Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, June 24, 2023

Hilina'i Karratti and her pig from Kaʻū at the 4-H Livestock Show & Auction In Waimea. Photos from 4-H

Ka'ohi Mokuhali'i and her 4-H youth from Kaʻū.
This year's island 4-H Livestock Show & Auction
Show Book is dedicated to her. Photo from 4-H

KA'OHI MOKUHALI'I IS HONORED BY HAWAI'I COUNTY 4-H. This year's 66th annual 4-H Livestock Show & Auction's Show Book is dedicated to her. The islandwide event in June was held in Waimea with 4-H youth from Kaʻū traveling around the island with their livestock to participate.
    The Show Book says, "Aunty Kaohi has been in 4-H since she was nine years old. Without her knowledge of over 50 years of experience we would not have the program we have today. She has put in a lot of time and energy into our program for our children. She has endless information about 4-H and years of collections of our 4-H show books. Sort of like our 4-H librarian. Aunty Kaohi has been a 4-H Club Leader, on the State Livestock Council. She has also been the treasurer on the County 4-H Executive Board for many years. She has worked on the animal guidelines rule books and bylaws for both the State and County level. Aunty Kaohi is a mana wahine and has been a part of the Ka'u Roping Club, Hawaii Quarter Horse Association and High School rodeo to name a few. You can still find Aunty Kaohi at the Hawai'i County Livestock Show and Auction every year continually supporting the young men and women of tomorrow."

    Mokuhal'i works with Kuahiwi Ranch and is on the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee.

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GOV. JOSH GREEN SAYS HE WILL VETO THE FOLLOWING BILLS PASSED BY THE 2023 HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE:

Kimo Boy Dacalio and Kaleopa'a Dacalio and their rabbit
at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

Hi'ilei Karratti and her rooster
at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

SB1586: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE & HUMAN RESOURCES. The bill would provide a livestock extension agent and entomologist for this island, as well  as three other positions around the state.
    Bill Description: Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to establish five administrative, professional, and technical full-time equivalent (5.0 APT FTE) positions at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
    Veto Rationale from the Governor: "While the intent of the bill is supported, there are logistical issues with this legislation. This legislation may conflict with statutes related to classification of employees at University of Hawai‘i because the positions proposed in the bill are inappropriately listed as administrative, professional, and technical positions, when positions of this type are faculty-level positions."    

    HB153: RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES. The Governor said that the measure would add a minimum penalty of $50 and a maximum penalty of $60,000 per violation of the State Water Code, assessed daily. Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to determine the amount of the penalty based on the circumstances of the violation.
Veto Rationale: Green said that if enacted, these fines may curtail and discourage housing developments across Hawai‘i. "Boards of water supply across all counties would almost immediately apply such fines to developments guilty of over-pumping water. Without a graduated schedule or a set of guidelines for penalties and fines, this significant increase appears both arbitrary and discretionary.
    HB475: RELATING TO THE STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS. The bill would establish the Art in Private Places Pilot Program and Special Account with State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ administering the pilot program. Requires annual reports to the legislature.
Veto Rationale: Green said that the use of state-owned artwork purchased from the Works of Art special fund to support non-state individuals, businesses or entities "goes against the original intent of Art in Public Places law. This

Jaysha Marshall and her white rabbit
at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

legislation may violate Article VII, Section Four of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, which prohibits the appropriation of public property for any use beyond a public purpose. Furthermore, the enaction of this bill into law may compromise the state’s tax-exempt bond program, negatively impact our bondholders and the state, increasing debt service costs and tarnishing the state’s financial reputation."
    SB814: RELATING TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. The bill would require the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, in consultation with the Office of Language Access and a working group comprising stakeholders, to develop and publish, and periodically review and update, electronic information technology multilingual accessibility standards to be implemented by all state entities. It would appropriate funds for one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) position.
    Veto Rationale: This legislation requires branches of government and entities outside of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services’ authority to follow ETS standards. "However, state agencies need discretion to provide language access in a cost-effective manner. Across the State of Hawai‘i, there are

Kingslee Fernadez and rabbit at 4-H
Livestock Show & Auction.

approximately 600 Information Technology (IT) systems. Implementation for this effort would lead to increased costs and impede modernization efforts across our state’s IT systems."
    SB945: RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE DIGITAL CURRENCY LICENSURE.
    Bill Description: Beginning January 1, 2024, establishes within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Financial Institutions, a program for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of special purpose digital currency companies. Extends operations of companies in the Digital Currency Innovation Lab under certain circumstances. Appropriates funds.
    Veto Rationale: The bill does not provide funds to enact the legislation’s purpose, as has been requested by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Funds would need to be allocated from the Compliance Resolution Fund (CRF), which is not typically used to start new programs. Regulatory and oversight provisions of the bill may not be sufficient to provide consumer protection for residents.

Hilia'i Karratti and and her pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

Ayden Benevides and his pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

HB964: RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS.
    Bill Description: Establishes a fee of $10 for the issuance of an apostille or non-apostille certification and establishes the apostilles and certifications special fund. Authorizes the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to expend moneys in the fund for operational expenses. Appropriates funds into the special fund. Effective January 1, 2024. (CD1)
    Veto Rationale: This bill’s proposed fee increases apostille issuances and non-apostille certifications from $1 to $10 dollars. This is a large increase to the cost of a public service and disproportionally impacts educational and community groups who rely on this essential government service. 

HB999: RELATING TO THE HAWAIʻI TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

    Bill Description: Amends the composition of the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation Board of Directors to remove an appointed member of the University of Hawai‘i, or its designated representative. Adds the Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaiʻi, unless the Chairperson, with the approval of the Board of Regents, designates another Regent to serve. Establishes a public policy framework that addresses state goals in the area of economic diversification. Appropriates funds to the Hawaiʻi

Skyler Fernandez and her pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

Technology Development Corporation to implement specific projects that address those goals.

    Requires the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation to submit annual reports to the legislature.
    Veto Rationale: Modification of the composition of the Hawai‘i Technology and Development Corporation Board of Directors in not needed. Despite support for the economic diversification measures envisioned through this legislation, the proposed modifications to the HTDC Board of Directors are too substantial. This administration remains supportive of the HTDC’s commitment to economic diversification.

Jaylynn Marshall and pig at 4-Livestock Show & Auction.

SB1079: RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT.
    Bill Description: Requires courts to, upon application, to expunge records of convictions, if the sentencing occurred before 1998, for first-time offenses involving: (1) operating a vehicle after consuming a measurable amount of alcohol while under the age of 21 years; and (2) certain property offenses. Takes effect July 1, 2025.
    Veto Rationale: According to the Attorney General, this bill intends to expunge records of sentences imposed prior to 1998, but the two laws referenced in the bill were enacted after 1998. Therefore, the bill has no impact for expungement.

Jared Marshall and his pig at the 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

HB1088: RELATING TO DECLARATION OF WATER SHORTAGE AND EMERGENCY.

    Bill Description: Resource Management of the Department of Land and Natural Resources can declare and provide notice of water shortages and emergencies.
    Veto Rationale: The existing powers of the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) are sufficient to address emergency situations. In addition, CWRM is still developing a Water Shortage Plan, which is a critical foundation for any future strategy concerning water shortage emergencies.

    
HB1090: RELATING TO OCEAN RECREATION COMMERCIAL PERMITS.

Hezykiah Fernandez and her pig at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

    

    Bill Description: Specifies the methods by which the Department of Land and Natural Resources can issue new ocean recreation commercial permits and renew existing ocean recreation commercial permits. Specifies that new permits for ocean recreation management areas and facilities where a permit limit is implemented, shall be issued by the method and order set specified, until the limit is reached. For renewal of existing permits in ocean recreation management areas and facilities where a permit limit is implemented, bases renewal of a commercial permit on seniority, until the limit is reached.
    Veto Rationale: Hawai‘i must strategically regulate commercial uses across our shared ocean for the

Kila'i Karratti and her steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

perpetuation of our natural and cultural resources. While the recreation commercial permitting system requires reform, our state needs to take a balanced, concerted approach so that fishermen, hundreds of local jobs, and several businesses across our islands are not adversely impacted by the sudden change in ocean recreation commercial permits.

SB1518: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
   Bill Description: Provides procurement exemptions for the Department of Education for certain goods, services, and construction. Sunsets June 30, 2026.
    Veto Rationale: Existing guidelines under a singular procurement code provide for an open and

Hilina'i Karratti and her steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

on.

transparent process; procurement should be uniform for all statewide government entities. If the Department of Education has specific goods or services which it believes should not apply to competitive procurement, then existing statute and administrative rules already provide guidelines for such exemptions. If enacted, this bill will decrease efficiency, create administrative burdens, limit competition, and open unfair advantages to certain vendors.

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Lily Dacalio and her steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

THE U.S. MILITARY IN HAWAI'I, with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, has secured key priorities during markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. 
    Hirono said, “Modern, high-quality infrastructure is critical to our military’s ability to defend our nation and support our servicemembers. The crisis (of tainted water from an O'ahu military base) at Red Hill has made all too clear the consequences of failing to properly maintain and modernize DOD infrastructure. That’s why, as Chair of the Readiness Subcommittee, I’ve made

London Dacalio with her Reserve Champion at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

modernizing DOD infrastructure in Hawai'i and across the globe a top priority. From requiring a master plan to modernize DOD infrastructure in Hawaii to creating new programs to replace aging barracks and much more, the infrastructure-related provisions in this bill will help ensure the readiness of our military and the health and safety of our servicemembers, their families, and surrounding communities.”
    The bill introduced by Senator Hirono:
    Directs the Defense Department to develop a master plan to modernize critical infrastructure at military installations in the State of Hawai'i.
    Requires the DOD to develop and implement a standardized system to measure and report on the

Hezykiah Fernandes with her Grand Champion Steer
at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

condition and performance of non-privatized critical infrastructure systems on military installations to better assess and invest in military facilities in Hawai'i.
    Directs the assessment of the capacity of existing infrastructure, resources, and personnel in Guam to meet U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) strategic objectives to inform future projects.
    Creates a pilot program to replace substandard enlisted barracks, a uniform condition index for all unaccompanied housing, and a certification of habitability for unaccompanied military housing.
    Directs the Army to conduct a study of costs to repair and modernize decaying infrastructure across their facilities, to include a review of technologies that can be used to prevent corrosion damage and costly remediation.

Ayden Benevides and his steer at 4-H Livestock Show & Auction.

        Directs a study assessing the maintenance and modernization requirements at the Reagan Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll. The study will review the use of technologies to prevent corrosion damage and costly remediation and reduce dependence on imported bulk fuel by using renewable energy sources.
    Authorizes funds for a military construction pilot in the INDOPACOM area of operations which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout INDOPACOM.
    Calls for the development of a plan to bring 5G telecommunication infrastructure to INDOPACOM installations.

Jared Marshall with his Reserve Champion Lamb at 4-H Livestock
Show & Auction held in Waimea with competitors from Kaʻū.

    Hirono also secured numerous provisions focused on delivering for communities in Hawai'i, supporting servicemembers and their families, strengthening DOD’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, and prioritizing sustainability within the DOD.
    “Hawaii plays a critical role in our nation’s defense, and this bill acknowledged that importance by investing in DOD projects across the state to benefit both military and civilian communities,” said Hirono. “These investments, along with provisions to strengthen DOD’s capabilities in the Pacific, will enable the Department to operate more effectively throughout the region. I’m also proud to have secured provisions in the bill to ensure servicemembers and their families are well supported and that DOD does its part to reduce emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. These provisions move our military and our country forward, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get it passed and signed into law in the months ahead.”
    Hirono's initiative: Requires DOD installations to have a liaison to Native Hawaiian Organizations for facilities in proximity with their interests when the DOD authorizes appropriations.

    Authorizes impact aid for schools with military dependent students and children with severe disabilities.
    Limits the DOD from making substantial cuts to the Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowances (OCOLA) and directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the fairness and equity of the processes used by the Department of Defense to determine (OCOLA) for service members.
    Directs the DOD to establish a comprehensive program to combat sex trafficking to include on-base signage, and standardized Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) training that will be reported to the CTIP Program Management Office.
   Improves on Hirono’s work on the Stayskal Act by adjusting the DOD medical malpractice claims process to allow only board-certified physicians to provide expert medical opinions, enhance transparency, and allow service-members to appeal.
    Increases funding of the Shipyard and Ship Repair Workforce Training program beyond the President's Budget.
   Directs the Defense Department to study whether offering no-cost cryopreservation services to military members would assist family planning and boost retention.
    Calls on the Defense Department to examine skilled-trade and training programs, particularly those that support DOD workforce needs, to assist and support servicemembers to secure gainful employment upon separation from active duty.

    Affirms that military members and beneficiaries affected by the Red Hill fuel spill will be eligible to receive medical care from a provider that has received training on and has access to best practices for fuel exposure and will always have access to their documented exposure through their medical record.
    Supports the Defense Civilian Training Corp pilot, which modernizes and strengthens the DOD civilian pipeline, and recommends DOD include the Corp in the FY25 budget request.
    Directs a study of service members and dependents’ perinatal mental health (the time during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth, still birth, or miscarriage) to assess the prevalence of mental health conditions, substance use or overdose, election to leave the military and suicide to in order to better serve military families.
    Encourages the Defense Department to work in conjunction the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide transition assistance, specifically as it relates to support and resources for veteran-specific mental health issues.
    Directs Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on transition programs aimed at providing mental health support and assistance to transitioning service members and the feasibility of a study that would educate members on specific mental health risks such as loss of community, isolation, self-medication, and risk factors that contribute to suicide. The program would educate service members on resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Initiates a study on the creation of a National Guard component of the Space Force that will pause the Space Force’s current transition until a federally funded research and development center can thoroughly analyze the plan to determine the most reasonable courses of action.
 

  Extends the H-2B Visa program for admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain non-immigrant workers through 2029.
     Her proposal directs the Defense Department to develop a plan for the missile defense of Hawai'i as well as planning for military construction projects that will enable the timely deployment of air and missile defense capabilities across all locations in INDOPACOM.
     Recognizes the importance of land forces in the Pacific with an emphasis on the Army’s Multi-Domain Task Forces and Security Assistance Brigades along with the Marine Corps Marine Littoral Regiments.
    Authorizes full funding of LPD-33 in order to support the Marine Corps’ future ability to deter aggression in the Pacific, respond to contingencies, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
    Authorizes a military construction pilot in INDOPACOM which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout the Indo-Pacific.
    Grants authority to the Commander of U.S. INDOPACOM to authorize certain military construction projects without requiring higher approval.

    Authorizes the Commander of INDOPACOM to carry out “Campaigning” exercises that will strengthen alliances and partnerships, deter aggression by adversaries, and allow the U.S. Armed Forces to coordinate and operate with foreign military partners in the INDOPACOM region.
    Secures sustained funding for the Cyber Operations for Base Resilience Architecture (COBRA), which is a pilot program to address cybersecurity and mission assurance gaps in critical infrastructure that supports military bases.
    Modifies the support of special operations for irregular warfare provision and allows special operations forces to provide support to foreign forces that are conducting authorized U.S. irregular warfare activities.
Secures funding for military construction projects on Guam for satellite and joint communications upgrades, a missile integration test facility, an artillery battery facility a child development center at Andersen AFB.
     Calls for the establishment of an Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative with Australia, Japan, and India.
    Requires a plan from the Department of Defense to enhance security cooperation with Japan.
Authorizes funds to complete pier construction on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
    Requires a briefing summarizing ongoing State Partnership Program activities in the Indo-Pacific, including an identification of any additional resources required to support those activities.
    Encourages the Air Force to consider the training potential for F-22 Block 20 aircraft.
Grants special authorities for combatant commanders, including INDOPACOM, to request emergency, rapid contracting response.
    Authorizes additional money for the Defense Established program to stimulate competitive research

(DEPSCoR), which provides funding for university research activities in science and engineering to meet the needs of national defense in select states.
    Prioritize Sustainability and the Environment:Requires DOD to establish policies and procedures to identify, recycle, and reuse end-of-life equipment that contains rare earth elements and other strategic and critical materials.
    Directs the Army to provide a briefing on a strategy that focuses on the timely removal of unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa Maneuver Area near the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area.
    Adds additional funds to the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI).
Facilitates a strategy for the rapid acquisition of the Army’s Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Program that includes vehicle electrification and technological advances that will increase efficiency and reduce demand.
    Initiates a pilot program on the increased use of sustainable building materials in military construction.
Secured an increase in funding beyond the President’s budget for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup in Vietnam.
Includes additional funding to research, develop, test and evaluate fuel cells for next-generation combat vehicles.
    A statement from Hirono says that "Committee approval is the first step in the process to establish defense funding levels and set policies for the DoD. The bill will next be debated and voted on by the full Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives will debate and advance its own separate bill. Once both the Senate and House pass their versions of the NDAA, they must be reconciled by a bicameral conference committee, and then approved by each chamber before a final version is sent to the President to be signed into law."

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, June 23, 2023

Farmers and Gardeners rely on soil testing and other analytical services from University of Hawai'i.
Photo from UH

SOIL TESTING BY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I IN HONOLULU, A SERVICE REGULARLY USED BY MANY KAʻŪ FARMERS and backyard gardeners, will no longer be available, according to the College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. UH Hilo Analytical Lab will continue accepting soil samples. See https://hilo.hawaii.edu/analab/

     The CTAHR Dean, Dr. Ania Wieczorek, sent out a statement saying, "CTAHR's Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center was conceived and dedicated to providing analytical services (testing soil, plant tissue, forage, feed, and food) and diagnostic services (plant disease, weed, insect, and nematode identification) to growers across the state. 

    "While many of these services continue to this day, we recognize that our soil testing program has not been linked adequately to ongoing research opportunities and the application of the latest science and technology of soil management. Working together with faculty and ADSC staff, we have developed a plan that calls for transitioning the ADSC soil and plant analysis lab in Sherman Laboratory to a faculty run, multi-user soil research lab. As we proceed with this transition, we wish to communicate to all our stakeholders that after June 27, 2023, we will no longer be able to accept soil, plant, forage, feed, and food samples from the public. For all samples delivered by this date, the ADSC lab will continue to process submitted samples until all have been analyzed."

CTAHR explains importance of soil testing at https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/site/extsl.aspx

     After June 27th, CTAHR will provide the name and location of alternative laboratories where one may send samples for analysis. "Additionally, [as time and expertise allows] CTAHR faculty will continue to assist our stakeholders in interpreting analytical results from recommended laboratories. We are excited by this opportunity to transition the Sherman Laboratory space into a set of modern, cutting-edge laboratories with faculty, students, and staff engaged in strategic and impactful research. And we see this transition as not just a physical or procedural change, but a paradigm shift towards a more comprehensive and evolving understanding of soil as a living system. 

    "It is also a commitment by CTAHR to always strive to be at the forefront of research and innovation, and to be consistent advocates for a scientific, data-driven approach that guides us in developing more sustainable, efficient, and resilient food systems while minimizing any negative impacts on the environment and society. In closing, we wish to emphasize that the transition outlined in this email only pertains to the ADSC analytical service labs in Sherman Laboratory [Manoa] for testing soil, plant tissue, forage, feed, and food. There are no impending changes 

impending changes being proposed for the ADSC plant disease diagnostic lab and the seed program, which will continue to be supported strongly by CTAHR."
    Other labs include:
    UH Hilo Analytical Lab (Hilo, Big Island) - https://hilo.hawaii.edu/analab/
    Peter Bunn (O'ahu)Crop Nutrient Solutions, Inc., Specializing in Soil and Plant Nutrition.
Email: pbunn@pixi.com. Cell: 808-386-4120, See CropNutrientSolutions.com.   

     CTHAR's website notes the value of soil testing: "The importance of soils to crops was recognized long ago and knowing one’s soil continues to be an essential part of being a successful farmer today. It is quite remarkable that the Hawaiian Islands, a small group of islands over 2500 miles from the nearest continent and geologically very young, has soils belonging to all of the 11 soil orders known. Because rainfall has such an impact on soil development, and Hawai‘i’s rainfall can be so variable from one part of an island to another, the soils can be variable within a very short distance. Knowing, and understanding the soil type and characteristics of the soil is essential to managing the fertility of the soil and minimizing nutrient waste."

A minor ooze-out of lava in Halema'uma'u on June 22 on the northeast (bottom-right) margin of the recently erupted lava. This indicates that while no new lava is erupting, there is still minor lava circulation in places under the solidified crust. "This is expected as the recently dynamic system cools downs," says Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
 USGS photo by N. Deligne

WHAT'S THE HIGHEST ELEVATION REACHED BY HALEMA'UMA'U LAVA? That is the question posed by this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey scientists and affiliates:
The 2018 collapse of southern Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) left a pit whose lowest point was about 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level (asl). Since 2020, that pit has filled to a little over 900 m (2950 ft) asl and one might wonder how high the lava level could go. We can't answer that question but we can get an idea by looking to Kīlauea's past.
     The history of Kaluapele is a collection of periods of rising lava level within Halemaʻumaʻu, often to the point of overflowing, followed by abrupt and rapid drops in the level. After some time, the sequence repeats, rising to a slightly higher level. The process resembles a "two steps forward, one step back" sequence, with slowly rising lava level peaks.
    The highest level of lava in the past two centuries was reached in the first few months of 1894, during years of repeat surveys by the Hawaiian Government. Rapid drops of the lava level occurred on March 6, 1886, and again exactly five years later on March 6, 1891. The final rapid drop of the 19th century began on July 11, 1894.
    Frank Dodge, a surveyor with the Hawaiian Government Survey, mapped Halemaʻumaʻu in August 1892 and March 1894. The 1892 survey showed a lava lake 73 m (240 ft) below the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu pit and 160 m (522 ft) below the Volcano House veranda on the northeast rim of the caldera (elevation 1231 m or 4040 ft asl), then located about 150 m (490 ft) northwest of the current hotel. Elevations were measured multiple times with a surveyor's theodolite to assure the highest accuracy possible. The lava level elevation was 1072 m (3518 ft) asl in August 1892.
    The lava level continued to rise and, in the first months of 1894, visitors and residents found that lava frequently overflowed from Halemaʻumaʻu onto the caldera floor. They also noted that the pit crater was filled, and the lava lake was "on top of a nearly circular cone" or hill.

Photograph taken on March 20, 1894 looking up at the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake perched atop a low dome on the
 floor of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera).

   Dodge completed a follow-up map on March 20, 1894, confirming the filling of Halemaʻumaʻu pit and the rising of the lava lake above the 1891 pit rims. The lava lake was about 6 hectares (15 acres) in area atop a low shield on the caldera floor. Instead of multiple measures of elevation below the Volcano House, he only made one.
The 1894 map was excellent; however, Dodge's quick measurement of the lava lake elevation relative to the Volcano House may have been wrong. After completing the map in 1894, he stated that the lava level rose "447 ft in 19 months" since 1892; however, in 1904, he began to doubt that measurement and he added a note in the margin of this map saying that the 447 ft (136 m) change may be too high.
    Dartmouth Professor emeritus C.H. Hitchcock suggested a compromise: assume that, in March 1894, Halemaʻumaʻu was filled to the 1892 brim so the lava level rose by only 73 m (240 ft) between surveys. 

Surveyor Frank Dodge's 1894 cross-section of Halema'uma'u overlaid on his 1892 cross-section.The 1892 lava lake was measured at 73 m (240 ft) below the rim of Halema'uma'u pit and by early-1894, the lava lake had filled the pit and frequently overflowed onto the caldera floor. The overlay of these two cross-sections shows a minimum elevation of the 1894 lava lake. Image from USGS

This ignored multiple reports and Dodge's map of the lava lake being above the earlier rims.
Dodge responded that he could not accept Hitchcock's suggested solution. "The height of the lava at the 'supreme moment for Halemaumau' will never be positively known...It was somewhere between the -75' and -282', referred to the Volcano House datum" (between 1145 and 1209 m asl).
     In addition to the map, Dodge also drew August 1892 and March 1894 cross-sections of the Halemaʻumaʻu pit at the same scale. If we ignore the questionable datum line on the 1894 cross-section and overlay on the 1892 cross-section by matching slopes outside the pit, we can graphically estimate the highest elevation. This simple exercise shows that the March 1894 lake must have been at least 30 m (100 ft) above the 1892 brim. This all-time peak elevation was a minimum of 55 m (180 ft) below the Volcano House veranda or 1177 m (3860 ft) asl.
    For perspective, the 2008–2018 5 hectare (12 acre) lava lake rose to 1034 m (3392 ft) asl just before its final drop during the 2018 summit collapse. The 2018 Halemaʻumaʻu pit crater (150 hectares or 370 acres) is currently filled to about 920 m (30 20 ft) asl.
We have a long way to go to reach a new "supreme moment" for Halemaʻumaʻu.

Looking southwest across the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor within the Kīlauea summit caldera, captured during a helicopter overflight on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Lava erupted during the most recent eruption comprises the crater floor in the bottom half of the photo. Remnants of the main island—formed during the early stages of the December 20, 2020 eruption—protrude above the cooled lava lake in the center of the photo, and the recent eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu is visible behind and right of the main island. USGS photo by N. Deligne

Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea's eruption is paused. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.
The summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano—which has been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater—is paused, following a rapid decline in vent and lava lake activity in the afternoon of Monday, June 19. Simultaneously, seismometers detected a decline in eruptive tremor while tiltmeters began tracking gradual inflation that continues at this time. Volcanic gas emissions in the eruption area have dropped; a sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of approximately 175 tonnes per day was measured on Wednesday, June 21, with this rate being a fraction of those measured before the eruptive pause.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Seismicity remains low. Summit ground deformation rates indicate slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the recent eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
There was one earthquake with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.5 earthquake near the Kīlauea summit at 0 km (0 mi) depth on June 19 at 6:56 p.m. HST.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, June 22, 2023

Rodeo returns Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9 to Nāʻālehu Rodeo Grounds and two young ladies are running for
Rodeo Queen. The wahine above are Lorilee Lorenzo and Keanie Medeiros. The candidates are Sheaelia Freitas
 and Shainaleee Silva. See more below. Photo by Chuck McKeand 

EXPANDING ACCESS TO HOMES IN RURAL HAWAI'I is aim of a new program announced by USDA Rural Development Director for Hawai'i & Western Pacific Chris Kanazawa. On Thursday, he said his agency has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Hawai'i Community Lending, Inc. to cooperate in providing long-term financing to qualified applicants to build and/or purchase modest, decent, safe, and sanitary homesin rural areas throughout the state.
    HCL provides homebuyers access to grants and consumer and affordable housing loans to assist with mortgage qualifying, including deferred payment, no-interest mortgage financing funded with public grant monies. To assist very-low and low-income families in becoming mortgage qualified, HCL will use deferred payment, no-interest mortgage financing to increase their ability to build and/or purchase homes in the current marketplace.

Kris Kanazawa and Rural Development partner
 with Hawai'i Community Lending to finance home
mortgages for low income families. USDA photo  

    Those interested in the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, can go to www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans

   Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.

    For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. Subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates through  GovDelivery subscriber page.

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ONE IN FOUR LOCAL RESIDENTS STRUGGLES TO COVER HOUSING COSTS. "This is the biggest cost driver in our state." That is the report of Gov. Josh Green who posts regular video updates on facebook, writing on his white board to explain issues to the public, much as he did during the COVID pandemic. On Wednesday, Green reviewed the housing crisis and signed ten bills on housing passed by the 2023 Hawai'i Legislature. On facebook, he noted that a Kupuna Housing bill "expands our state rent supplement program." There is a "new low income housing option" and $280 million is going into the rental housing revolving fund, $100

Dr. Josh Green signs bill for affordable housing.

million into the dwelling unit revolving fund. On O'ahu, housing for homeless is being provided next to medical facilities to help stabilize them after medical treatment. He said it reduces medical costs when homeless people have a place to live with nearby supportive services.
    Green signed Act 97, which allows the state and county to create affordable housing on its own land and to lease the land for 99 years, making homes more affordable, without the purchase cost of the land.
    Green also signed Act 98, which provides rent payment subsidies for people 62 and older who
are on low fixed incomes. Some of those have very low retirement income from the last sugar plantation that shut down on the island in 1996, located in Pahala. As rents soar, some of these kupuna,

along with others without retirement benefits, face eviction. Hawai'i Island state Senator Joy Buenaventura introduced the bill with colleagues. The measure also sets up financial and mental health counseling.
    Green also signed Act 90 to give Department of Hawaiian Home Lands access to county housing credits that make affordable housing more attractive to developers. The aim is to incentivize home ownership on Hawaiian Home Lands. In Kaʻū, Hawaiian Home Lands are located in South Point and mauka of Hwy 11 in Wai'ohinu and Punalu'u. See more bills on housing in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

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THE DEADLINE TO SUPPORT THE TWO RODEO QUEEN CONTESTANTS is June 30. The sponsor Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association will host the Independence Day rodeo where the queen will reign on July 8 and 9 at Na'alehu Rodeo Grounds.
    The candidates are Sheaelia Freitas and Shainaleee Silva. To help sponsor Silva for Rodeo Queen and to purchase rodeo tickets, call 808-928-8000 or see her sister Amery Silva's facebook. To help sponsor Freitas for Rodeo Queen and to purchase rodeo tickets, call her family at 808-987-2578 or message her mom Marlene Sauer Freitas. See their stories at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2023_06_17_archive.html.
    To support the entire rodeo, there are sponsorships for belt buckles and arena advertising, as well as opportunities for direct contributions to the nonprofit Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association. The group is raising money to purchase land to expand the rodeo grounds to include more parking. Call or text Tammy Kaapana at 808-854-7917.

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