Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Sept. 29, 2014

Reopening Chain of Craters Road, which has been closed for years by lava flows, will increase Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's traffic management, maintenance and operating costs, according to Superintendent Cindy Orlando. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is preparing for a huge increase in traffic once Chain of Craters Road opens for Puna residents in the event that lava covers Hwy 130 near Pahoa and cuts off access to the rest of the island.

A sign nearly buried by lava covering Chain of Craters Road warns
drivers that the road is closed. Photo from NPS

      “Our law enforcement presence is going to have to go way up because we don’t want illegal fishing along the coast,” Superintendent Cindy Orlando told Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “We’re going to have to patrol it regularly so we don’t have illegal activities down there. We’re also going to require a lot more traffic management, and that 19 miles (of Chain of Craters Road) is also going to have increased maintenance and operating costs.”
      Orlando hopes to get more rangers and specially trained law enforcement rangers from other national parks in Hawai`i or from the mainland.
      “And we still have to take care of the 5,000 visitors we get every day,” she said.
      Nakaso reported that, according to Orlando, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Environmental Planning is requiring the portion of the road on federal land to be one lane of unpaved road to protect Hawaiian archaeological sites and endangered species, including the nene.

      “There will be impacts,” Orlando told Nakaso. “I hope people remember that this is a national park and we need to ensure the impacts are lessened as much as possible. With one lane, we do not expect any significant impacts.”

  

      While the flow has been stalled for several days, it is showing signs of activity, with breakouts upslope from the flow front having advanced to the north about 100 yards, Civil Defense reported this morning.

Breakouts upslope of the Puna flow front are more active. Photo from
Hawai`i County Civil Defense

      See honolulustaradvertiser.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

OTHER OPTIONS HAWAI`I COUNTY OFFICIALS are considering are building a bridge over the lava flow expected to cross Hwy 130 and taking out part of the road to allow lava to flow across the area rather than be impeded by man-made berms.
      Regarding the bridge, county spokesman Kevin Dayton told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter Tom Callis, “We’re asking if something could be constructed. We don’t know” if that’s possible.
      According to Callis, removing a stretch of the road could help keep the lava’s path narrower over the route and allow it to cool sooner if the flow stops. County officials say that could make it easier for crews to re-establish the highway.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

HAWAI`I ISLAND RANCHERS MAKE MORE MONEY by shipping cattle to the mainland, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. Prices for beef cattle in drought-stricken areas of the mainland are currently $2.25 per pound, compared to $1.50 to $1.65 per pound in Hawai`i.
      Although consumers increasing want local, organic and healthy meats, 60 to 70 percent of local beef is shipped out of state. Glen Fukumoto, an extension agent with the University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, told reporter Brett Yager that current infrastructure can’t support much increased production in the short term. Fukumoto also said more pressure comes from high water costs and development pressures.
      Yager reported that less than nine percent of beef consumed in the state is local. If ranchers kept all their beef cattle here, it would meet less than 40 percent of demand, Fukumoto said.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A small wasp could help control Mediterranean fruit flies in Ka`u Coffee
and fruit orchards. Photo from speciesfile.org

THE STATE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL is accepting public comment through Oct. 23 on the University of Hawai`i’s application to the state Department of Agriculture and Board of Agriculture for a permit to release wasps as a biological control of Mediterranean fruit flies. Fopius ceratitivorus combats Mediterranean fruit fly found in coffee and other crops throughout Hawai`i by laying its eggs in the pests’ larvae.
      The target pest, Ceratitis capitata, is one of the most important agricultural pests in the world, infesting hundreds of species of fruits and vegetables, according to the application. In Hawai`i, it is a direct pest and a quarantine pest of crops including citrus, eggplant, guava, loquat, mango, melon, papaya, passion fruit, peach, pepper, persimmon, plum, star fruit, tomato and zucchini. Current control practices for medfly rely on a combination of pesticide-treated bait sprays and field sanitation, use of sterile insects, release of mass-reared parasitoids and semio-chemical-based male annihilation. “The sustainability of the latter three techniques, once the federal government stops the influx of implementation funding, is questionable. The use of GF-120 as a bait spray is safer than the previous alternative (malathion); but has nevertheless been shown to be toxic to a wide array of beneficial and non-target insects,” the application states.
      “Numerous entomologists have emphasized the importance and potential economic benefit of introducing new parasitoids of tephritid fruit flies into Hawai`i and other infested regions. Biological control is increasingly viewed as a practical, safe and economically effective means of fruit fly control, and its importance continues to grow as pesticide use becomes more restricted. Imported parasitoids can incrementally increase fly mortality, reduce infestations and contribute to a systems approach to quarantine security for fruit and vegetable industry exports.”
      See oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents still have time to register
to vote in the General Election.

ONE MORE WEEK REMAINS TO REGISTER to vote. During the two weeks prior to the Nov. 4 General Election, absentee walk-in voting will be available at Pahala Community Center. 

      Voters have five proposed state constitutional amendments and one proposed amendment to the County Charter to vote on this General Election. One state constitutional amendment relating to disclosure of judicial nominees asks, “Shall the Judicial Selection Commission, when presenting a list of nominees to the governor or the chief justice to fill a vacancy in the office of the chief justice, Supreme Court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts or district courts, be required, at the same time, to disclose that list to the public?”
      Another relating to agricultural enterprises asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist agricultural enterprises on any type of land, rather than only important agricultural lands?”
      The state Legislature proposed that the mandatory retirement age for all state court justices and judges be increased from seventy to eighty years of age. Voters will decide next month.
      Relating to early childhood education, another proposed amendment asks, “Shall the appropriation of public funds be permitted for the support or benefit of private early childhood education programs that shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or ancestry, as provided by law?”
      The fifth proposed amendment asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to offer loans to qualifying dam and reservoir owners to improve their facilities to protect public safety and provide significant benefits to the general public as important water sources?”
      Term of appointment for the County Clerk is the subject of a proposed Hawai`i County Charter amendment that would create a four-year term for the position, with the County Council having the authority to remove the County Clerk from office by a two-thirds vote of its membership.
      Voter registration forms are available at local post offices and libraries and online at hawaiicounty.gov/elections-voter-registration.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ART SHOW began today at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, first, second and third place will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

KA`U YOGIS CAN BE A PART OF THE THIRD annual Time for Yoga Global Community Practice as National Yoga Month Goes Global. Yoga studios, teachers and students unite on tomorrow, Sept. 30 for a worldwide yoga practice.
      At 7 p.m. local time at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission, yoga students of all levels are encouraged to practice yoga as an international observance and the culmination of Yoga Month. A gentle one-hour yoga practice will be followed by savasana at 8 p.m. and a 15-minute meditation for universal peace and well-being at 8:15 p.m. “By participating during your own local time, a wave of yoga will take place around the globe,” said yoga teacher Stephanie Pepper.
      September is National Yoga Month, a national observance designed to build awareness of yoga’s health benefits and provide people with actionable guidance and tools to enhance their own well-being.
      Pepper is offering a free yoga class to new students through October. She teaches each Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji. For more information, call 937-7940.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See  kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014

Ka`u's late former state Rep. Bob Herkes, at center wearing red and white lei, participated in groundbreaking for Ka`u Shelter & Gym in Oct. 2012. Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

NAMING THE NEW KA`U COMMUNITY SHELTER after the late Rep. Bob Herkes was proposed by Mayor Billy Kenoi yesterday at services for Herkes in Hilo. Kenoi called Herkes “a fighter for Ka`u,” referring to his accomplishments in bringing mobile health care to remote communities, funding for the new emergency shelter and gym next to Ka`u High School and helping to bring potable water to Ocean View. Hotelier Peter Fithian lauded Herke’s work in the tourism industry, where he managed the Naniloa Hotel in its heyday, among other properties. Proclamations from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Lt. Gov. Tsutsui were presented.

Rep. Bob Herkes led the campaign for a disaster shelter in Ka`u for nearly a decade.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie released funds for it to the County of Hawai`i.

      Uncle Bobby Gomes, of Pahala, praised Herke’s work for Ka`u, particularly for the emergency shelter that is nearing completion. Phoebe Gomes and others joined him in performing Momi O Pakipika and Ku`uipo `Ikahe`u Pue One.
      State of Hawai`i and U.S. flags flew half-mast for the day throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     After the ceremonies, Jack Herkes, brother of Bob Herkes, noted their grandfather’s efforts in researching and helping to construct the water system for the sugar industry in Ka`u.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U FARMERS UNION elected officers last night. Malian Lahey, of Wood Valley, who had been acting president, is president. Vice President is state House of Representatives member for west Ka`u, Richard Creagan. Secretary is Marla Hunter, and Treasurer is Richard Abbett.
      The group was joined by statewide President Vince Mina from Maui, who encouraged the members to continue to promote and operate small family farms that grow food for people who live here.

Malian Lahey

      He said that he and his family make a living on an urban farm in downtown Wailuku with 2,000 square feet of greens. He said his family farm in not only producing every week, but that farming has meant a lot to his children growing up.
      Mina encouraged more local production of food. “We are importing 90 percent of our food, and we are out there telling people (visitors) to come to paradise but, by the way, can you bring your food with you?”
      Mina talked about the need to understand the microclimates and ahupua`a in Hawai`i to know how to grow food in the many environments of the Hawaiian Islands. He noted that the quest for everyone to have a good view from homes and other buildings has led to many wind abatements being gone, and some of the microclimates “have dried out.”
      He talked about “slowed down” farming to “provide food for people who live here.”
      As President of the state Hawai`i Farmers Union United, Mina recently visited Congress and the Union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. He said that during the union’s meetings, he proposed a motion to support regenerative agriculture to rebuild soils around the country. He said the motion was approved and a national committee formed, which he chairs. “We are farmers, not miners,” he noted, pointing to responsibility for building rather than depleting and killing soils. “There are dead soils and living soils, and we (farmers) are all in between."  He suggested heading in the direction of rebuilding living soils to “ramp up the vitality of the land.”
       Lahey talked about an agricultural park for Ka`u and said that the one in Kohala is becoming successful. Creagan also talked about an ag park, possibly on state lands.

Vince Mina

       Creagan talked about the upcoming legislative session and said that farmers need more voice. He said that the Farm Bureau “sucks all the oxygen out of the room unless there’s another voice.” He and others in the discussion talked about having a diverse representation of farmers and a positive message.

      The advertising currently on television calling proposed pesticide and GMO regulation anti-farming was called into question. David Case, an attorney and Kona Coffee farmer, noted that Japanese and most European markets do not accept GMO foods and that exports of Hawai`i foods could collapse in those markets if GMO crops cross-pollinated with non-GMO crops. He said current GMO legislation on the Big Island attempts to keep GMOs where they are – GMO papayas where they are currently grown and GMO corn in Hamakua. The purpose of the bill is solely to control cross pollination of GMO with non-GMO crops, he explained. "That is why HFUU supported the bill - and was the only statewide agriculture organization to do so," he later said.

      There was discussion on GMO corn having a bacterium found in nature and genetically engineered into the plant. Mina said that in nature the presence of the BT pulsates, but in the GMO plant the bacterium “is on 24 hours,” leading to death of monarch butterflies and honeybees.
      He noted that 590 people showed up for the first public hearing on regulating GMOs and pesticides in Hawai`i County and that the bill passed and was signed by the mayor, though it is being challenged in court.
      Mina and others noted that the Farmers Union has members who use and members who don’t use GMO crops. However, he said, “I don’t know anyone who likes to walk around in a moon suit to spray” poisons.
      Several talked about the intersection of health care and growing food. “They are intertwined and synergistic,” said Creagan. “If you don’t eat, you are not healthy. The right kind of food is medicine, particularly with such diseases as obesity and diabetes,” he said.
      Mina said his attitude toward farming is wrapped up in the way he lives. “I want to be okay. I don’t want to be rich. I don’t want to be right. I want to be okay,” and growing food helps him toward that goal, he said.
    The next Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting is Friday, Oct. 17 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ocean View Community Center offers teleconferencing for Hawai`i County
Council and committee meetings.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet Tuesday at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      Proposed changes to property tax exemptions are on the Finance Committee’s agenda at 9 a.m. Bill 292 would require a person applying for an exemption from the real property tax rate on a principal home to file a Hawai`i State Income Tax Return as a full-year resident for each fiscal year that the exemption is sought.
      Bill 293 would eliminate the one-half year application of a home exemption.
      Bill 294 would increases from $40,000 to $60,000 the property value subject to total exemption from real property taxes and would increase by the same amounts the exemption that can be applied to properties valued in excess of $60,000.
      Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability Committee continues its discussion regarding labeling of coffee 11 a.m. The agenda states that public testimony on the item is concluded.
      At 1:30 p.m., the committee considers a resolution by Ka`u’s council member Brenda Ford urging the Board of Water Supply to authorize the acquisition of land required for development of a second Ocean View Well, a reservoir, support facilities and water main to connect with the existing well in its five-year plan. It also authorizes the Department of Water Supply to engineer and construct the well and all accessory facilities.
      Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee meets at 3 p.m. to discuss Primary Election problems and County Clerk Stewart Maeda’s plan to prevent disruption of the 2014 General Election in the event of a disaster.

Trojan boys Titan Ault, at left and Travis Taylor represented Ka`u High at BIIF
bowling finals at Kona Bowl yesterday, along with Coach Hi`ilani Lapera.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

      “I requested that the County Clerk provide the Council Committee members with a written emergency plan for the current lava flow and future storms. All of our Primary and General Elections occur during hurricane season, and emergency preparedness for disasters is critical,” said Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford. “It is my hope that the County Office of Elections will be able to provide public information in sufficient time for any changes made to the General Election Day processes due to the lava flow, any storms, or other potential disasters.”

      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN TROJAN BOWLING, Lanni Ah Yee is holding an average score that ranks her in the top 20 varsity girls on the island, while Kathryn Padaray ranks in the top 30. In Trojan boys bowling, Cameron Enriques ranks in the top 15 islandwide, while Travis Taylor, J-R Albos and Jamal Buyan rank in the top 25, and Trevor Taylor, Jacob Flores, Titan Ault and Kaweni Ibarra rank in the top 30.

      Ault and Taylor participated in BIIF finals yesterday.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AGE-GROUP RESULTS FOR KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN Half Marathon have been announced. Placing in men’s and women’s divisions were:

• 20 – 29: first place Kenneth Stover 2:05:00.62 and Marie Bourcier 3:04:26.33, second place Curtis Neck 2:05:57.93 and Kyra Bronson 3:09:19, third place Dean Baldwin 2:14:18.95 and Callie Webster 3:27:11.51 
• 30 – 39: first place Mikio Mayazoe 2:13:53.38 and Lindy Washburn 2:23:51.28, second place Loren Williams 2:14:02.83 and Sarah Weiss 2:25:44.25, third place Patrick Leatherman 2:21:59.51 and Rachel Mason 2:35:32.81; 
• 40 – 49: first place Alan Ryan 1:59:59.10 and Kendra Ignacio 2:35:01.70, second place Alan Reynolds 2:09:56.78 and Renee Rintala 2:38:25.55, third place Shawn Mishler 2:22:21.11 and Tucker Anglese 2:40:46.67; 
• 50 – 59: first place Adam Busek 2:15:28.02 and Lynne Brauher 3:30:55.68, second place Deen Tsukamoto 2:29:31.96 and Carla Cheek 3:650:32.86; 
• 60 – 69: Hermann Dittrich 2:35:02.15 and Maggie Murphy 3:46:43.76. 

      See okaukakou.org for more results and photos.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOTING FOR ART TO GRACE THE COVER of The Directory 2015 begins tomorrow at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, first, second and third place winners will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014

With the game tied and one minute remaining, Ka`u High Trojan eight-man football team member Cy Tamura ran 35 yards for a touchdown and victory over Kamehamaha-Hawai`i Junior Varsity. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Bob Herkes

AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE LATE FORMER state legislator Robert “Bob” Herkes, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that flags of the United States and state of Hawai`i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai`i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset today, the day of his memorial service. He died Aug. 21 at the age of 83.
      Herkes served on the Hawai`i County Council from 1984 to 1987, when he was appointed by Gov. John Waihe`e to fill a Hawai`i Island state Senate seat vacated by Richard Henderson. He then went on to serve in the state House from 1992 to 2000 and 2002 to 2012.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A NEW BATTERY TO STORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY could change the dynamics of the quest for more renewable energy, and Hawai`i, with solar and wind, “is an attractive market,” according to a science report from BBC News.
      Jonathan Webb reported that U.S. engineers have invented a new liquid battery that uses lead instead of more expensive metals for its negative electrode.

A new battery to store intermittent energy like that create by South Point windmills
could change the dynamics of the quest for more renewable energy.
Photo by Peter Anderson

      Along with a layer of lead, the battery contains layers of salt and lithium. Movement between the top land and bottom layers of materials causes generation and consumption of electricity, senior researcher Prof Donald Sadoway, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the BBC.
      The battery also doesn’t require as much heat to operate. Earlier designs had to be kept at 700 degrees Celcius, while this one operates at 450C.
      According to Webb, Sadoway’s company Ambri plans to have demonstration units running in Hawai`i and Massachusetts within a year. “They’ve got sun, they’ve got wind, but both of those are intermittent,” Sadoway said. “We’d like to get some field data from a place like that.”

       To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Trojans cheer after a touchdown at Trojans' senior night football game yesterday.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KA`U HAD AN EPIC WIN AGAINST Kamehameha junior varsity in the season’s final home game last night. As pioneers of the eight-man football league on the Big Island, Ka`u High’s Trojans shined brightly last night against Kamehameha’s JV team.
      Despite an impressive standoff by Ka`u’s defensive line, Kamehameha made the first touchdown of the game but did not succeed in their first effort at a two-point conversion.
      Ka`u’s offense struck back with a touchdown by Kupono Palikiko Leffew and a successful two-point conversion by Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee, leaving the score after the first quarter at Ka`u 8, Kamehameha 6.
      The second quarter found Kamehameha’s offense bringing in another touchdown, two-point conversion and a safety to leave the game at halftime at Ka`u 8, Kamehameha 16.
      The second half of the game revealed a refreshed and determined Trojan team. Quarterback Jordan DeRamos threw a perfect pass to Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee for a touchdown, and Cy Tamura brought in the two-point conversion to tie the score. Tamura and Emmsley Ah Yee then switched up for Tamura to bring in the third touchdown for the Trojans, and Emmsley Ah Yee brought in the two-point conversion to leave the third quarter score at 24-16.

Kamehameha-Hawai`i Warriors Junior Varsity put up a good fight but ultimately fell
to Ka`u Trojans. Photo by Nalani Parlin

      The intensity of the game continued in the fourth quarter as the Warriors brought in another touchdown and two-point conversion for a score of 24-24 with one minute left in the game. Ka`u had possession of the ball, and Cy Tamura ran 35 yards for a touchdown and a two-point conversion to seal the win for Ka`u at 32-24.
      The win for Ka`u was a sweet final home game for the seniors, who were honored last night. Seniors honored were Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee, Makana Gravela, Carlos Uribe-Bounes, Cy Tamura, Kainalu Ke, Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel, Chisum Silva, Kupono Palakiko-Leffew, Rigan Kaapana, Randall Kahele, Jr., Lanni Ah Yee and Kaweni Ibarra.

      This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

       To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE TOP THREE MALE AND FEMALE participants in Ka`u Coffee Trail Run 10K and 5K events have been announced.
      John Oubra won the 10K with a time of 22 minutes and 2.38 seconds. Heather Lopez was the first woman to finish at 29 minutes and 39.3 seconds.

      Second place in the men’s division went to Ferdinand Babas, of Hilo, with a time of 31 minutes and 28.75 seconds. Meggie Olson, also of Hilo, took second in the women’s division, posting a time of 33 minutes and 33.29 seconds.
      In men’s division third place was Alex Wood, finishing at 34 minutes and six seconds. Rebecca Cole took third in the women’s division at 33 minutes and 58.87 seconds.
      Derek McIntyre crossed the 5K finish line first, posting a time of 11 minutes and 5.83 seconds. Cloe Gan was the first woman to finish, at 14 minutes and 31.47 seconds.
      Two Pahala residents took second and third places in the men’s division – Kameron Moses had a time of 12 minutes and 35.22 seconds, and Patrick Pasion, 12 minutes and 46.56 seconds.
      Kashe Dykema, of Hilo, was third in the women’s 5K at 15 minutes and 40.6 seconds, while Veronica Deguzman, of California, came in at 16 minutes and 6.44. seconds.

       To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Breakouts are sluggish near the front of the lava flow in Puna and more vigorous
halfway upslope toward Pu`u O`o vent, which is feeding the flow.
Photo from USGS/HVO 

“WHY DID THE JUNE 27TH LAVA FLOW slow as it approached Pahoa?” is a question posed in the current issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. HVO scientists noted that the lava flow began to slow considerably as the summit of Kilauea began to deflate on Thursday, Sept. 18. “Such deflations have caused decreases in eruptive output at Pu`u `O`o in the past, and that could be the case with the current flow as well,” the issue states.
      “Another possibility for the stalled flow front is that the tube system feeding the June 27th lava flow could be approaching its limits in terms of efficiently insulating the lava moving through it. Based on HVO observations during our Sept. 24 overflight, the lava tube system seems fairly robust from the vent at Pu`u `O`o to just before the point where lava first flowed into a crack. The exact condition of the lava tube within the crack is unknown because we can't see into it, but it seems to also be robust.
      “However, the nature of the tube system from the point at which the lava flow exits the ground crack system near Ka`ohe Homesteads and heads northeast toward Pahoa is not yet clear.
      “Although lava has traveled beneath this section of the flow to the flow front since early September, a lava tube system is not yet evident.
      “The June 27th lava flow is now longer than any other flow formed during the ongoing eruption of Pu`u `O`o. While the evidence favors a decrease in eruptive output as the cause of the current slow-down, careful study is still needed. If and how a lava tube develops within the distal portion of the June 27th lava flow is important to understanding just how far it, and other pahoehoe flows like it, is capable of advancing.”

      Although the flow front has slowed, the June 27th lava flow remains active. This morning, Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported “some increase in activity along the edges” of the flow front, although it has not advanced. A small breakout upslope had advanced 75 yards since yesterday. HVO reported that more vigorous surface breakouts were documented about halfway between the flow front and Pu`u `O`o.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

       To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE PACIFIC CRAFTS & CERAMIC SALE and yART Sale continues today until 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets today at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m.
      For more information, email Malian Lahey at malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Forest Work Day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus is seeking volunteers for tomorrow's
Forest Work Day. Photo from VAC

      The event is an opportunity for families, organizations, groups and individuals to connect with nature and each other while helping to perpetuate a rare natural, historical, cultural and inspirational resource. Efforts will focus on the removal of invasive iris, ivy and ginger species that threaten to encroach on the 7.4-acre former Forest Reserve. Niaulani Rain Forest is a rare, old-growth `ohi`a and koa tree forest with a successful restoration story. However, because weeds grow faster than native plants, this near pristine state requires continual upkeep.
      Forest Work Days are scheduled the final Sunday of every month at Niaulani. No reservations, experience, or tools are required. Volunteers should bring gloves and rain gear in case of wet weather.
      VAC’s Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. For further information, contact call 967-8222 or email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

VOTING FOR ART TO GRACE THE COVER of The Directory 2015 begins Monday at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Along with People's Choice, first, second and third place winners will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory201.swf.