Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, August 5, 2018

Fissure 8 is at a low flow today, after more than 72 hours without a summit collapse event, showing
almost no incandescence. USGS photo

NO KĪLAUEA COLLAPSE EVENT ROCKED VOLCANO IN MORE THAN THREE DAYS, as of 6 p.m. Sunday. The latest was Aug. 2 at 11:55 a.m., generating a magnitude-5.4 earthquake, followed by an increase in tremors -- the pattern for several weeks. However on Saturday, Aug. 4, the rate of earthquakes decreased to a low level without a collapse event. Low rates of seismicity continued today. Deformation at the summit remained much reduced.

Halema`ma`u is still showing seismic activity,
but at a greatly reduced level. USGS photo

Poho`iki boat ramp is still hanging on. USGS photo

     Fissure 8 in the lower East Rift Zone showed reduced output since overflows recorded late on Friday, Aug. 3.
      At 4:30 p.m. today, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported no movement in the channel that was a raging river of lava only days ago.
     An HVO and Unmanned Aircraft Survey crew stayed in lower Puna yesterday and overnight, to monitor and track changes. USGS reports an overflight this morning "confirmed a significant reduction in lava output" from Fissure 8. HVO field geologists observed low levels of fountaining at the Fissure 8 spatter cone, and largely crusted lava in the spillway and channel system downstream.
     HVO reported a few sluggish seeps and ooze-outs near Halekamahina and Kapoho Crater. Lava continued to ooze into the ocean along a broad flow front and laterally toward Poho`iki, but is still about 230 feet southeast of the boat ramp.

     USGS reported: "It is common for eruptions to wax and wane or pause completely. A return to high levels of lava discharge or new outbreaks in the area of active fissures are possible at any time. Despite the apparent slow-down at fissure 8, lava remains active in the main channel, minor overflows are reported, and the ocean entry is active at this time. Residents should remain informed and heed Hawai`i County Civil Defense messages and warnings."
     USGS also reported that the Middle East Rift Zone is seeing more activity: "On Friday, gas measurements of the Pu`u `Ō`ō plume indicated an emission rate of over 1,000 tons/day of SO2, the highest rate from this vent in several years. Readers may recall that a white plume has been observed issuing from Pu`u `Ō`ō over the past several weeks. HVO will attempt to overfly Pu`u `Ō`ō as soon as possible to evaluate any other significant changes within and around the vent.

Fissure 8's spatter cone has a much lowered rate of
activity today. USGS photo

     "Summit and LERZ changes considered together imply that the rate of magma leaving the summit to feed the Lower East Rift Zone eruption has decreased. How long this condition will persist is unknown. It is possible that outflow will pick up again, resulting in renewed summit area deflation leading to another collapse event and renewed eruption vigor on the LERZ."

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A BILL TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN U.S. AND NEW ZEALAND, introduced by Sentors Mazie Hirono and Mike Lee (R-UT), was signed Wednesday by Pres. Trump. Bill S. 2245, known as the KIWI Act, extends temporary trade (E-1) and investor (E-2) visas to New Zealand citizens.

     Hirono says, "New Zealand visitors supported over 2,000 Hawai`i jobs last year alone and continue to build on our strong cultural and economic ties to the Indo-Pacific region. This newly signed law will help spur further job creation in Hawai`i and across the United States, and reaffirm the importance of our close and longstanding relations with New Zealand."

Image from nzaa.org.nz

     The United States and New Zealand marked a milestone 75 years of diplomatic relations last year. A release from Hirono says New Zealand is one of the U.S.'s important strategic and economic partners. New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance -- together with the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Australia -- but is the only member of the alliance whose citizens were not eligible to apply for E-1 and E-2 visas. Total foreign direct investment from New Zealand to the United States is valued at over half a billion dollars. The release says New Zealand businesses have found that the lack of access to E-1 and E-2 visas "hampered their ability to increase trade and investment in the United States. By allowing New Zealanders to apply for these visas, the KIWI Act aims to expand business and investment opportunities between the two nations."

     The KIWI Act is supported by the Chamber of Commerce Hawai`i, United States | New Zealand Council, and the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand. The bipartisan legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), John McCain (R-AZ), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Patty Murray (D-WA). Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) sponsored the House companion legislation, H.R. 3324.

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A BRUSH FIRE BURNED NEAR KEAUHOU RANCH IN VOLCANO today. At 1:45 p.m., Hawai`i Fire Department reported the fire on the slopes of Mauna Loa, above Volcano, one quarter mile from Powerline Road, moving south towards Kapapala Ranch. The Keauhou area is the location for the `Alalā -- endangered Hawaiian crow -- sanctuary.

     Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported that updates will be released "should conditions change that affect your safety."

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WALK-IN REGISTERING AND VOTING CONTINUES Monday through Thursday, Aug. 9. Registered voters can cast their ballots by mail. Locations to register island-wide are:

-        Pāhala Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.), at 96-1149 Kamani St.;

-        Pāhoa Community Center, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 15-3022 Kauhale St.;

-        West Hawai`i Civic Center community Room, Bldg G, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy;

-        County of Hawai`i Aupuni Center Conference Room, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 101 Pauahi St., Suite 1;

-        Waimea Community Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.

     See elections.hawaii.gov/voters/early-voting.

     Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local polls open at:

-        Cooper Center, 19430 Wright Road in Volcano

-        Ka`ū High & Pāhala Elementary, 96-3150 Pikake Street

-        Nā`ālehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy

-        Ocean View Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale Street

   -        Miloli`i Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in the Village of Miloli`i

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JEANNÉ KAPELA AND GENE BUCKY LESLIE ARE CHALLENGING REP. RICHARD CREAGAN for the District 5 state representative seat. Creagan, the physician and farmer who has held the state office representing west Ka`ū into Kona since 2014, faces Leslie and Kapela in the Democratic Primary on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Rep. Richard Creagan

     Creagan lives on a farm in Ka`ū. He served in the Peace Corps on Moloka`i and in the Marshall Islands. He has worked as an emergency doctor at Kona Community Clinic Hospital where he served as vice chief of staff. He worked as a Hawai`i Department of Health bioterrorism epidemiologic investigator and helped found Hualalai Urgent Care.

     He has worked at the legislature on funding for Rat Lungworm Disease research and successfully banning pesticides with neurotoxins. Creagan advocates for a new teaching hospital for Kona connected to University of Hawai`i John A. Burns School of Medicine. He graduated from YaleUniversity and University of Connecticut Medical School.

     He has served in the state House since 2014. He chairs the House Agriculture Committee and serves on the committees for Education, Higher Education, Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs, and Public Safety.

     Creagan is endorsed by the United Public Workers, Hawai`i Government Employees Association, Hawai`i Island Progressives, Pono Hawai`i Intitiative, Sierra Club, Hawai`i Firefighters Association Local 1463, General Contractors Association of Hawai`i, Americans for Democratic Action, and United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America - Hawai`i.

Jeanné Kapela

     Kapela, who grew up in Kona, says she is founder and Executive Director of UNITE Hawai`i, on Kapiolani Blvd. in Honolulu. She describes the organization as a victim service provider for survivors of sexual exploitation. The UNITE website says the organization plans to open Palaikiko, "Hawai`i's first drop-in center for women and children in the midst or at risk of being trafficked" for sexual slavery. The website says that Palaikiko is scheduled to open in 2018 to serve at least 500 youth in its first year of operation. She was also Miss Hawai`i 2015.

    Kapela also says she serves on the board of Young Progressives Demanding Action and was co-director for the FAME Performing Arts Program from 2016-2017. She says she is earning a certificate in Social Justice from the online Harvard University extension program.

    She advocates for a $21 an hour minimum wage, diminishing the role of money in politics, increasing public funding for candidates, free access to public records, protecting pensions and medical benefits for state workers, taxing investment properties to help fund schools, and restricting vacation rentals to "tourist zones." She opposes holding a state Constitutional Convention in the near future. She supports a carbon tax on fossil fuel, according to questions answered by a Civil Beat survey of candidates.

     She has the following endorsements: Hawai`i State Teachers Association, ILWU, Hawai`i State AFL-CIO, and International Union of Operating Engineers.

Gene Bucky Leslie

     Leslie, of Capt. Cook, is the retired owner of Flowers for Mama, which designed arrangements for many of the resorts on the Kona and Kohala Coast. Also an entertainer and model, he worked for Coppertone suntan lotion for years, and was co-owner of entertainment and clothing sales establishments, having resided in New York, Los Angeles, and Honolulu before returning to Kona. 

     An advocate for the LGBTQ community, he and his late partner were one of the first same sex couples to marry in Hawai`i. He has run for the state House of Representatives several times. He has served in such leadership positions as President of the Association of Hawaiian Canoe Clubs for this island

     Leslie told Keola Magazine, "I think the number one thing is to know yourself and love yourself, then you can share it with others. That is the greatest gift I can share with everybody. There are people in life who are not accepting of others and that's their problem. Life is too good to allow yourself to be shut down by other people. It's how you feel about yourself that is important."

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Image from nhc.noaa.gov

CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE HECTOR is still on track to pass south of Ka`ū, reports the National Hurricane Center. Hector's wind speeds remain at about 130 mph, and winds up to tropical storm-force level have a 40 percent chance of hitting Ka`ū late Tuesday.

     As of 5 p.m., Hector was 1,330 miles east-southeast of Hilo, a gain of 65 miles in the last 24 hours. The hurricane's forward speed has increased from 12 mph to 14 mph, and the hurricane is moving west-northwest. Hector's speed is expected to pick up more over the coming days, says NHC, through Monday evening. After that, both speed and intensity are expected to gradually weaken, and with a direction shift to a more westward motion starting on Tuesday.

     The hurricane will pass into Central Pacific Hurricane Center's domain this evening.

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KA`Ū TROJANS FALL SPORTS begin August 14, with Girls Volleyball hosting the first game for Waiakea, with Coach Joshua Ortega. Football Coach Duwayne Ke will guide the Trojans in scrimmages against Kea`au on Aug 17 and Waiakea on Aug 25 before the regular season begins. Boys & Girls Cross Country, with Coach Erin Cole, starts running Aug 25.
     The Trojans Pep Squad, coached by Carma Hanshew, will cheer on the athletes.
     Ka`ū will hold off on having a bowling team until further notice, due to Kīlauea Military Camp's bowling lanes being inaccessible because of the partial Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park closure and ongoing volcanic activities.

     See the full fall sports schedule, below.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

NEW and UPCOMING

ZENTANGLE: BASICS AND BEYOND WITH LYDIA MENESES takes place on Saturday, August 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Lydia Meneses leads a Zentangle: Basics and 
Beyond class in Volcano Village this month.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     This class introduces participants to the Zentangle Art Method, the five elements -- dot, straight line, S shape, C shape, and orb -- as well as Zentangle basic vocabulary and the benefits of meditation through a mindful drawing practice. Those with prior Zentangle experience are welcome to join and get guidance in taking their Zentangle practice a step further.
     The event description on volcanoartcenter.org states, "Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. There are no mistakes in Zentangle. As you first glance at a Zentangle art piece it appears intricate and complicated. But, when you are guided through the process, you realize how simple it is – and how fun and engrossing it becomes."
     A Zentangle Basics kit -- containing a Sakura 01 pen, mini pencil, tortillion, and three tiles -- is provided to all registered participants. Additional Zentangle information is included.
     Participants are asked to pay $30 per Volcano Art Center Member, or $35 per non-Member, plus a $10 supply fee, and to bring a light refreshment to share with the class. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more and to register, or call 967-8222.

See public Ka`ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka`ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka`ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka`ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`Ū TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

Football:

   Fri, Aug 17, 10am, Scrimmage @ Kea`au

   Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea

   Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa

   Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala

   Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Kea`au

   Sat, Sept 29, 11am, Pāhoa

   Sat, Oct 6, 12pm, Kohala

   Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha

   Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher

Girls Volleyball:

   Tue, Aug 14, 6pm, host Waiakea

   Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani

   Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo

   Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney

   Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney

   Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa

   Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty

   Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha

   Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe

   Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala

   Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a

   Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA

   Fri, Sept 28, 6pm, host Kona

   Mon, Oct 1, 6pm, host HAAS

   Tues, Oct 2, 6pm, @ Kealakehe

   Fri, Oct 5, 6pm, host Kea`au

   Wed, Oct 10, 6pm, @ Parker

   Fri, Oct 12, 6pm, host St. Joseph

   Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher

   Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona

   Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona

Cross Country:

   Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)

   Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA

   Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha

   Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au

   Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPA

   Sat, Sept 29, 10am, @ Waiakea

   Sat, Oct 6, 2pm, @ Kealakehe

   Sat, Oct 13, BYE

   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @HPA

   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

MONDAY, AUGUST 6

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon, Aug 6, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā`ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, Aug 6, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7

Hawai`i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, Aug 7 (Committees)/8 (Council), Hilo, Tue/Wed, Aug 21 (Committees)/22 (Council), Kona. Ka`ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā`ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 4-6pm, Aug 21, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka`ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

AdvoCATS, Wed, Aug 8, 7am-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

VOTE: 2018 Primary Election Day Polling Places in Ka`ū, Sat, Aug 11, 7-6pm. Senate District 2: Cooper Center on Wright Rd in Volcano Village, Ka`ū High/Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria. Senate District 3: Nā`ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center, Miloli`i Halau Pavilion. elections.hawaii.gov/voters/polling-places

Hi`iaka & Pele, Sat, Aug 11, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Kāwā Community Workday, Sat, Aug 11, meet at 9:30 am at Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

`Ōhi`a Lehua, Sun, Aug 12, and Sat, Aug 25, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of `ōhi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of `ōhi`a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

Walk-In Registration and Voting Continues at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.

5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs resume August 7 and 8.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.

     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.

Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, August 4, 2018

County and volunteer fire departments fought a fire all day today that started last night in the South Point,
Ka Lae area. This photo was taken from the Discovery Harbour home of photographer Peter Anderson.
Photo by Peter Anderson

TWO RANGE FIRES STARTLED Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, and South Point ranch land dwellers last night.
     Heavy equipment, along with county and volunteer firefighters, battled the blazes all day and were hoping to bring them under control, despite very windy conditions. A helicopter flew many water drops. Bulldozers made fire breaks. The location of the fires are above Kamilo surfing spot, east of South Point. They burned through brush on private ranches below Discovery Harbour.

The county bulldozed a firebreak from Discovery Harbour 

to keep the rangefire from spreading.

Photo by Richard Taylor

     Fire trucks attempted to reach the area down Ka`alualu Road. One firebreak extends from the west end of Kahiki Street in Discovery Harbour, above the golf course clubhouse.
     A report from the county Fire Department, said there are two fires "in a very large nearly roadless area of mostly 10-to 15-feet high haole koa, Guinea grass, and Christmas berry trees. Strong ENE trade winds fanned the fire." Cause of both fires remains unknown.

A helicopter picks up water to fight the fire

between South Point and Discovery Harbour.

Photo by Peter Anderson

     The fires are burning in difficult terrain with pahoehoe lava and a heavy understory of dried grasses and a heavy overstory of haole koa and Christmas berry.
     "One D-9 dozer worked through the night and a second D8 joined at first light," says the report. They created a perimeter around the most southern fire and worked on encircling the north fires.
     Helicopter water drops started this morning. By 7 p.m., the fires were "80 percent contained, but strong and gusty winds were hindering extinguishment and control," reported the fire department.
     Crews planned to remain overnight to extinguish hot spots and any fire break jumps. Dozer ops also continue, with heli water drops resuming at first light on Sunday.
     The report estimated 35 acres burned by the north fire and 110 acres burned by the south fire. See more in tomorrow's Ka`ū News Briefs.

Helicopter refueling. Photo by Richard Taylor

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THE FIRST NEW ROUTE ALONG HWY 11 TO TAKE MOTORISTS AWAY FROM KĪLAUEA CALDERA has been selected, according to Mayor Harry Kim. During a Volcano community meeting Thursday, Kim and his team said the route will be two lanes paved along Old Volcano Links Road, parallel to Hwy 11. It will be used only when Hwy 11 is completely shut down and will be accessed from Ka`ū by turning left on Pi`imauna Dr. and immediately right onto Old Golf Links Road, to Old Volcano Road, where motorists will be reconnected to Hwy 11.
     Kim said he would start the legal work yesterday, Friday, and would call the governor and county, state, federal, and private sector partners to make the road ready within a week.
     He said the alternate route is necessary with the earthquakes rattling and damaging Hwy 11, which "is checked, is walked with every quake" to assess it for danger to motorists. The road is being repaired regularly, requiring reduction to one lane. In the future, damage may require closing both lanes.

Mayor Harry Kim talks about putting the alternate route to Hwy 11
through a quiet neighborhood. Photo from Nā Leo TV

      The mayor said his first choice is to keep Hwy 11 open, but that might be impossible. "We are trying to do everything we can, as relative to Hwy 11," said the mayor. "There are only three cross island routes, through here, through Saddle Road, and through Hamakua." He said he told everyone working on the project that "Under no circumstances can we allow any time lapse, as much as possible, for people not to be able to commute to where they have to commute."

     In the meantime, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is willing to provide access to some of its roads, which are also compromised -- but only for emergencies, Kim said. "It would be foolhardy" to regularly use Volcanoes National Park routes that are closer to the crater, said the mayor.

     Regarding the alternate route going through the low density, quiet Golf Links neighborhood, the mayor said, "We realize this is an intrusion on your community, the privacy of yours... Most of you, like me, we choose to live here and one of the main reasons is the beauty of the quiet." He said he hears Volcano people "talk about admiration of beauty, of rain, the sun, the morning dew, the quiet, the trees..."

     He said he understands how Volcano people feel because, "I live in a place where people bulldoze every `ōhia tree, and I'm so so weak, I have to tell my wife I have to get out of here; I'm going to start crying. I can tell that to you people because you understand that. That's why you're here."

Sen. Lorraine Inouye, County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno,
County Managing Director Will Okabe, and a sign language interpreter during
 the Volcano meeting on Thursday. Photo from Nā Leo TV

     The mayor said that while he knows the alternate route would intrude into privacy, options are "very limited."

     State Sen. Lorraine Inouye, who said her family owns a home on Old Golf Links Road, said property owners pay for the maintenance of the road, which is legally owned by Kamehameha Schools. She said she hopes the county will talk more with the owners about the details, but she understands this is an emergency. County Managing Director Will Okabe said his staff has gone door to door along Old Golf Links Road and has also walked Hwy 11 where there are some 30 earthquakes a day, bringing the county to understand that the alternative route needs to be completed soon.

     A woman who lives on Golf Links Road said her children play in the road. How will they stay safe? Magno said the same situation happened with the alternate route built along Beach Road in Puna. The county warned truckers that if they pose a danger to the community they will be kept out. There have been no problems said Magno.

     The Principal of Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Kalima McKinney, said a third of her students come from Ka`ū, and noted that Volcano School would have to send its buses along Old Golf Links Road if Hwy 11 were to be closed.

     Steve Stephenson, who lives in Volcano and works at Ka`ū High & Pāhala Elementary School, said he is happy there is so much concern with making the alternate route.

A woman said she is concerned about safety of her children who are used
to playing along quiet Old Golf Links Road. Photo from Nā Leo TV

     Jeffrey Judd, who said he has lived on Old Golf Links Road for 42 years, said the road is fracturing and that he is measuring and taking photographs of it. He said that he understands why the county needs the second option for the alternative route farther away from Hwy 11, as Old Golf Links Road could eventually be unusable. Judd said he has cracks on his property, concrete is broken, and his yard steams in the wintertime.

     Rick Warshauer, of Volcano, also brought up the instability of the Golf Links Road area and concerns about large trucks being able to make the turn off Hwy 11 to the alternate route.

     See the entire meeting at Nā Leo TV.

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MORE EMERGENCY STATE FUNDING FOR THE VOLCANO DISASTER became available Friday when Gov. David Ige signed a third supplementary proclamation relating to Kīlauea's continuing lava flows and seismic activity.
     "This supplementary proclamation extends the authority to spend state funds as appropriated for quick and efficient action to protect the health, safety and welfare of our Hawai`i County residents. This also helps to provide quick relief of suffering, damage, and losses caused by the eruption," said the governor.
     "The lava flows and volcanic activity continue to endanger communities in the Puna District, and are expected to continue causing additional losses, suffering, and the displacement of individuals and families," said a statement from his office.
     Ige signed the initial emergency proclamation on May 3, the day the latest eruption began. The governor issued the first supplementary proclamation on May 9, and the second supplementary proclamation on June 5. The third supplementary proclamation issued today is effective until Oct. 2, 2018.

Overall preparedness with the Volcano Emergency Response team received encouragement from the county
at Thursday's community meeting at Cooper Center. Photo from Nā Leo TV

     During a meeting in Volcano Village this week, County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno brought up overall preparedness. He thanked the Volcano Emergency Response team which is making ready in case there is a larger seismic, explosive event, even though it is a small probability. Magno said that preparedness involves the resilient community in order for neighbors to help one another. "You know who your neighbors are; you communicate with them." He said there is also the vulnerable community whom the resilient community knows and can help during a disaster. "You need to know who's around your block."

     See the entire meeting on Nā Leo television.

Map shows forecast of winds affecting Hawai`i, with Ka`ū having a 40
percent chance of receiving tropical-storm-force
winds. Map from nhl.noaa.gov

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HURRICANE HECTOR EXPLODED into a Category 4 hurricane today, but new forecasts form the National Hurricane Center predict it will track south of Ka`ū. Hector has grown, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 30 miles, and tropical storm-force winds up to 105 miles, from the eye. Winds speeds are about 130 mph, with higher gusts.
     At 5 p.m., Hector was 1,395 miles east-southeast of Hilo. The hurricane's forward speed has decreased to 12 mph from 13 mph, but that speed is expected to pick up over the coming days. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a 40 percent change of tropical-storm force winds to hit Ka`ū overnight on Tuesday.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono
Photo from @MazieHirono

JUDGE JILL OTAKE WAS CONFIRMED TO HAWAI`I U.S. DISTRICT COURT in a unanimous vote in the Senate this week. Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "Throughout her confirmation process, Jill Otake demonstrated her respect for the rule of law and the serious thought she’s given to how she would approach her work as a judge. She is exactly the type of nominee this president, or any president, should be nominating for every district court vacancy."

Jill Otake was nominated to Hawai`i's 

U.S. District Court Judge in March.

     Otake currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney and as the Acting Chief of the Special Crimes Section in the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Hawai`i, having previously served as Deputy Chief. Prior to joining the office in 2014, she spent nine years as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Supervisor in the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington, where she also served as Co-Supervisor of the General Crimes Unit and Deputy Supervisor of the Terrorism and Violent Crimes Unit. During this period, she served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at Seattle University School of Law.

     Before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, Otake spent six years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in King County, Washington.

     Otake was born and raised in Hawai`i. She is a graduate of `Iolani School and served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Hawai`i. Otake earned her B.S., cum laude from Georgetown University and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law.

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RICHARD ABBETT AND YUMI KAWANO ARE VYING FOR MAILE DAVID'S COUNTY COUNCIL SEAT. Three County Council candidates are signed up for the Primary Election on Saturday Aug. 11, desiring to represent the largest geographical area on the island - District 6. It includes Volcano through Ka`ū, and all three vow to care about environment and culture. The Non-Partisan race ends with the Primary, unless there is a run-off.

Maile David

     Incumbent Maile David has held the office for almost four years, following a paralegal career in which she worked on preserving historic sites and open space.

     During her council tenure, she has traveled the district often, and advocated an “open door policy” between council members and their constituents. She said she is able to nurture relationships between communities, county, state, and federal government.

     She has supported cultural exchange events, including a sister city relationship between Pahala and the place in the Philippines that sent many sugar workers to immigrate here years ago. 

     She lists as some of her nuts and bolts accomplishments the preservation of the Makahiki lands makai of Hwy 11 near Nā`ālehu, the new Nā`ālehu and Pāhala Playgrounds, coordination of the new Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Transfer Station, completion of Volcano transfer Station, and helping to ensure availability of water in Ocean View during well repairs. 

Richard Abbett

     Repairs to Cooper Center, with a roof and new water tank; support for Summer Fun at Kahuku, Nā`ālehu and Pāhala; a new digital scoreboard at Nā`ālehu Park; and support for the Hawaiian Ranchos Community opposition to industrial solar installation are other accomplishments listed.

     Among her successful Resolutions at the County Council is a proposed General Plan amendment to “Implement Ahupua`a Philosophy in Land Use Planning,” authorizing the Mayor to work with the state, with $725,000 toward a second well for Ocean View, and securing $750,000 for Kahuku Park improvements. She also supported the bill that requires a permit to consume alcohol at Kahuku Park.

     Richard Abbet, of Nā`ālehu, spoke at recent public meetings against the proposal to put the SpinLaunch space facility near Ocean View. “We need economic development. We are farmers. We could grow hemp, we already grow weed,” he said.
     He pointed to the unique population of people who live here. “The Hawaiians that lived here have lived here forever; the rest of us came here for a reason, and it’s not to be like the rest of you. This is the last place in the United States that we have this freedom.”

Yumi Kawano

     Abbett said that tax dollars in Kaʻū should go to “medical, for schools - for even bus stops. We are the poorest district in the poorest county in the poorest state.”

     Yumi Kawano, of Volcano, said she wants to be “a wise and strong voice for Puna on the Community Development Plan's Puna Action Committee.” When marching in the Nā`ālehu Independence Day Parade, she said that the Nā`ālehu Theatre should be renovated, an effort that many council members have made in the past without agreement from its owners.

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NEW and UPCOMING

`IKE HANA NO`EAU, CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS AND ACTIVITIES, IN THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, supported by Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, offers a range of opportunities this month. The free ranger-led programs are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m., and are expected to last about an hour each. Supplies are provided.

Learn to make tī leaf lei by twirling on Saturday, August 4, at Kahuku Unit 
of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from National Park Service

     On Saturday, August 4, rangers invite park guests to make tī leaf lei by twisting (wili). The following day, Sunday, August 5, park guests learn to make mini kahili -- a feather standard. On Saturday, August 11, park guests are welcome to make hū -- a kukui nut spinning top. On Sunday, August 12, ulana niu, the art of weaving coconut fronds, is covered. On Saturday, August 18, rangers demonstrate how to make pū `ohe -- bamboo trumpets. Prior to August 19, those interested are asked to email wendy_scott-vance@nps.gov to reserve their supplies for a paper making activity using wauke, the plant used to make kapa cloth. This program is presented by local artist Susan O'Malley on Sunday, August 19. The following weekend, park guests are invited to make lauhala bracelets on Saturday, August 25. The program for Sunday, August 26 has yet to be announced.
     Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park does not charge entrance fees. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.

See public Ka`ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka`ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka`ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka`ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Pu`u o Lokuana, Sun, Aug 5, 9:30-11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`ū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, 8-week session beginning Aug 5 (no class Aug 12), morning class 11:30-2:30pm, afternoon class 2:45-5:45pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. $180/Volcano Art Center Member, $200/non-Member, plus $15 materials fee - 6 lbs clay and glazes. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, Aug 5, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, AUGUST 6

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon, Aug 6, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā`ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, Aug 6, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7

Hawai`i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, Aug 7 (Committees)/8 (Council), Hilo, Tue/Wed, Aug 21 (Committees)/22 (Council), Kona. Ka`ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā`ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 4-6pm, Aug 21, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka`ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

AdvoCATS, Wed, Aug 8, 7am-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

VOTE: 2018 Primary Election Day Polling Places in Ka`ū, Sat, Aug 11, 7-6pm. Senate District 2: Cooper Center on Wright Rd in Volcano Village, Ka`ū High/Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria. Senate District 3: Nā`ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center, Miloli`i Halau Pavilion. elections.hawaii.gov/voters/polling-places

Hi`iaka & Pele, Sat, Aug 11, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Kāwā Community Workday, Sat, Aug 11, meet at 9:30 am at Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org

ONGOING

Walk-In Registration and Voting Continues at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.

5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs resume August 7 and 8.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.

     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.

Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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