Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

Snow on Mauna Kea leading into Christmas weekend. Photo by Bob Martin

LETTERS TO SANTA drew keiki to Pāhala Post Office on Friday to pick up the gifts they asked for. Children wrote to Santa, in care of Pāhala Post Office where Jana Kaniho organized the program to

She wrote Santa, he brought the
gift. Photo by Michelle Andrade

purchase the gifts the kids desired, and wrap them and give them with the assistance of Santa and Santa's helper Michelle Andrade. Sponsors of the gifts also included Kaniho, Wayne Kawachi and his O Kaʻū Kakou community organization, along with The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper.

    Kaniho said this is the third Letters to Santa program in Kaʻū and next year's event is already being planned. More than 50 children received gifts this year.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

SEISMOLOGY IS THE FOCUS OF VOLCANO WATCH in this week's column written by scientists and affiliates of U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
    Seismology is one of several critical elements used at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) to assess volcanic unrest and hazards. Often, the earliest signs of volcanic unrest, before lava is seen, are provided by earthquake activity occurring deeper within the Earth than where other volcano monitoring capabilities can reach.

    Seismologists, or earthquake specialists, look at their data in a variety of ways to interpret the story of volcanic processes occurring underground. As a first step, HVO notes earthquake rates, locations, and magnitudes, as these attributes can be quickly recognized to reflect times, general locations, and strength of the unrest.

Young paniola meet Santa
Photo by Julia Neal

    We also study details of the recorded earthquakes to infer how the Earth moved and shook the ground. Human-generated noise (like helicopters and quarry blasts) and atmospheric signals (like thunder and wind) can make volcanic signals difficult to identify.

    As an analogy, think about the different sounds that you hear when you turn on and use a garden hose. First there is squeaking when the pressure first builds up. Then, as water pushes on the air within the hose, there are gurgling and crackling sounds. Finally, there is steady humming as water streams smoothly out the end of the hose. At HVO, our seismic instruments are our ears as we track the magma within the volcanoes and the lava as it erupts.

    Seismologists, or earthquake specialists, look at their data in a variety of ways to interpret the story of volcanic processes occurring underground. As a first step, HVO notes earthquake rates, locations, and magnitudes, as these attributes can be quickly recognized to reflect times, general locations, and strength of the unrest.

    We also study details of the recorded earthquakes to infer how the Earth moved and shook the ground. Human-generated noise (like helicopters and quarry blasts) and atmospheric signals (like thunder and wind) can make volcanic signals difficult to identify.

Keiki on the left received dinosaurs.
Photo by Julia Neal

    As an analogy, think about the different sounds that you hear when you turn on and use a garden hose. First there is squeaking when the pressure first builds up. Then, as water pushes on the air within the hose, there are gurgling and crackling sounds. Finally, there is steady humming as water streams smoothly out the end of the hose. At HVO, our seismic instruments are our ears as we track the magma within the volcanoes and the lava as it erupts.  

O Ka'u Kakou's Wayne Kawachi, Santa and Jana Kaniho
of Pāhala Post Office provided gifts for keiki on Friday through
their Letters to Santa program. Photo by Julia Neal

    Seismologists, or earthquake specialists, look at their data in a variety of ways to interpret the story of volcanic processes occurring underground. As a first step, HVO notes earthquake rates, locations, and magnitudes, as these attributes can be quickly recognized to reflect times, general locations, and strength of the unrest.
    We also study details of the recorded earthquakes to infer how the Earth moved and shook the ground. Human-generated noise (like helicopters and quarry blasts) and atmospheric signals (like thunder and wind) can make volcanic signals difficult to identify.
    As an analogy, think about the different sounds that you hear when you turn on and use a garden hose. First there is squeaking when the pressure first builds up. Then, as water pushes on the air within the hose, there are gurgling and crackling sounds. Finally, there is steady humming as water streams smoothly out the end of the hose. At HVO, our seismic instruments are our ears as we track the magma within the volcanoes and the lava as it erupts.     

    Seismicity helps tell the story of a seemingly quiet volcano. Especially when the stories of these volcanoes and their seismicity have been told in the past.
    Kīlauea has provided HVO with many opportunities to observe relationships between earthquakes and volcanic activity. We have identified established earthquake source regions that show increases in seismic activity as the volcano gets closer to erupting. We also recognize the earthquake types that suggest magma movement. At times, it has been possible to forecast where and when eruptions started, based on patterns of earthquake activity.

    Mauna Loa is also an active volcano. Through the past two centuries, we have seen intervals between successive eruptions change. Between 1832 and 1950, Mauna Loa erupted, on average, every 3 to 7 years. Since 1950, the intervals have been much longer. After 1950, it was 25 years until the 1975 Mauna Loa summit eruption, and then another 9 years until the 1984 eruption. Then, 38 years passed until the most recent eruption in 2022 from Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone.
    HVO’s modern seismic observations of Mauna Loa are relatively sparse compared to those of Kīlauea. In addition, improvements in monitoring technology have significantly boosted HVO data recording and analysis capabilities. Still, the observations of 1975 and 1984 provide some helpful clues toward learning how Mauna Loa works.

Aerial photo of lava fountains along a fissure on Mauna Loa's Northeast
 Rift Zone at approximately 9:30 a.m., Nov. 28. The photo was taken
 looking toward the north. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

    In the Spring of 1974, HVO seismologists noted an increase in earthquake activity beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa. They installed additional seismometers and, without computers, counted and located earthquakes by hand. The compiled observations could be viewed as a successful eruption forecast.
    HVO’s current capabilities allow earthquake detection and location to levels far surpassing those of 1975 and 1984. To better compare current earthquakes patterns to these previous eruptions, seismologists hand counted tiny earthquakes in September 2022 that were too small to be recorded by modern computer processing. This comparison showed a similar uptick in seismic activity and led to community meetings in ensuing months to emphasize awareness, preparedness, and safety.
    Further increases in seismicity in October 2022 reflected rapid stress changes within the volcano, but the only imminent precursor to lava appearing in the summit caldera was an hour-long tremor-like burst of numerous small, shallow earthquakes just before the eruption started.
    Each eruption provides new observations and data, adding to our ability to, ideally, learn and understand beyond the basic numbers.
     Next time you look up at one of the volcanoes around the island, think about the different types of activity occurring and the stories being told beneath the surface. Not just in the form of earthquakes you are feeling, but also in the other subtle signals faintly picked up by the sensitive instruments listening in.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Wilderness wildfire is out. NPS photo

THE FIVE ACRE WILDFIRE sparked by lightning in a remote wilderness area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has been fully extinguished. National Park Service fire fighters continued to mop up hot spots, patrol the fire edge, extinguish burning vegetation and backhaul equipment through Friday afternoon.
    The fire was declared 100% contained at 4 p.m.Hilina Pali Road, Kaʻaha Trail and the Hilina Pali Lookout will reopen today at 6 p.m. The fire burned through remnant dryland 'ōhiʻa trees and native shrubs in a remote wilderness area dominated by alien grasses that can promote fire spread and increase fire severity, contributing to the loss of native species in the area.
    Park staff spotted a plume of smoke at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday below Hilina Pali Lookout at the 2,000-foot elevation. Lightning from the recent storm sparked the fire, a rare occurrence in the park and throughout Hawaiʻi. Most wildfires in Hawaiʻi are caused by humans, states NPS.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook and at www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Holiday Lighting and Decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni’aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Showers, soup, haircuts, and decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m., followed by Aloha Hour.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

   Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

Ka'ū Food Pantry Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. until pau at St. Jude's Episcopal Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Pantry Food Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. until pau at Ka'ū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Cooper Center Community Pantry Food Distribution, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.

See daily, weekly, and monthly events, and more, on page 8 and page 9 of the monthly print edition.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

Pilot David Okita drops water on a fire below Hilina Pali Lookout. See more below. Photo by M. Wasser/NPS

THE BEATING VOLCANIC HEART OF SOUTHERN HAWAI'I is the way that The Washington Post describes the magmatic chambers below Pāhala. The Washington Post, in its Thursday, Dec. 22 edition, notes that scientists "recorded a shocking spike in deep seismic activity in 2019 way below the town of Pāhala, which sits roughly 25 miles southwest of Kilauea." In considering the possible quakes' connections to magma and lava movement, the story says, "Surely, scientists thought, this cannot be happenstance." 

    Author Robin George Andrews notes that a team from California Institute of Technology took on the challenge of understanding more. "While the Pāhala quake storm was a chance to unearth the island's buried magmatic treasure, scientists alone would not be able to identify many of the individual quakes in that cacophony, especially the more commonplace smaller ones that could be

The scientists' cartoon of chambers of magma under Pāhala.
Image from the journal Science

smothered by bigger bangs."
    The Caltech team "fed the entire recording of the seismic storm to a machine learning program," writes Andrews. The team employed a technique already used to identify millions of hidden quakes in California. "The program quickly taught itself what was a real quake and what was extraneous noise, then identified and characterized thousands of temblors that would have been missed by conventional seismic signal detection programs and their human analysts."
    "From November 2018 to April 2022, the system logged around 192,000 quakes below Pāhala. Plotting these luminiferous points on a map, the team was stunned to discover a collection of pulsing magmatic structures - the beating volcanic heart of southern Hawai'i.”
    The story says that "When the sinuous structures first came into view on the computer, Caltech graduate student John Wilding's jaw dropped." Wilding told The Washington Post: "I was thinking that it's a part of the Earth that, in this moment, I was the only person on the planet who knew these things were there."
    The study by Wilding and colleagues was published Thursday in the journal Science. The Washington Post reports, "The giant feature described in the paper is made up of several elongated chambers named sills. When eruptions drain magma from the shallow reservoirs above, these deep seated sills seem to react. A cacophony of quakes signals when individual chambers begin to fill with molten rock at different times, a bit like 'blood rushing into a heart,'" said Wilding.
    See The Washington Post story entitled 'Mind-blowing' network of magma chambers found under Hawai'i's volcanoes at https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2022/12/22/hawaii-volcanoes-magma-chambers/
    See the study in the journal Science entitled The magmatic web beneath Hawai'i at https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade5755

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A SMALL WILDFIRE IN VOLCANO was 70 percent contained early Thursday evening. A statement from the Park said it is located in a remote wilderness area and sparked by lightening. A 15-person National Park Service wildland firefighting team, assisted by David Okita and his helicopter, doused flames and mopped up Thursday in steep, rocky terrain below the Hilina Pali Lookout. "The burn area contains remnant dryland ‘ōhiʻa trees and native shrubs but is otherwise  dominated by alien grasses

Photo by M. Gallegos/NPS

that can promote fire spread and increase fire severity, exacerbating the loss of native species in the area," said the Park statement.
   Hilina Pali Road is temporarily closed past Kulanaokuaiki Campground to the Hilina Pali Lookout due to firefighting efforts. Only authorized vehicles are permitted until further notice. Kaʻaha Trail is also closed. Park staff spotted a plume of smoke at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday below Hilina Pali Lookout at the 2,000-foot elevation. Lightning from the recent storm sparked the fire, a rare occurrence in the park and throughout Hawaiʻi. Most wildfires in Hawaiʻi are caused by humans.
    Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Hilina Pali Road to the campground remain open, and drivers are reminded to observe the speed limit and watch for fire crews and vehicles on the road.Light precipitation fell on the fire Wednesday night. Light winds and limited showers are forecast into the weekend.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

GET ACTIVE AT THE HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE. That's the recommendation of its Public Access Room, with trainings, lessons in advocacy, and its website to help citizens keep up with their legislators.

Ka'ū's state Rep. Jeanne Kapela

Ka'ū's state Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha

It also offers the PAR website to help citizens introduce and follow bills during the session. It provides a legislative calendar with deadlines for submissions of bills and testimonies. The 2023 Hawai'i Legislature's Regular Session opens Wednesday, Jan 18 at 10 a.m.
    Representing Senate District 3, which includes Volcano, Ka'ū and Kona, is Dru Mamo Kanuha. He is the Senate Majority Leader and will serve on the 2023 Legislature's Housing Committee, Education Committee, and Ways & Means Committee. See Kanuha's member webpage at capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage. See his Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorKanuha. Kanuha's mailing address is Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 206, 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813. His phone is 808-586-9385. His fax is 808-586-9391. Kanuha's email is senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov.
    Representing House District 5, which includes parts of Kea'au through Volcano, Ka'ū, and Miloli'i into Ho'okena, is Jeanné Kapela. She serves on the Committee on Higher Education & Technology, the Committee on Culture, Arts & International Affairs, the Committee on Education, and the Committee on Labor & Government Operations. See her member webpage at capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/memberpage. Her mailing address is Room 310, Hawai'i State Capitol. 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Her phone is 808-586-9605. Her fax is 808-586-9608. Kapela's email is repkapela@capitol.hawaii.gov.

    Ahead of the opening, the public can register for one of the Public Access Room’s free online training sessions and learn more about advocacy, the Legislature’s website, and the session calendar and its deadlines. The PAR programs are designed to make sessions more manageable. PAR advocates that members of the public "Learn How to Use Your Voice at the Legislature."
    The free Your Voice training focuses on how to advocate. According to PAR, "We’ll cover everything from an idea for a new law to testifying and following bills through the process, and we’ll highlight a couple of websites that can help you.We offer this Zoom training at three different dates/times. Plan on an hour (with time for questions) and get yourself prepped for session!" Here are the dates for Your Voice training: For Tuesday, Jan. 3, 12p.m. noon, register here. For Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m., register here. For Thursday, Jan. 19, 3 p.m., register here.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook and at www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Holiday Lighting and Decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni’aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Walk into the Past with Thomas A Jaggar to 1939. Talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano on Friday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. and noon. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

Volcano Thursday Market Christmas Fair will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with crafts, food, produce, live music, and entertainment for kids at Cooper Center in Volcano, Wright Road.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Showers, soup, haircuts, and decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m, followed by Aloha Hour.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude’s Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

   Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

Ka’ū Food Pantry Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. until pau at St. Jude's Episcopal Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

ʻO Ka’ū Kākou Pantry Food Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. until pau at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Cooper Center Community Pantry Food Distribution, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.

See daily, weekly, and monthly events, and more, on page 8 and page 9 of the monthly print edition.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Ka'ū's Congressman Kai Kahele and Rep. Ed Case ask Pres. Joe Biden to help cover costs of recent Mauna Loa eruption.
See more, below. USCG photo

SNAP OUTREACH SPECIALISTS ARE AVAILABLE to help families and individuals to sign up for food programs and adjust the ones they may have. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously Food Stamps Program, has an outreach team that works in communities island-wide to help residents complete an eligibility pre-assessment and also provide aid in the completion of a new SNAP benefits application, SNAP annual recertification application, and Six Month Report Form (SMRF).

    To speak with a specialist and get started with an application, visit hawaiifoodbasket.org/snap or call West Hawai'i Outreach Specialist Duane Pajimola – 808-796.0133; East Hawai'i Outreach Specialist Kat Bumatay at 808-796.0132. Also available at the Food Basket's Hilo Office is Samantha Zee at 808-933-6030. Those who already receive SNAP benefits may access their case by visiting pais.dhs.hawaii.gov/PAIS/#!/access-my-case.
    Also visit pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov/unsecure/getBenefitsPage to verify benefits. Call Public Assistance Information System (State SNAP Office) with questions at 1-855-643-1643.
    EBT Customer Service can be reached at 1-888-328-4292 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report a lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card, to check benefit balance, for a new EBT card, and for a forgotten PIN number, as well as other EBT information.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

EXPEDITE FEDERAL HELP TO HAWAI’I ISLAND in regards to the recent Mauna Loa eruption is the goal of Congressmen Kaialiʻi Kahele and Ed Case. The men sent a letter to President Joe Biden this week, requesting his help to expedite federal assistance to aid the State of Hawaiʻi and County of Hawaiʻi to mitigate the long-term impacts of recent Mauna Loa volcanic eruption.

Congressmen Kai Kahele, left, and Ed Case, right, implore
Pres. Joe Biden to send funds to cover Mauna Loa eruption 
recovery costs for items like cleaning up ash and other
tephra from the eruption to help farmers continue recovering
from the COVID shutdown. Photo from Case's office

    In the letter, the Congressmen wrote: "On November 29, 2022, the Governor of Hawaiʻi declared an Emergency Proclamation for the Mauna Loa eruption to provide relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering. We anticipate that additional federal assistance will be needed as the eruption continues.
    "In addition, we seek federal assistance to help our farmers and ranchers. Agriculture is the primary engine of the County of Hawaiʻi's economy. The eruption's release of sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and other toxic gasses have and will continue to impact crops directly and can also acidify rainfall, negatively impacting soil and vegetation.
    "In addition, VOG (volcanic organic gasses) and wind-blown hair-like threads of volcanic glass, referred to as Pele's Hair, also impact agriculture and pasture lands. The island's fragile economy is still recovering from the devastating COVID-19 shutdown. Federal government assistance will be crucial to helping our food producers rebound from the eruption and accompanying gas and ash impacts.
    "We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has given Hawai'i for prior disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we hope you will continue to support our state's needs in response to these most recent volcanic eruptions at Mauna Loa." View the full letter here.

 
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

9-8-8 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE can be an important phone number during the holidays, when many people feel lonely and lost. For many, the holidays can also be especially stressful. Outreach text 988 is available for those who are having or know someone with thoughts of suicide and those experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM. State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, who represented east Ka'ū until this month when the entire district became the responsibility of Sen. Dru Kanuha, sent out this message:
   "If you live in a Hawai'i household that is struggling to pay for internet service, there is still time to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (extension of the former Emergency Broadband Benefit Program or EBB). Less than 30 percent of eligible households on the Big Island have applied."
   She noted that $30-75 per month will pay for most of an internet bill; and this benefit makes having broadband far more affordable. "Please let others know that they can visit: Broadband | Low Cost Home Internet Service For Residents (hawaii.gov) to check their eligibility and apply. With telehealth and remote education expanding, everyone can use as much help with getting their internet paid for."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

TREECYCLING IS ALL SET UP by the County of Hawai'i's Solid Waste Division of the Department of Environmental Management and Recycling Hawai'i.

Substituted traditional Christmas tree ideas.

    Between Dec. 26 and Jan. 20, residential customers may leave trees in the designated areas (not in the rubbish chutes) during normal business hours, at any of the County Solid Waste Division Facilities (excluding Ocean View Transfer Station). The Facility Attendants will direct the public to the proper drop-off point. For more information or a map and directions to drop-off locations, go to hawaiizerowaste.org/facilities/.
    Trees should be free from all decorations, stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Please do not drop off artificial or flocked trees in the designated areas. Any flocked trees, artificial trees or trees with tinsel are not recyclable and may be disposed of in the regular trash chutes.
    All commercial customers must recycle trees at either the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility in Hilo or the West Hawai‘i Organics Facility in Pu‘uanahulu. Residential loads that contain both green waste and trees will be required to scale.     All commercial haulers or commercial holiday tree collectors must proceed to the County scale house prior to disposal.
    The County recommends recycling Kadomatsu decorations with other greenwaste. Kadomatsu decorations are normally a combination of bamboo, pine and flowers. Kadomatsu is a tradition that began 600 years ago in Japan as a way of offering luck in the New Year.
    For more information on Recycling in Hawai‘i County, visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org or call Solid Waste Division Office at 961-8270.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

VOLUNTEER AT HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in January. Sign up at https://forms.office.com/g/0LVfRiFW7y. Saturday, Jan 21 will be planting in the Kahuku Unit. Monday, Jan. 23 will be pot washing (all ages). Monday, Jan. 30 will be cleaning and organizing work areas and refurbishing some greenhouses.
    A release from Eric Hamren of HVNP - Nursery Operations, Ke Ēweiēwe – Plant Restoration - says, “Volunteer events in 2022 were a major success! We accomplished all of our planting and potting goals and made some major dents into tasks that built up during covid! We wrapped up the 2018 Keauhou Fire Recovery Project on Mauna Loa Road with just under 25,000 plants in the ground. We were able to prepare and grow 350 Kaʻū Silverswords that were planted in a new protected enclosure on Mauna Loa, along with several other endangered species. Several thousand keiki plants were uppotted and are happily growing in our greenhouses with plans to plant them later in 2023. This list of accomplishments continues! Mahalo nui to everyone who participated in 2022. We are looking forward to the new year ahead of us and continuing to invite you all back for more events. We are now able to focus on new priorities to start off the new year to make way for some new projects later in 2023 and 2024! I am excited to announce our 3 volunteer days for January!
    “We will also be starting up a regular volunteer program in addition to our ongoing public volunteer events. Regular volunteers are required to attend a 4-hour mandatory training in January or February and will then be able to assist staff with plant care and propagation in our nursery on a more frequent basis. To show interest in becoming a regular volunteer, there will be an available selection using the same link for the January Volunteer Events.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook and at www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Holiday Lighting and Decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni’aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Walk into the Past with Thomas A Jaggar to 1939. Talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano on Friday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. and noon. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

Volcano Thursday Market Christmas Fair will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with crafts, food, produce, live music, and entertainment for kids at Cooper Center in Volcano, Wright Road.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Showers, soup, haircuts, and decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m, followed by Aloha Hour.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude’s Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

   Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

Ka’ū Food Pantry Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. until pau at St. Jude's Episcopal Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

ʻO Ka’ū Kākou Pantry Food Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. until pau at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Cooper Center Community Pantry Food Distribution, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻōhinu.

See daily, weekly, and monthly events, and more, on page 8 and page 9 of the monthly print edition.