods through which Hawaiian basalt can be utilized to produce quality construction materials. This work has been done in collaboration with NASA and Honeybee Robotics, and has led to various research proposals that are currently being evaluated. In his talk, Romo will present an update of the work being done in this field of study.
     Romo originates from Guadalajara, Mexico where he obtained his degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined PISCES in 2014 as a Project Manager and has over 25 years of experience in Project Management. He has been interested in space exploration and the development of sustainable materials ever since his experience as a crewmember during Biosphere 2’s second manned mission in the Arizona desert in 1994.
     Maunakea Skies presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 808-932-8901.

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Raise money for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park by entering the "Zero-Mile Event"
at the Rain Forest Runs.

A ZERO MILE  fundraising event across the Volcano Rainforest Runs Finish line on Sat. Aug. 18, will bring income to Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. It will also celebrate the organization's 20-year anniversary.
    A statement from Friends invites people to "Walk, roll or crawl across the finish line and receive a beautiful medal celebrating Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's 20 Year Anniversary. Every participant who can traverse the entire zero mile (about 15 feet) through the finish line to a cheering crowd, will receive a Friends' medal. Medals cannot be purchased, you must register and be present to receive."
     The fundraiser takes place at Cooper Center in Volcano Village at the race place. Donations to enter are $20 for adults, $10 for those 14 and younger and free for children in strollers. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
     Friends will have a booth at the Rainforest Run/Zero Mile  with new merchandise for sale. We now have keiki sizes, including babies, along with 10 color choices. The booth will be open from 8am - 3pm on August 19 - stop by and see us. 

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THE FEDERAL CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT draft, released this week, should be taken seriously, says Sen. Brian Schatz. It's entitled the U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Change Special Report.

Hawai`i is is one of the many places in the U.S. where the average annual temperature rose
between 1986 and 2016. Image from U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Change Special Report.

     Says Schatz, “This report confirms what we already know: climate change is real, it is caused by people, and we need to do something about it. The federal government should not suppress or deny these facts, nor should it try to silence government scientists. Instead, our leaders need to come together to raise the alarm and find a way forward. Congress should lead the way, and we can start by looking at carbon fee proposals as part of tax reform.”
    The report states that "Since the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment was published in May 2014, stronger evidence has emerged for continuing, rapid, human-caused warming of the global atmosphere and ocean......The last few years have also seen record-breaking, climate-related weather extremes, the three warmest years on record for the globe and continued decline in arctic sea ice. These trends are expected to continue in the future over climate (multidecadal) timescales.....Since 1980, the cost of extreme events for the United States has exceeded $1.1 trillion, therefore better understanding of the frequency and severity of these events in the context of a changing climate is warranted."

This graphical representation shows how natural and human activity contributes to chemical composition changes

in the atmosphere leading to climate change. 

Image from U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Change Special Report.

     The report also shows extreme concern for the arctic ice melting, rising see levels, and warming oceans raising air temperatures. It advises that "Choices made today will determine the magnitude of climate change risks beyond the next few decades." 

     Schatz points out that the draft of a federal climate report was authored by scientists in 13 federal agencies. "As expected, its conclusions are at odds with the Trump administration’s views. I am deeply concerned the Trump administration is going to try to sabotage this report to prevent the American people from learning the truth about climate change," says the Hawai`i U.S. Senator.

     Schatz concludes that "With this report at the White House for review, now is the best time to make your voice heard. Add your name to tell the Trump administration not to shut down the federal government’s new climate change report. The American people deserve to hear the facts that the federal government has collected about climate change. We must resist any attempt to dismiss climate change, and we cannot allow the Trump administration to cover up ideas they disagree with by burying this report. I fundamentally believe climate change is one of the most important issues facing our immediate future and generations to come. I hope I can count on your energy and effort in this moment."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.

Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, AUG. 12, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 9389-7033.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS begins with a parade from Na`alehu School to Na`alehu Park on Highway 11 this Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m, followed by a gathering at Na`alehu Community Center and park.
      There will be food booths, arts and crafts, information booths, games, keiki photos by the police department, tug o war, food contest, lauhala weaving, arm wrestling, archery shoot, silent auction, horseshoes, Hawaiian games, lei making and Hawaiian medicine.
   Free, call Ka`u Multicultural Society's Darlyne Vierra or Liz Kuluwaimaka at 640-8740 or 339-0289. Retired teachers who taught in Ka`u will be honored.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST SUMMER SERIES continues Saturday, Aug. 12 at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performance is called The Odyssey of Saxy Jazz!
    The evening explores evolution of the American jazz saxophone and highlights the historic diversions as America opened up on the East and West coasts with the creation of many styles and personalities. Jazz in the Forest takes place at the Volcano Art Center campus on Old Volcano Highway. The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. An area is set aside for dancing. Tickets are $18 for VAC members, $20 non-members. For more information or to register call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.

Tango and classical music are among the offerings at the Hawai`i International Music Festival concert at Pahala Plantation House on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017

Distance from North Korea to Guam, Alaska, Hawai`i and the mainland.

PRES. DONALD TRUMP CALLING OUT NORTH KOREA drew quick response from Hawai`i Sen. Brian Schatz on Tuesday and Wednesday. Responding to Trump's threat to meet North Korean threats with "fire and fury that the world has never seen," followed by North Korea's threat to fire missiles at Guam, Schatz pointed to the lack of positions filled in the U.S. State Department for diplomats and experts, particularly in Asia. One unfilled post is U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.

Sen. Brian Schatz calls for staffing the
state department as Trump threatens
North Korea.

    Schatz tweeted, "This is a national emergency. And it's not just for Korea. We have this problem across the planet. No diplomats, no diplomacy." Another tweet from Schatz: "More than 80 jobs w/no nominee at State, out of 131. Arms control, public diplomacy, political-military affairs, diplomatic security, Asia."
   Schatz posted one of the pages from an 11-page document listing positions filled and mostly unfilled at the State Department and tweeted, "receding from the world stage is not what America does. Those key positions are not just for a crisis but to protect our voice everywhere."
     Another Schatz tweet: "This is either malpractice or malfeasance. We have dozens of key leadership positions in DOD and State across the globe with no nominee."

     Schatz also looked to the 2018 election: "Let's win the 2018 election cycle and take our country back." And to 2020: "It would be excellent to have a President experienced in foreign policy and government leadership next time."

     In the near term, he recommended that Congress should "quickly move" on Asia-related nominations for Department of State and Department of Defense; clarify Asian policy in the National Defense Authorization Act, which funds the Armed Services; fund diplomacy; and "fund Asia rebalance." He urged the administration to ask professionals with knowledge of Asia what they think. "This is too serious for cable partisan punditry from campaign flacks."

     Schatz stated: "We are fortunate to have a United States Pacific Command "PACOM Commander and U.S. Forces Korea Commander with lots of wisdom and experience. We should listen to them."

     Just after Trump yesterday warned North Korea to "best not make any more threats to the U.S. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen," Schatz responded, "This is unwise. We need Ambassador to South Korea, Secretary for East Asia Affairs, and Secretary for Asian Pacific Security Affairs sent to Senate now," for confirmation.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AUGUST IS NATIONAL WATER QUALITY MONTH, and "the people of Hawai'i understand the importance of clean and healthy water resources. Unfortunately, 52 percent of America's national parks have waterways considered impaired under the Clean Water Act, meaning they do not meet appropriate water quality standards," says U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in a statement released today.
     "Protecting our natural resources goes hand-in-hand with protecting our future. Healthy people, healthy parks and healthy communities depend on healthy clean water.
     "As Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am fully committed to protecting our nation's water quality and restoring water quality in our national parks.

     "As residents of an island state, we all know the importance of protecting our state's water quality. I hope you will join me in recognizing National Water Quality Month and doing your part to keep Hawai`i's water clean."
     The American Water Works Association, through its DrinkTap.org  released the following reminder:
     "We are very fortunate in the United States that most of us have easy access to safe tap water, and that’s because of the thousands of water systems working hard to make that happen. "Our tap water is safe because water utilities are required to meet the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The SDWA not only protects our drinking water supply but also the sources of our drinking water supply.
     "To keep our tap water safe, water utilities are required to monitor for almost 100 contaminants regularly. The SDWA requires EPA to identify contaminants that need to be regulated in drinking water and also to set limits for those contaminants.

    "Because nearly all of our water utilities meet the regulatory standards set by EPA, we can feel secure knowing that our tap water is safe.
     "The SDWA also requires water utilities to provide their customers with a Consumer Confidence Report, which is an annual report on local tap water quality. A CCR details what contaminants, if any, are detected and at what levels they are at locally. Customers must receive their CCR by July 1 each year. If you haven't received yours yet, contact your local water utility."
     Go to www.drinktap.org to visit Local Water webpages and the What’s In My Water? section to learn more about water quality.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com

RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING, Thursday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m. at HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. Hannah Uribes 929-9953.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, AUG. 12, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 9389-7033.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS, with the theme Culture and Tradition Lives on, starts with a parade from Na`alehu School to Na`alehu Park on Highway 11 this Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m, followed by a gathering at Na`alehu Community Center and park. 

     The day features food booths, arts and crafts, information booths, games, keiki photos by the police department, tug O war, food contest, lauhala weaving, arm wrestling, archery shoot, silent auction, horseshoes, Hawaiian games, lei making and Hawaiian medicine. 

     Free, call Ka`u Multicultural Society's Darlyne Vierra or  Liz Kuluwaimaka at 640-8740 or 339-0289. Retired teachers who taught in Ka`u will be honored.

THE 2017 JAZZ IN THE FOREST SUMMER SERIES continues on Saturday, Aug. 12 with two performances, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.  The performance is called The Odyssey of Saxy Jazz!

   The evening explores evolution of the American jazz saxophone from the beginning of the 1900’s in New Orleans, through the roaring Dixieland times of jazz, and up the Mississippi River to Chicago with exciting stops along the way, includingKansas City. The Odyssey of Saxy Jazz! highlights the historic diversions as America opened up on the East and West coasts with the creation of many styles and personalities.
     Sax soloists such as Sidney Bechet, Frank Trumbauer, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman, and many others contributed to the path of jazz in big bands as well as small musical combos, as society changed and audiences kept on dancing to different beats.
     Jazz in the Forest takes place at the Volcano Art Center campus on Old Volcano Highway. The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. An area is set aside for dancing. Tickets are $18 for VAC members, $20 non-members. For more information or to register call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Tango and classical music are among the offerings at the Hawai`i International Music Festival concert at Pahala Plantation House on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017