Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, October 13, 2018

Sunrise at South Point this morning, with stormy weather lighting up the skies in red.
Photo by Richard Taylor

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW NINOLE AND HILEA BRIDGES on Hwy 11 begins soon. The 

Hilea Bridge during Tropical Storm Iselle.
Photo from DOT

old timber bridges, built in 1940, will be replaced by longer and wider bridges that carry more weight and meet modern standards. They will each consist of two 11-foot travel lanes, two 9-foot shoulders, and crash-tested railings.

     For each bridge, temporary two-lane bypass roads and bridges will be installed on the mauka side of Hwy 11 during construction.

     According to the final Environmental Assessment, seven federally protected wildlife species "have the potential to occur within the project limits, but restrictions on the timing of construction and minimization of the project footprint would preclude any long-term effects to the species." They are the Hawaian nēnē goose, Hawaiian ʻio hawk, Hawaiian petrel, Newell's shearwater, Hawaiian hoary bat, band-rumpted storm petrel, and Blackburns sphinx moth.

The Ninole Bridge will soon be replaced, preserving some of the lava rock walls under it.
Image from the state Department of Transportation

     Both bridges are owned by the State of Hawaiʻi. With federal and state funds being used, federal and state wildlife officials are overseeing the environmental aspects of building the new bridges.

     The Ninole Bridge is at the 56.7 milepost, about 500 feet southwest of the Alahaki Road and Ninole Loop - the entrance to Punalu`u SeaMountain resort. The bridge crosses the intermittent Ninole Stream, which drains approximately 12,350 acres on the southern slope of Mauna Loa. Lands surrounding Ninole Bridge are urban and include Punaluʻu Golf Course and a housing and resort area. A golf cart path travels under it.

Under Ninole Bridge where golf carts travel on drier
days, this one during Tropical Storm Iselle.
Image from DOT

     Hilea Bridge is located at the 57.7 mile post, approximately 1.2 miles southwest of Alahaki Road and Ninole Loop Road intersection. The bridge crosses the intermittent Hilea Stream, which drains a watershed of approximately 31,500 acres on the southern slope of Mauna Loa. The surrounding land is conservation and agriculture.

     The existing Hilea Bridge will be replaced with a 100‐foot‐long, single‐span bridge, while the existing Ninole Bridge will be replaced with a 65‐foot‐long, single‐span bridge.

     During the construction period, bypass roads and bridges will be installed, mauka of the two old bridges. The project is expected to take about a year.

     Some existing lava rock pier foundations are expected to be preserved beneath Ninole Bridge.

     For more see, the EA at //flh.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/hi/hilea/files/hilea-ninole-ea.pdf.

Hilea Bridge will be replaced with a longer wider bridge that can carry more weight. Image from DOT

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HOʻOKUPU HULA NO KAʻŪ CULTURAL FESTIVAL features hula, Mexican, native American dance and music, Saturday, Nov. 3, on the grounds of Pāhala Community Center. This year's annual event features Hoʻaikāne, Wailau Ryder, Keʻaiwa, Victor Chock, and Steven Sioloa as headline musical acts at the free event. Last year brought out over a thousand spectators.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, right, with Hālau Hula O Leionalani at last year's Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Hula will be performed by halau from Mexico, Japan, West Virginia, Oʻahu, South America, and Hawaiʻi Island. Traditional ethnic dance performances will come from Mexico, as well as the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Filipino Dancers. Taiko Drummers will perform.

A hālau from Mexico dances both hula and Mexican
folk numbers. Photo by Julia Neal

     The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The day will feature Master Cultural Practitioners, Kukakuka (talk story), and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations.

     At sunset, a ceremony will be held to honor ancestors. The festival is preceded by ceremonies at Punaluʻu Beach at dawn. A ceremony will be held to close the festival at Makanau.

     There is still room for craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths. Contact Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder at leionalani47@hotmail.com or (808) 649-9334 for an application.

     Sponsors include County Council member Maile David and community contributions through fundraising. See hookupukau.com.

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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO A COMMUNITY MEETING about making Puna Community Medical Center a division of Kaʻū Community Hospital. The meeting will be held at the Pāhoa Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 5 p.m.

     The Puna Center needs to become certified as a Rural Health Clinic in order to give care to Medicare and Medicaid patients at a higher payment level. Plans to serve patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to expand the facility from 800 square feet to over 2,200 square feet, would be able to move forward if the certification is accomplished.
     See more on yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Warming up before the Ka‘ū Trojan win over St. Joe last night. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ended their season Kaʻū strong. Last night, the Trojans hosted St. Joseph's Cardinals in a Varsity-only trio of sets. Kaʻū won each round, at 25, with St. Joseph scoring 17, 18, and 5. This marked the final in-season game. For BIIF Division Two, Kaʻū is in fifth out of 12, with six wins and nine loses.

Kalei Namohalo, Athletic Director for Ka‘ū High School
with the pink shirts that raise money to fight breast cancer.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Last night was Senior night. A collage posted on the gym walls, featuring each of the five Seniors, celebrates their final year at Kaʻū High. The young ladies are #3, Reisha Kekoa Jara – this year's Miss Kaʻū Coffee; #6, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba – Second Princess of Miss Kaʻū Coffee; #7, Kianie Mederios-Dancel; #10, Shan Hu; and #14, Chauna Velez.

     Breast Cancer Awareness Month was observed last night as well, with bright pink shirts for sale, carrying the Kaʻū Trojans logo, stylized plumeria, and with Rock the Pink and No One Fights Alone emblazoned on the front.

KAʻŪ TROJANS LAST FOOTBALL GAME of 2018 was postponed today due to weather. Kamehameha was to host the 8-man Semi-Finals, to decide whether Kohala or Pāhoa will play Kaʻū at the Finals. That game has been pushed to next Saturday, Oct. 20, at Keaʻau, with a 1 p.m. start time. The 8-man Finals, Kaʻū versus the winner of the Semi-Finals, will be played at Pāhala Ball Park, beginning at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 27.

     Watch these Kaʻū News Briefs to stay up to date. See the edited sports schedule, below.

At their final game of the season, the Senior class ladies of the Kaʻū Trojans Girls Volleyball team were celebrated
in a collage on the walls of the gym. Photo from Kaʻū High Athletics

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

Football:

   Sat, Oct 20, 1pm, BIIF Semi-Finals at Keaʻau, Kohala vs. Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū

Cross Country:
   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA

   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING

HANDS-ON FERMENTED FOODS WORKSHOP: SAUERKRAUT AND KOMBUCHA with Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods, happens Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
     "Our digestive system is home to a complex diversity of living microorganisms, which are impacted by what we eat and drink. These microorganisms, which include probiotics, directly influence our own health; from aiding digestion, to clearing skin, to boosting our energy. We can nurture the health of these internal microorganisms by eating probiotic-rich, fermented foods.

Learn to make homemade sauerkraut and kombucha on
 Oct. 27 with Volcano Art Center.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     "Fermented foods have been a part of every ancient culture throughout history. Sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt are a few of the many traditional live-cultured, fermented foods. These foods developed out of the need to preserve food, before refrigeration was possible," states the event description.
     Attendees are invited to learn the basics of culturing cabbage and various vegetables into probiotic-rich Sauerkraut, and how to make their own Kombucha. Each participant will take home their own finished products.

     Cost for the workshop is $50 per Volcano Art Center member and $55 per non-member. Pre-registration is required. All supplies and organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills are necessary, "just an interest in real, whole food. Fermentation is an Art not a Science… It's flexible and fun, not rigid or difficult," states the description. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     Silverstein is a holistic chef and retreat caterer on the Big Island. She began experimenting in the world of fermentation in 2011, shortly after being diagnosed with a severe autoimmune condition. "The benefits she has received from discovering and engaging in the world of microbes has proven to be invaluable. She hopes to share her experience and inspire others to cultivate their own health," states the description. Find more information about Silvertstein and her services at heartbeetfoods.com.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15

Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Oct. 15, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
‘Ai Pono with Aunty Edna Baldado - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 17, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discuss eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Oct. 17, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries Annual Meeting, Thu., Oct. 18, from 6pm, at the Pāhala Plantation House. Election of officers for the 2019 term beginning January 1; short business meeting followed by entertainment, food, and door prizes. Everyone encouraged to attend and share ideas on how to improve local libraries. Sandra Demoruelle, 929-9244, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Art in the Everyday Community Quilt Project - Assembly Workshop, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. After party to follow, 4-6pm. Visiting Artist Laura Phelps Rogers leads the ongoing project. A sculptural, social engagement and public work, in which Rogers hopes to construct monumental sculptural quilt built of 5" round, wood pieces - each blank and designed by community participants. Pick up blank piece and packet at Volcano Art Center Administration Office or at Wailoa Art Center. $10 donation. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Oct. 20, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

ONGOING
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services lasts through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, the program offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can contact Ranya Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798. harmonyed.com/hawaii

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.

CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
     The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies. CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html

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Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, October 12, 2018

Local construction contractors and other volunteers with ʻO Kaʻū Kākou continue to help to clear the old Nāʻālehu
Fruit Stand site in hopes of creating senior housing on the property. To donate, call 808-937-4773.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

EFFORTS FOR SENIOR HOUSING in Nāʻālehu continue, as volunteers with the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou group finish cleaning up the two acre parcel that was formerly Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand. ʻO Kaʻū Kākou President Wayne Kawachi said this morning that volunteers in the building industry have donated their services. Wally Andrade was a major force with his equipment for clearing. Bob Taylor shepherded the demolition permit through the county. Matt Cuison and Tyler Johanson helped dig up and remove the old sewer system. ʻO Kaʻū Kākou volunteers on foot put up fencing for safety.

     ʻO Kaʻū Kākou raised $75,000, so far, toward purchasing the land where it hopes to assist with construction of housing for senior citizens. One fundraiser was the 100 mile walk in his slippers, accomplished by Kawachi.

     Senior housing exists in Pāhala but not Nāʻālehu. To donate, call Kawachi at 808-937-4773.

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The green area is covered by a flash flood watch, issued
through Saturday evening. Image from weather.com

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect through Saturday evening for the entire state of Hawaiʻi, reports the National Weather Service: "Deep tropical moisture will spread northward over central and eastern islands today, with conditions becoming unstable as an upper level trough approaches from the west. This is expected to lead to the development of showers and thunderstorms from Oʻahu eastward to the Big Island this afternoon, with the threat for showers and thunderstorms continuing through Saturday evening.
     "Light winds will remain over the area during this time and this will be supportive of slow moving showers and storms, which could lead to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The most likely time frame for the heavy rainfall and potential flooding appears to be during the afternoon and evening hours both today and Saturday."

     The public is urged to be aware of flash flooding conditions, which can be life threatening.

     The public is also urged to prepare for heavy rain and thunder storms. Pāhala and Volcano are expected to have heavy rain and thunderstorms through Wednesday. Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are expected to have rain tomorrow. Kaʻū is expected to be mostly covered in rain-producing clouds by 5 p.m. today. See more at weather.com.

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Kaʻū Hospital is helping Puna get their own certified Rural
Health Clinic. Photo from kauhospital.org

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL IS REACHING OUT TO PĀHOA BY OPERATING its Urgent Health Care, called Puna Community Medical Center. The goal is to help Puna center to become certified as a Rural Health Clinic to receive higher payments for serving Medicare and Medicaid patients. Kaʻū has the certification for its own Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic, located inside Kaʻū Hospital.

     The Puna clinic plans to eventually serve patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to expand its facility from 800 square feet to over 2,200 square feet.

     Dan Brinkman, East Hawaiʻi regional CEO for Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp., which oversees Kaʻū and Hilo Hospitals, as well as the clinics, issued a statement: "We are honored by the trust the community and the founders of Puna Community Medical Center have put in us and are excited about the opportunity to support and expand services in Pāhoa.

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.

BLOOD DONORS ARE NEEDED ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND, says a release from Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi. Encouraging the public to "give thanks this season" by making an appointment to donate blood, BBH says, "You never know whose life you'll save."

     To make an appointment or for more information, call Blood Bank of Hawaii at (808) 848-4770 or visit BBH.org.

     The BBH release says, "Blood donations are critical. One in seven people entering the hospital in Hawaii will need blood, but only a small fraction – about 2% – actually give it. 200 blood donations are needed every day in Hawaiʻi to maintain an adequate blood supply and fulfill Hawaiʻi's needs. 1 pint can save 3 lives. Because each pint of whole blood is separated into three components – platelets, plasma, and red blood cells – one donation can help the lives of up to three people."

     General requirements to be a blood donor include being in good health. Donors should be 18 years of age or older; 16 and 17 year olds can donate with signed Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi parent/legal guardian consent. Donors should weigh 110 pounds or more; additional height and weight requirements apply for female donors 16 to 18 years old. Donors need to bring a photo ID with date of birth.

     Hawaiʻi Island Blood Drives in November are held in Keaʻau, Kona, Hilo, and Waimea. Follow Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi on social media for updates and info on blood drives: Facebook.com/BloodBankHawaii;
Instagram.com/BloodBankHawaii; Twitter.com/BloodBank
Hawaii.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, which stewards Kaʻū preserves, including the Kamehame hawksbill turtle nesting beach, Kaiholena and several valleys of pristine native forest, announced today, the arrival of a new Director of Philanthropy.

     Lori Admiral comes to TNC with a demonstrated record of fundraising and leadership at the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation where for well over a decade she served in increasingly higher positions as associate director and director of development, associate vice president for development and, most recently, associate vice president for advancement system-wide.

Lorie Admiral is the Director of Philanthropy for
The Nature Conservancy.

      "We are excited for Lori to get her feet on the ground and oriented to our conservation programs, staff, partners and supporters," said Hawaiʻi Executive Director Ulalia Woodside. "We are confident that she will do a great job working with our entire Hawaiʻi team and Board of Trustees in planning and implementing a comprehensive development program that supports our natural resource conservation priorities."

     Admiral oversees fundraising for The Nature Conservancy's Hawai‘i and Palmyra programs. "TNC has a long record of accomplishment in Hawai‘i," she said. "I look forward to working with the trustees, staff and partners in continuing to advance the organization's mission and achieve further success."

     The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i is a private non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of the lands and waters upon which all life depends. TNC has helped to protect more than 200,000 acres of natural lands in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll. TNC manages 40,000 acres in 13 nature preserves and works in more than 30 coastal communities to help protect the near-shore reefs, waters and fisheries of the main Hawaiian Islands. TNC forges partnerships with government, private parties and communities to protect forests and coral reefs for their ecological values and the many benefits they provide to people. See nature.org/hawaii.

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.

The inferred rupture area (white dashed line) of the May 4, 2018, magnitude-
6.9 earthquake, with its foreshocks and first 10 days of aftershocks, spans an
area of about 800 sq km (300 sq mi). Circle size indicates earthquake
magnitude; color indicates earthquake depth. Magnitudes for some of the
larger events are labeled. Inset graph shows the aftershock decay rate
for May 4 through 15. USGS graphic

AFTERSHOCKS OF THE MAY 4th 6.9-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE are expected to continue, writes Brian Shiro, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory seismic network manager, in this week's Volcano Watch:

     On May 4, 2018, a powerful magnitude-6.9 earthquake on the south flank of Kīlauea Volcano shook the Island of Hawaiʻi. It was the largest quake in Hawaiʻi in 43 years. Today, more than five months later, smaller-magnitude earthquakes in the same area are still occurring.

     What causes these earthquakes, and how long will they last?

     Most earthquakes are caused by patches of rock slipping along a fault plane within the Earth's crust. The area and the distance of slip relate directly to the energy release (magnitude) of the earthquake.

     Slip is not uniform during a major earthquake—some patches move more than others, and some do not move at all. This unevenness in motion within the Earth's crust puts higher stresses on the patches that did not move than on the ones that did.

     As the crust readjusts with time, these higher stresses give way to smaller earthquakes—called aftershocks—that occur on adjacent fault patches. The effect can cascade in avalanche-like fashion until the stresses caused by the major earthquake—known as the mainshock—even out.

     Generally, larger mainshocks produce larger, more numerous, and longer periods of aftershock activity. Aftershock sequences can last from days to centuries.

Brian Shiro, USGS HVO seismic
network manager. Photo from LinkedIn

     Not all earthquakes that happen after a major earthquake are smaller. Statistically, there's about a 5 percent chance that a larger earthquake will occur within a day after a major earthquake. If that happens, the larger earthquake gets labeled as the mainshock, and the previous one is instead labeled a foreshock.

     During periods of intense seismic activity, there is no way to predict which earthquakes will be foreshocks, the mainshock, and aftershocks. These labels are applied retrospectively.

     Prior to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption that started in Leilani Estates on May 3, migrating magma pushed through the East Rift Zone of the volcano. This compressed the south flank and caused slip along the island’s basal fault, resulting in thousands of earthquakes near the coast and offshore.

     The sequence of larger events started with a magnitude-5.1 earthquake at 10:30 a.m. local time on May 3. A day later, at 11:32 a.m. on May 4, a magnitude-5.4 earthquake then claimed the title of mainshock, later a second foreshock. One hour later, at 12:32 p.m., the eventual mainshock of the sequence occurred—the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that rattled the island with enough intensity to knock items off the shelves in Hilo stores. It was also felt statewide and produced a modest tsunami along nearby coastlines.

The blue line shows the radial tilt at Summer Camp station, on the eastern rim of Kīlauea's caldera. The green line is radial tilt on the north flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone. These are recorded by continuously operating electronic tiltmeters. Positive changes often indicate inflation of the magma storage areas beneath the caldera or Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, but may also result from heavy rainfall or, occasionally, instrumental malfunctions. USGS graphic

     The first large aftershock occurred later that day—a magnitude-5.3 earthquake at 3:37 p.m. local time. So far, 15 aftershocks of magnitude-4 and higher, along with thousands of smaller events, have occurred in the sequence.

     Plotting these earthquakes on a map reveals an area that extends offshore and spans about 800 square kilometers (300 square miles). We can infer this as the total fault area that ruptured during the sequence.

This map shows locations of earthquakes and GPS, seismometer, 

and tiltmeter locations, over the past week. USGS graphic

     The statistical relationship between aftershock activity and time was first formulated by the pioneering seismologist Fusakichi Omori in 1894. In what is now known as Omori's Law, the formula gives an inverse relationship between the probability of aftershocks and time. In other words, the longer the time since the mainshock, the less likely it is that an aftershock will occur. Omori's formula helps inform aftershock seismic hazard assessment.

     In the case of the 2018 magnitude-6.9 earthquake, Omori's Law forecasts a decreasing frequency of aftershocks continuing in the area over the next year or more, including a small chance of a magnitude-6 earthquake during that time.

     Interestingly, Omori had ties to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). In 1912, he supplied Thomas Jaggar, HVO's founder, with the observatory's first two seismographs. These instruments were housed in the Whitney Laboratory of Seismology at HV'’s original site near the present-day Volcano House hotel in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     Given today's focus on earthquakes, we take this opportunity to remind you of the upcoming 2018 Great Hawaiʻi ShakeOut on October 18 at 10:18 a.m. Please join over 70,000 Hawaiʻi residents and more than 50 million people worldwide and practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"—the appropriate actions to take whenever you feel strong shaking. You can learn more about earthquake safety at shakeout.org/hawaii.

Volcano Activity Updates

     Kīlauea activity is greatly reduced, with low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions recorded this past week, and no active lava at the surface of the volcano since September 5. Small earthquakes—generally less than magnitude-2.4—continue at Kīlauea's summit, as do small aftershocks of the May 4th magnitude-6.9 earthquake on the volcano’s south flank. Seismicity remains low along the lower East Rift Zone.

Looking north at the southern flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō's cone, everything appears quiet, despite a slight inflationary trend. 
A small plant in the center puka gives quiet witness to recovery of life after lava. USGS photo

     A slight inflationary trend near and east of Puʻu ʻŌʻō over the past few weeks, in addition to a slight deflationary trend at the summit, suggest that some magma may still be moving from the summit magma system into the East Rift Zone. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions at the summit, Puʻu ʻŌʻō, and lower East Rift Zone remain drastically reduced, with a combined rate of less than 300 tonnes/day.

     The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL.

     Four earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-3.6 quake 24 km (15 mi) northeast of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at 6 km (4 mi) depth on Oct. 8 at 10:54 p.m. HST; a magnitude-2.8 quake 27 km (17 mi) west of Pepeʻekeo at 23 km (14 mi) depth on Oct. 8 at 10:09 a.m.;  a magnitude-3.3 quake 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Volcano at 6 km (4 mi) depth on Oct. 7 at 08:59 a.m.; and a magnitude-2.5 quake 10 km (6 mi) east of Waimea at 14 km (9 mi) depth on Oct. 5 at 03:15 p.m.   

     HVO closely monitors both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and will report any significant changes on either volcano. HVO now issues Kīlauea updates weekly (on Tuesday) rather than daily, posted at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/status.html. Monthly Mauna Loa updates are posted at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/status.html. Update frequency will increase if warranted by changing conditions on either volcano.

Mark Yamanaka will perform at the free Veterans Day

Concert at Nāʻālehu Ballpark, on Monday, Nov. 12.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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A FREE VETERANS DAY CONCERT, sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, will be held on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 12, at Nāʻālehu Ballpark, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment will feature acclaimed Hawaiian falsetto singer Mark Yamanaka, and the bands Shootz and Bottle of Blue. Paul Sakamoto and his Taiko drumming group will perform. Food will include food stew, rice and macaroni salad with Punaluʻu Sweetbread. "We need to do more to honor our veterans," said ʻO Kaʻū Kākou president Wayne Kawachi.

Mrs. Hawai‘i Filipina Marites Domingo Kano
and Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Kyla Raza with
Sakada Prudencio Tayamen at last year's event.
Photo by Al Sebastian

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HONOR THE RICH HISTORY AND CONTRIBUTIONS of Filipino plantation labor in Hawaiʻi at the fourth annual Sakada Day celebration. Officially recognized on December 20 of every year, Sakada Day commemorates the first fifteen sakadas, or Filipino plantation contract laborers, who were the first to arrive in Honolulu in 1906. A total of 126,000 Filipino workers worked in Hawaiʻi’s sugarcane plantations.

     A celebration is set for Sunday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Kulaʻimano Community Center, 28-2892 Alia Street, in Pepeʻekeo.

     Connecting Our Past to Shape the Future is the theme of 2018's Sakada Day. Cornelia Anguay, one of the planners of the Sakada Day event, says, "As the few remaining Sakadas leave this Earth, we call on the next generation to recover and connect to the sakada history, as we create our path towards the future. We invite young people and descendants of the sakadas to come and connect to this heritage."

Tinikling, a traditional Filipino bamboo dance, requires 

careful hopping. Photo by Julia Neal

     During the event, sakadas will be honored and recognized with traditional songs, dances, food, certificates, and congratulatory messages, "a fitting tribute for their valued contributions to our island economy and the rich multicultural identity of our State. A delegation from the University of Northern Philippines will also share in the festivities and sample a taste of aloha from our communities," says the announcement.

     This event is sponsored by the County of Hawaiʻi, Hilo-Hamakua Community Development Corp, Big Island Filipino Community Council, and the Sakada Day Committee.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

Football:

   Sat, Oct 13, 12pm, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha, Kohala vs. Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 20, 1 pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū

Girls Volleyball:
   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, Oct 13, BYE

   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA

   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING

KALANIHALE'S 4TH ANNUAL LĀ ‘OHANA EVENT takes place Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Miloli‘i. Kalanihale's Director, Ka‘imi N. Kaupiko, announced, "This year's theme is preserving our sense of place. We will cover a variety of areas, from health, culture, marine conservation, Hawaiian crafts and practices, and education... We will be having Hawaiian cultural demonstrations including ohe kapala, la‘au lapa‘au, Hawaiian medicine from Hui Malama o na ‘oiwi, papa ku‘i ai, poi pounding, lauhale, and coconut weaving."

     The free event focuses on Health and Hawaiian Culture, offering free health screenings from University of Hawai‘i-Hilo and School of Pharmacy, open enrollment from healthcare.gov, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, food, and snacks. Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact Ka‘imi Kaupiko at 937-1310 or kkaupiko@gmail.com.

     Kaupiko highlights an ongoing project to preserve local ocean resources "through biological surveys including fish, coral, and intertidal work. We believe that a diverse biological system is key to the health of our ocean. We have created a community bulletin board for our families to learn more about this program and our management goals, and we are consulting our proposal for community based subsistence fishing area plan."
     During the event, the Miloli‘i Hipu‘u online virtual academy of Kua o Ka Lā Public Charter School will fundraise. Among some of the items sold for the fundraiser are baked goods and drinks, and raffle prizes. For their school mālama, the students will be planting raised garden beds.
     A variety of local entertainers will perform at the event, including Miloli‘i Hipu‘u students, Auntie Diana Aki, Braddah Micah De Aguiar, Sister Maka Gallinger, a Tahitian performance from the Imai ‘Ohana, Ka‘ū, and more.
     "We would like to thank the Dorrance Family Foundation, Alu like, Department of Health Kona, UH Hilo School of Pharmacy, Pa‘a Pono Miloli‘i, Conservation International, Queen Liliuokalani Trust, Kua o ka Lā PCS Hipu‘u Online Program, Hau‘oli Kamana‘o Church, and our many supporters. We believe through our collective work we can work for a better future, we hope you enjoy this day with us," states the announcement.
     See kalanihale.org.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

First Annual Super Saturday Five-on-Five Tournament, Sat., Oct. 13, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event hosted by Hokulele Basketball Club – youth from 5 years old to high school, sponsored by families and players. Free admission to watch. For more or to join, text or call President Ravel Kaupu, 319-0687.

CANCELLED: Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat., Oct. 13. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat., Oct. 13, 9-12:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Held outdoors, weather permitting - otherwise, indoors with reference photo. Students complete one 9"x12" project. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222.

Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 13, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on a new Kahuku Unit trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Zentangle: Ghosting Workshop with Lydia Meneses, Sat, Oct. 13, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Adds haunting aspects and mystical-whisper feelings to artwork using light touch of mini graphite pencil. All materials supplied or available for borrowing. Open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hula Kahiko - Liana Aveiro with Hālau Malanai, Sat., Oct. 13, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Halauolaokalani, Sat., Oct. 13, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Oktoberfest, Sat., Oct. 13, 3-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. German foods: bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, stew, spätzle, schnitzel; local beer, wine, cider for the keiki; and games and prizes. Entertainment provided. Volunteers welcome. Sponsored by Cooper Center Council. thecoopercenter.org, 967-7800

Palm Trail, Sat., Oct. 14, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Oct. 15, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
‘Ai Pono with Aunty Edna Baldado - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 17, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discuss eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Oct. 17, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries Annual Meeting, Thu., Oct. 18, from 6pm, at the Pāhala Plantation House. Election of officers for the 2019 term beginning January 1; short business meeting followed by entertainment, food, and door prizes. Everyone encouraged to attend and share ideas on how to improve local libraries. Sandra Demoruelle, 929-9244, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org

ONGOING

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_
and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services lasts through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, the program offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can contact Ranya Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798. harmonyed.com/hawaii

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.

CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
     The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies. CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html

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