The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Del Bothof, above, and Marie Bothof are keeping their Volcano Winery open during the volcanic activities at nearby Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, and
invite the public to sign up for their annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. Photo by Julia Neal

‘YES, VOLCANO VILLAGE IS OPEN,’ says Volcano Winery owner Marie Bothof. Volcano Winery has remained open throughout the volcanic activity at nearby Haelmaʻumaʻu Crater. The staff is taking care of the vineyard, tea farm, winery, and store, and preparing for the fifth Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, which happens on Sunday, Sept. 9.

The limited-issue 200 tickets go on sale August 1 at volcanowinery.com or 967-7772. Marie Bothof, who owns the winery with her husband Del Bothof, said, “Can’t have more people here than that or it wouldn’t be fun for anybody! This year’s goal is $10K to pay for a white passenger van for the kids at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, to travel in for field adventures.”

Volcano Winery grows grapes and also tea. The tea leafs require some extra
washing with the recent ashfall from volcanic explosions at
Kīlauea Crater, but are fine, according to winery owners.
Image from Volcano Winery

Harvest Festival features music, food, and wine under the stars with entertainment by The Young Brothers: Kiliona and Kalei Young, and Orlando Smith. Food and drink will be presented by chefs from local restaurants. Award-winning wine and tea comes from Volcano Winery. Participants will tour the vineyards.

Marie Bothof told The Kaʻū Calendar today that the eruption has had an impact on their business – but not as bad as it could be. “We haven’t shut down a day yet.” She said the weekend of May 12 and 13 saw a drop down to 25 percent of their usual number of visitors. The next weekend, that number had risen a bit. The last weekend of May rose to almost 60 percent of the regular number. She said cruise ship passengers are calling to make sure that driving from Kona – since the ships won’t port in Hilo – is feasible. Bothof said she – and other business owners in Volcano – would like to let people know: “Yes, Volcano Village is open!”

Local business owners will met Tuesday, May 29, to “try to put something together” to let people know the Village of Volcano is still open for business.

Harvested grapes in large buckets await crushing for wine
made in Volcano Village. Photo from Volcano Winery

Concerning Volcano Winery orchards, ashfall, which has potential to damage plants, has not affected the winery too badly so far. “The most effect was on the tea harvest; we had to wash all the leaves before any fermentation – but it came off really good.” She said the grapes were “already past the flower stage,” so the ashfall hasn’t harmed them at all. “As the fruit grows, the ash will shed. We’ve lost about 15 percent” of the crop, Bothof said. She said there has been no vine death or leaf effects: “We’ve been very fortunate with the winds,” said Bothof, with only one day where she saw ash on cars. She said their catchment tanks have not yet been affected.

Bothof said her main concern are the earthquakes: “The wine really sloshes in the vats.” She said the 6.9 magnitude quake only caused the loss of two wine glasses. The quake happened during a tasting, she said, and it “really shook over here. It was very exciting for the tasting group that experienced it – didn’t bother them a bit. They thought it was ‘part of the show’.”

Volcano Winery is located 35 Piʻimauna Drive, the same road that goes to Volcano Golf Course.
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PUNA GEOTHERMAL VENTURE, WHICH PROVIDED 20 PERCENT OF THE ISLAND'S ELECTRICITY, COULD BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY or for a number of years. Lava flowed over several geothermal wells this week and was headed for more of them today. Lava also covered the main entry road to the facility in lower Puna, leaving only a back entrance for staff to return.
Puna Geothermal Venture officials said that in addition to quenching the geothermal wells and
attempting to plug them, PGV's crew placed materials over them so that lava could possibly roll over the site without penetrating the equipment and wells. However, it is uncertain whether lava penetrated the workings of the wells that were covered in lava. Post lava flow excavating would determine whether the wells could be used again, PGV officials said during press conferences this week.

Volcanic glass particles fell on roads in Puna today.
Image from Big Island Video News

PGV officials also said that it could be possible the lava could interact with oil in the geothermal wells, creating an odor - but didn't expect any fumes that are more dangerous to be released.

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LAVA DESTROYED 20 HOMES IN 24 HOURS in lower Puna in the past day, county Civil Defense reported. With fast moving pahoehoe from a lava pond that breached, the toll during May rose to 112 buildings and 71 homes.

Pele's Hair, the volcanic glass that fell in lower Puna today, should be
avoided, as it can irritate and become embedded in skin,
said HVO scientists. Photo from USGS

Lava also crossed Highway 132 today, cutting off the main road between Pāhoa, Kapoho, and Vacationland communities. Those residents will have to use Government Beach Road to drive toward Hilo and back to Pāhoa.
In addition, area residents witnessed and received warnings about Pele's Hair falling in lower Puna. Pele's Hair is made of glass particles from the volcano, are sharp and an irritant to skin, and can become embedded.
This evening, Civil Defense ordered people along Noni Farms Road and Hale Kamahina Road to "evacuate immediately" as more fast moving lava approached their homes.

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WHY SO MANY EARTHQUAKES AT KĪLAUEA SUMMIT AND VOLCANO VILLAGE? USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory released an explanation today, with 286 tremors in the last 24 hours:
"The floor of Kīlauea Caldera continues to subside as pressure in the magma reservoir decreases in response to withdrawal of magma towards the East Rift Zone. This is the same process that caused the summit lava lake to drop out of sight within the Overlook Vent inside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

Interferogram from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1
satellite showing ground motion between May 11 and May 17, 2018.
During the same time period, a GPS station on the caldera floor
measured 65 cm (about 2 feet) of subsidence. Each colored “fringe”
represents 2.7 cm (just over 1 inch) of motion between the
ground and the satellite and are added up to determine
the total displacement. Image from USGS

"Deflation at Kīlauea’s summit has caused up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of subsidence, which has stressed the faults around and within Kīlauea Caldera. This has led to numerous magnitude-3 or greater earthquakes, as well as many more smaller ones. The faults that are being stressed are shallow (likely less than 2 miles deep), so the earthquakes are shallow, which means that they have been widely felt by residents near the summit area."
"Occasional larger ash explosions from Halemaʻumaʻu have resulted in abrupt increases in reservoir pressure (which appear as "inflationary steps" in ground tilt data); these inflations negate the effects of ongoing deflation for a period of hours to days. After each explosion, the faults within and around the caldera are less stressed and, therefore, produce fewer earthquakes. As time goes on, deflation again stresses the faults and the number of detected (and felt) earthquakes increases."
HVO reviews the history of the similar event in 1924, when high rates of earthquake activity were observed during the summit
eruption. Volcano resident Margaret Finch wrote to her father on May 15, 1924, “... and the earthquakes were awful. Some were a slow swaying motion, while others gave you a nasty vicious shake. I hate them all. I want to run whenever I feel one. There must be at least a hundred quakes a day…and probably a great many more than that.”
According to HVO, "It appears that a process similar to now was at work back then. We expect earthquake production to continue as long as the summit continues to deflate, but the rate and magnitude of earthquakes will vary in response to explosions. In 1924, based on known historical records, no earthquakes related to summit subsidence caused significant damage.

See the animation showing a sequence of radar amplitude

images acquired by the Italian Space Agency's Cosmo-SkyMed

satellite system. The series shows changes to the caldera area of

Kīlauea Volcano that occurred over May 5 at 6:12 a.m. HST,

May 17 at 6:12 a.m. HST, May 21 at 6:12 a.m. HST, and

May 29 at 6:12 a.m. HST. Animation from USGS

"In 1960, earthquakes occurring in the summit area during subsidence caused some minor damage in Volcano. In 2018, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have seen some damage from these earthquakes, and the potential for damaging earthquakes during this eruption persists. In addition to preparing for ashfall, summit area residents should consider earthquake preparedness as part of their home and business safety plans."

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AIR QUALITY INDEX REPORTING IS UNAVAILABLE late today. However, the colors of the map indicate the air in Pāhala is good, but Ocean View and Kona are in the red - a measurement that indicates the overall air quality is unhealthy for all groups.
SO2 levels in Pāhala were unhealthy for sensitive groups for almost half the time of recorded reporting since midnight; the levels are good as of 9 p.m. Ocean View was similar, with more spikes, but is reported as being unhealthy for sensitive groups as of 9 p.m. Both Volcano reporting sites showed a couple spikes since midnight; levels are good as of 9 p.m. Kona showed as good all day.
See AirNow. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality predictions on its VMAP.

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 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, May 30, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Meeting on Ash and S02, Wed, May 30 at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room,

U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will explain the ongoing eruptions of ash and S02 from Halemaʻuma`u, as well as laze from lava ocean entries and other risks.
Also on hand will be a lung specialist, representatives Emergency Medical Services, Kaʻū Hospital, and the state Department of Health - Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office, and Clean Air Branch.

County Council member Maile David said she hopes to attend. Also attending will be representatives of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.

Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Wed & Thu, May 30 & 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177

THURSDAY, MAY 31

VA Medical Services, Thursdays, May 31, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Thu, May 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177

23rd Annual Kona Classic Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, Jun 1-3, Honokōhau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-$3,000. Qualifying weights: Marlin, 100lbs; Ahi, 50lbs; Mahi, 15lbs; Ono, 15lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 2
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, Jun 2 - Jul 14, statewide & online. Register (starting Jun 2) and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

yART Sale! Gigantic Rummage Sale, Sat, Jun 2, 8:30-2pm, Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana. Benefits VAC programs and workshops. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: May Stewardship at the Summit, Jun 2, 8, 16, 23, & 29, 8:45am, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

Stained Glass Basics II, Sat & Sun, Jun 2, 3, 9 & 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Jun 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Palm Trail, Sun, Jun 3, 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/HAVO

Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon/Tue/Wed, Jun 4 & 5 (Committees)/6 (Council), Hilo. Mon/Tue, Jun 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Jun 4 & 18, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 5
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Clean-Up w/Hawai‘i Outdoor Institute, Tue, Jun 5, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Space limited. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, Jun 5, 4-6pm, Jun 19, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, Jun 5, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

NEW AND UPCOMING

23rd Annual Kona Classic Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series is Friday through Sunday, June 1 through 3, at Honokōhau Club House in Kona. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 people per boat - $25 per additional person. Modified Jungle rules.

Cash prizes range from $100 to $3,000. Qualifying weights: Marlin, 100lbs; Ahi, 50lbs; Mahi, 15lbs; Ono, 15lbs. Grand Prize qualifies winner for Las Vegas Trip.

Upcoming tournaments are 1^st Annual Hawaiian Wicked Tuna Jackpot Series, July 20-22, and Miloli‘i Classic, Aug 31-Sept 2.

Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, a non-profit comprised of ten-pus generation descendants. The goals of the organization are to increase community participation in cultural activities, increase fish stocks, and promote community cohesion, “made achievable by hula protocol as a vessel to view… the world from a local perspective inundated with cultural pieces that transmits to all other Hawaiian practices,” states the release. See more at kalanihale.org

ONGOING

Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

5^th Annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences at Volcano Winery Sun, Sept 9. Only 200 tickets available; on sale Aug 1 at volcanowinery.com or 967-7772. Live music by The Young Brothers; food & drink from local restaurants; award-winning wine and tea; tours of the vineyards.

Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 464-9634.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.

5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Mon, July 9: 5K, $25/person; 10K, $35/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $45/person. From July 9 to Aug 11: $30/person, $40/person, and $45/person, respectively. From Aug 13 to Sept 20: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.

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Monday, May 28, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, May 28, 2018

Lava moon through volcanic haze, laze, S02, and air particles in lower Puna Sunday night that drifted toward Kaʻū. Air quality will be the discussion
at a meeting at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and representatives
of Kaʻū Hospital, the state Department of Health, and county Emergency Management will be on hand. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik

INCREASING VOG AND ASH EXPOSURE IN KAʻŪ WILL BE THE TOPIC OF A MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room at 5:30 p.m. in Pāhala.

Laze made from lava entering the ocean in lower Puna on Sunday.
Health department and HVO officials will discuss the risks Wednesday
at a Pāhala meeting. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik

The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory organized the meeting to explain the ongoing eruptions of ash and S02 from Halemaʻuma`u that comes to Kaʻū on the winds. The scientists will also discuss laze, created from lava entering the ocean, and S02 produced in lower Puna from lava flows and fountaining. They are expected to talk about how much of those gases are blown to Kaʻū.
Also on hand to explain risks to the community, management of indoor air, and how to protect oneself outdoors and in vehicles will be a lung specialist, representatives Emergency Medical Services, Kaʻū Hospital, and the state Department of Health - Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office, and Clean Air Branch.
County Council member Maile David said she hopes to attend. Also attending will be representatives of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.

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.

S02 levels were high, registering orange in Volcano and Pāhala this morning.
They registered red, unhealthy for everyone for part of the day, and recovered
to green, good air in afternoon and evening. Air map from Air Now

HIGHER PARTICULATE AND SO2 LEVELS Sunday and Monday morning extended from Volcano through Ocean View. During some periods, Air Now readings for Ocean View and Pāhala reached a red, unhealthy level. Volcano reached an orange, unhealthy for sensitive groups level, before all became green - the good level - this afternoon and evening.
Numerous ashfalls landed in Kaʻū following explosions today of rock and ash from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Ash plumes reached up to 15,000 feet today.
More than 200 earthquakes occurred in the last 24 hours from Kaʻū through Volcano into lower Puna, including one of 4.1 magnitude at Hilina Pali in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and a 3.5 this morning in Pāhala.

A 3.5 earthquake shook Pāhala at 3:55 a.m. this morning, Memorial Day, while multiple earthquakes rocked Volcano and Halemaʻumaʻu Volcano
sent ash 10,000 feet into the air. More than 200 earthquakes were recorded in 24 hours. Map from USGS

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IN LOWER PUNA, MORE HOMES WERE DESTROYED BY LAVA LAST NIGHT and today, with the total number of buildings reaching more than 200. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno reported during a press briefing that lava rushed and broke through a perched pond of lava last night and took out ten homes. When going door to door to make sure everyone had evacuated homes in the area, he said, fire, public works, and police personnel found about 20 occupied houses and that some people refused to leave. "It kind of gives us terrifying insight into what's going on out there," said Magno. One man with lava next to his house was rescued.

Aerial view of active lava flow crossing Poho'iki Road during an overflight this
morning about 7 a.m. HST. Poho'iki Road cuts through middle of photograph.
Note lava fountains erupting (top right) from fissure 8 (left-side fountain) and
24 (right-side fountain) from the fissure complex. By late this morning, the
flow's advance slowed to a few meters (yards) per hour, and
fissure 8 activity had diminished significantly. USGS photo

Magno reported 246 people are living in shelters, of the more than 2,000 displaced in lower Puna, mostly from Leilani Estates where the most homes have been destroyed.
Regarding the two Puna Geothermal Venture wells covered by lava, Talmadge said they are holding, after being quenched with water and shut down before the lava intruded, without any emissions reported. He said government and PGV are working to plug and further quench the wells. During a USGS press conference, it was stated that lava flows were not threatening more wells today.
Magno also acknowledged that Poho'iki Bay in lower Puna has been reopened for surfing and that surfers could obtain county placards allowing them to go there. He said that Mayor Harry Kim has the understanding of lower Puna residents' special relationship with the Pohoʻiki surf spot, especially after losing other surf breaks to lava along the Puna coast years ago.

Close view of lava channel in middle of the lava flow erupting from fissure 8
during this morning's overflight at about 7 a.m. HST. The tallest lava fountain
is fissure 8, active since yesterday evening. The eruption rate
at fissure 8 diminished significantly later in the morning. USGS photo

See the entire press conference at bigislandvideonews.com.

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TESTIMONY AGAINST THE PROPOSED NĀʻĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, next to Nāʻālehu Elementary School, was presented to the county Environmental Management Commission at its Kona meeting last week. Sandy Demoruelle, of Nāʻālehu, who opposes not only the location but the kind of treatment facility planned, said the commission will hold a special closed session next month to review county decision making on the project.
She claimed the county "failed to meet with the community" prior to proposing lagoon style wastewater treatment plants in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. Demourelle said she supports less expensive septic systems, saying that they were approved for both towns as the Kaʻū Large-Capacity Cesspool Conversion Project in August, 2007.
Since then, the county, working with the state Department of Health and EPA, has decided to change from septic system plans to a newer design for wastewater treatment, a lagoon treatment system with water, oxygen, microbes, plants and trees processing the wastewater. Demourelle claimed that the new plan is unnecessarily expensive.

A community member discussing the proposed Nāʻālehu treatment plant
with a consulting engineer for the county during public input meeting
in April. Photo by Julia Neal

When giving testimony to the commission, Demoruelle also took issue with the county wanting to purchase and possibly condemning a site for the Nāʻālehu treatment plant. The land has been owned by the Souza family since "at least 1968," she said. She said the family, of which she is an extended member, wants to keep the land. The location has also been opposed by representatives of the adjacent Nāʻālehu School.

Demoruelle told The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper that she recently served a lawsuit to F. Scott Pruitt, in his official capacity as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Alexis Strauss, in her official capacity as Acting Regional Administrator of the EPA, Region 9.
Demoruelle contended that her suit was filed “so the County will have to decide to start the EIS process or just implement their original LCC conversion plans.” The county is in the process of finalizing the choice of a site and proceeding with EIS requirements, said county representatives.

Demoruelle said the original plans from 2007 would cost under $4 million for both Pāhala and Nāʻālehu and said the new plans would cost taxpayers $41 million "and climbing." The new plans received first-round approval by the County Council for the county's 2018-2019 Capital Improvement Budget last week.

Demoruelle noted that county Bill 111, for the Capital Improvement Budget, includes $41,051,000 for the Nāʻālehu and Pāhala treatment plants. The bill will go to second County Council reading on June 6. Closest public testimony option opens at 9 a.m., via video conferencing from Nāʻālehu.

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.

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.

TUESDAY, MAY 29

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, May 29, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Saving Rare Plants from the Brink of Extinction in HVNP, Tue, May 29, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, May 30, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Ku‘i Kalo Demonstration, Wed, May 30, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make poi, staple food of traditional Hawaiian diet. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Wed & Thu, May 30 & 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177

THURSDAY, MAY 31

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, Jun 3, 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, JUNE 4
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon/Tue/Wed, Jun 4 & 5 (Committees)/6 (Council), Hilo. Mon/Tue, Jun 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Jun 4 & 18, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

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

ONGOING

5^th Annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences at Volcano Winery Sun, Sept 9. Tickets on sale Aug 1: volcanowinery.com or 967-7772. Live music by The Young Brothers; food & drink from local restaurants; award-winning wine and tea; tours of the vineyards.

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, May 27, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, May 27, 2018

Ash plume today, Sunday, May 27, seen from Volcano Golf Course. Explosions from Halemaʻumaʻu send plumes thousands of feet above
sea level, often multiple times each day. This one at noon reached 10,000 feet. Winds are expected to change and send the ash
toward Puna and Hilo. Photo by Vijaysai Patnaik

HALEMAʻUMAʻU OVERLOOK VENT AT KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT HAS EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY, reported Steve Brantley, USGS Deputy Scientist in Charge of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Observatory. He told press today that the crater - known for its lava lake until this month - has a vent that has widened by 7.5 times in the last three weeks as the lava lake disappeared.

Since the lava lake began to drain out of sight, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater's vent, inside Kīlauea Caldera, has expanded from 12 to about 90 acres since May 5. This is “a consequence of magma withdrawal from directly beneath Halemaʻumaʻu Crater,” said Brantley. He explained that the lava held up the walls of the crater. Without the lava, the walls are sloughing off, he said.

This image shows Kīlauea Volcano on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. (left) compared to May 25 at 6:30 p.m. (right). Comparing the two images shows that the summit eruptive vent continues to expand as the unsupported conduit walls collapse. As of the afternoon of May 25, the vent expansion included not only continued westward growth of the vent rim, but also a subsidiary pit on the north part of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater. Further enlargements are anticipated over the coming days to weeks as subsidence of Kīlauea caldera, rockfalls, and small explosions continue. USGS photo

USGS and HVO used radar data acquired by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite for images to get measurements. The satellite transmits a radar signal toward the surface and measures the strength of the return, with bright areas indicating a strong return and dark areas a weak return. Strong returns indicate rough surfaces or slopes that point back at the radar, while weak returns come from smooth surfaces or slopes angled away from the radar.

Kīlauea's summit caldera has also subsided in the last three weeks, said Brantley. The caldera floor just north of Halemaʻumaʻu has dropped by four and a half feet. About a mile north of that, the caldera floor has dropped by almost two feet.

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Sunday's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lava map showing ocean entries and the lava on its way to
covering a geothermal well. USGS map

LAVA IS MOVING IN LOWER PUNA OVER THE GEOTHERMAL WELLS. Puna Geothermal Ventures produced 20 percent of the electricity for this island's Hawaiian Electric Light Co. customers. When volcanic activity threatened the geothermal wells, PGV shut them down.
At 6 p.m., County Civil Defense issued a statement saying that lava "covered one well that was successfully plugged. That well, along with a second well 100 feet away, are stable and secured, and are being monitored. Also due to preventative measures, neither well is expected to release any hydrogen sulfide," said the statement.

Clay en route on a Hawaiʻi Pacific Air Cargo plane
to Kona Saturday to be trucked to lower Puna. The clay
is to help plug geothermal wells threatened by lava,
which covered at least one geothermal well.
Photo from Pacific Air Cargo

Gov. David Ige said in a press conference today: "We feel confident that the risk is mitigated."
Residents living near the PGV site are on alert through messaging by Civil Defense and received a text at 6:15 a.m. today saying the lava had entered the PGV site. Another text came this evening.
In the meantime, Pacific Air Cargo flew from LA today with 200,000 lbs of a special clay to inject into one of the still active geothermal wells, if necessary, to plug it. Pacific Airs' Chief Operating Officer Thomas Ingram told Hawaiʻi News Now, "We have been closely watching the disturbing images coming out of the Big Island over the past three weeks and are grateful for this opportunity to support the relief efforts in any way we can. To our many friends and customers there, we send our heartfelt best wishes and pray that you all continue stay safe."

Hawaiʻi News Now reported PGV plant spokesman Mike Kaleikini saying, “All of the production wells nearest to the lava flow are plugged and shut in. As long as conditions are safe, we will have personnel on site. Primary concern is sulfur dioxide from the eruption and lava coming on site. We monitor for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide on a continuous basis," he said, referring to hydrogen sulfide that can be released should the plant itself have a blowout.
Hawaiʻi News Now reported PGV officials conceded they don’t know if hydrogen sulfide is the only possible hazard the community could face if lava interacts with their wells.

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THE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUED A MAN TRAPPED BY LAVA AND RESIDENTS WERE URGED TO FLEE Leilani Estates on Nohea Street and Luana Street between Leilani Ave., and on Kahukai and Kupono Streets between Malama Street and Leilani Avenue. Civil Defense sent out a 7:54 p.m. message that everyone needs "to evacuate immediately due to a fast moving lava flow from Fissure 7." Shortly after, the rescue attempt began. Shelters are open at the Pāhoa Community Center, Keaʻau Community Center, and the Sure Foundation Church. Shelters are pet friendly."

Ikaika Marzo reported live on Facebook this afternoon that there seemed to be a slow down in the volume of lava he was seeing in Leilani Estates and elsewhere. However, he clarified that there is no guarantee that the volcano will calm down and will not have more robust activity unexpecedly.

Ikaika Marzo, center with Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is working with the military
and other federal agencies for more aid and coordination for the volcano
disaster. Marzo posts updates on lava flows, live on Facebook.

Civil Defense reported early today the new fissure – number 24 – between Kupono and Nohea streets in Leilani Estates.

Civil Defense confirms lava now covers more than 2,372 acres, which is 3.7 square miles, in lower Puna.

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DROP IN WIND MAY SHIFT ASH AND GASSES EAST AND NORTHEAST in the coming days from both fissures in lower Puna and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea summit.
Ian Morrison of NOAA told press today the next few days will see tradewinds calm down, turning to push up towards Puna - and maybe even Hilo - by tomorrow evening through Tuesday. After that, the wind should go back to blowing to the southwest, as it has been for most of the last week. The island may also see a small uptick in rainfall over the next few days.

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WEBSITE GIVING AIR QUALITY INDEX READINGS is again not showing readings at press time. The site's map shows green for Pāhala, orange for Ocean View, and yellow for Kona.
SO2 levels for Pāhala, Volcano locations at Jaggar Museum and the Visitor's Center, and Kona all showed good air all day. Ocean View had brief spikes into moderate in the morning and evening, and unhealthy for sensitive groups in the early morning.

See AirNow. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality predictions on its VMAP.

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Kaʻū High's four college-bound 2018 Athletes of the Year:
Nainoa Ke, Analei Emmsley, Malie Ibarra, and Rowlie Flores.
Photo from Kaʻū High

KAʻŪ HIGH NAMED ATHLETES OF THE YEAR in May. All four are seniors and college bound.

Female Principal Scholar Athlete of the Year Malie Ibarra served as captain of the cheerleading team and swim team. She earned a 3.3 GPA. She heads to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to major in Business Administration.

Male Principal Scholar Athlete of the Year Rowlie Flores ran Track and Cross Country. He earned a 4.2 GPA. He heads to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Male Athlete of the Year Nainoa Ke played football and basketball, and heads to a college on the mainland.

Female Athlete of the Year Analei Emmsley played softball, soccer and basketball. She heads to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

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.

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MONDAY, MAY 28

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Memorial Day Ceremony, Mon, May 28, 3pm, Kīlauea Military Camp front lawn, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Gathering to remember and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Keynote Speaker: Major Kawika Hosea, Executive Officer of 1-299 Cavalry Regiment, Keaukaha Military Reservation. In case of rain, ceremony will move indoors. Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Memorial Day Buffet, Mon, May 28, 4-7pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Campy, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes BBQ Kalua Pork, Local Styles Fried Chicken with Gravy, Salads and more. $19/Adult, $10/Child (6-11 yrs). Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 29

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, May 29, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Saving Rare Plants from the Brink of Extinction in HVNP, Tue, May 29, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30

MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Ku‘i Kalo Demonstration, Wed, May 30, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make poi, staple food of traditional Hawaiian diet. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Wed & Thu, May 30 & 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177

THURSDAY, MAY 31

FRIDAY, JUNE 1
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Jun 1-29 (closed Jun 11), Ka’ū. Nā’ālehu: Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263. Ocean View: Ocean View Community Center, Mon & Tue, 8-1pm. Pāhala: Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue & Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See hceoc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-LIHEAP-APPLICATION.pdf for eligibility requirements and application.

23rd Annual Kona Classic Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, Jun 1-3, Honokōhau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-$3,000. Qualifying weights: Marlin, 100lbs; Ahi, 50lbs; Mahi, 15lbs; Ono, 15lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 2
“Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, Jun 2 - Jul 14, statewide & online. Register (starting Jun 2) and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

yART Sale! Gigantic Rummage Sale, Sat, Jun 2, 8:30-2pm, Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana. Benefits VAC programs and workshops. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

*Stewardship at the Summit, Jun 2, 8, 16, 23, & 29, 8:45am, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Palm Trail, Sun, Jun 3, 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/HAVO

NEW & UPCOMING

VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES A GIGANTIC RUMMAGE SALE event, yART, on Saturday, June 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., to benefit their programs and workshops. The event takes place in Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana.
The art center is seeking gardening and yard equipment, kitchen items, art, prints, collectables, tools, appliances, furniture, and “those odd christmas gifts,” says the event description. All items must be clean and in working condition. Volcano Art Center asks that donated items be brought to their Volcano Village location on Old Volcano Road by Sunday, May 26.
For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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ONGOING
Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

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About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Monday, May 28, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, May 28, 2018

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, May 27, 2018