Kaʻū News Briefs Dec.19, 2024

The last full moon over Kaʻū and Volcano before Christmas and dawn of 2025 came and went this past week
and was captured in this photo by Janice Wei of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

HAWAI'I FOOD PRODUCERS ARE RECEIVING MUCH FUNDING to help bridge the gap from growing to processing and making more locally grown food available to purchase locally. The grants help assist production of new food products for market through USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure. Applications for new grants will be available. See https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsi 

    Seventeen projects were recently funded $2.6 million in Hawai'i under the Resilient Food System Infrastructure program. USDA reports that "The RFSI program is aimed at strengthening middle-of-the-supply chain operations and local food systems by supporting processing, manufacturing, storing, transportation, wholesaling and distribution of agricultural products."

     Through this program, the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture will fund four infrastructure grants and 13 equipment grants to support middle-of-the-supply-chain infrastructure.
    "This RFSI initiative offers Hawai'i a unique opportunity to strengthen processing capacity across our island state, while adding value to locally grown products," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture. "Through this grant program, agricultural businesses in both rural and urban areas will receive support to scale up their new and existing products, open up market opportunities, create jobs and generate new revenue streams." 

        Hawai'i companies and organizations receiving funding include:

Ahualoa Family Farms, Hawai'i Island – $498,141
Kumano I Ke Ala o Makaweli, Kaua'i – $478,167
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Producers Cooperative, Hawai'i Island – $311,899
Farm Link Hawaiʻi, O'ahu – $296,224
Tea Hawai'i & Company, Hawai'i Island – $100,000

Kawamata Farms LLC – Hawai'i Island – $100,000
Punahele Provisions, PBC, O'ahu – $100,000
Purdyco Ltd dba Island Princess, statewide operations –              $97,434.96
Kupu Place Aquaponics LLC, O'ahu – $93.970
OCR Inc. dba Small Kine Farm, O'ahu – $91,339
Alternate Structures International/Kahumana Food Hub,              O'ahu – $83,795.38
Maui Breadfruit Co. LLC, Maui – $77,896
Ahiki Acres LLC, O'ahu — $67,409
NH Properties, LLC dba Haiku Organic Farm, Maui –               $59,058.43
JYY Inc., Maui – $48,135.63
Kamiya Gold, Inc., O'ahu – $40,866
Hawaiian Chip Company, O'ahu – $36,376

    This awarded funding is part of the $420 million available through the RFSI grant program to build capacity within the middle of the supply chain and support local and regional producers. It is funded by President Biden's American Rescue Plan. Through this program, USDA has entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies, commissions, or departments responsible for agriculture, commercial food processing, seafood, or food system and distribution activities or commerce activities in states or U.S. territories.
    For more information, visit the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage. The status of each state and territory's RFSI program is available on the program's State Grant Webpage.

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WHAT'S TRUE? THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD USED BY USGS. That is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch called U.S. Geological Survey’s review process: checking and verifying our information — The article is written by Natalia Deligne, a geologist at HVO:

    Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, the science agency of the U.S. Department of Interior. Our job is to obtain and share science-based information about the volcanoes of Hawaii and American Samoa and earthquakes across the state. What are the different types of information that HVO provides and how do we ensure its accuracy? 

    We start with HVO's volcano and earthquake monitoring network, scientific research, and other techniques, such as field work, lab work, and other analyses. These form the basis of science-based information we provide through briefings with our partners and public meetings, written publications, maps, presentations at conferences, and more. 

  Examples of information that the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory provides, including data of current activity, scientific publications, maps, and summaries (such as fact-sheets), and eruption response information. All have been part of the USGS review process.  USGS images

    A critical step we take before sharing information is the "scientific review process." The USGS review process ensures our scientific approach is sound (how we got and interpreted the data) and that we are providing information that is as accurate as possible. This is different from public consultation that is part of some government policy initiatives. 

    What does the review process entail? There are many details, but in general we can think of three types of information that HVO provides, each of which have a different review process. 

    The first type of information is data from our monitoring instruments, such as a seismometer or a webcam. Here, how the data is collected has been signed-off on. Data collection is automatic (for example, a webcam photo every two minutes) and follows a specific procedure for computer processing and archiving. We share monitoring data on the HVO website and global repositories without further review. 

    The second type of information is based on research and often years of work. These include findings from research our scientists are leading or contributing to—such as scientific papers, geologic maps, and scientific conference presentations—and the compilation and interpretation of knowledge in a useful and useable format—such as fact-sheets, eruption chronologies, and other map types. All publications are reviewed by (usually) two subject matter experts who were not part of the study or project. Authors then make changes as needed and document how they addressed the experts' questions, comments, and feedback. 

    After revisions have been made, most publications then require sign-off from the author's supervisor, the Volcano Science Center director, and a dedicated approval official within the USGS; some of these steps are delegated for short publications. The review process takes anywhere from a day or two to months (or longer!). At times it is a back-and-forth process. USGS review is required even when USGS scientists are not leading a project—if the USGS is involved, the review process ensures the data, interpretation, and resulting knowledge meets the USGS's scientific standard. 

    The third type of information is an interpretation of what the volcanoes (and earthquake activity) are doing right now. This information is included in USGS volcano alert-level system official notices that describe current conditions: volcano activity notices announcing a volcano alert level change (for example, an eruption starting), information statements, status reports, and updates. Maps showing where magma is moving or lava is advancing are also in this category. As this information is immediately required, HVO (and other USGS volcano observatories) have special authorization to share it promptly, as long as those involved have received required training, are operating within their area of expertise, and are following agreed upon practices. 

    While some products in this category are developed, edited, and published by one person, many are developed by a small team of staff who ensure everything is as accurate and clear as possible. Even HVO's lava flow mapping data—directly published in an interactive map on our website—is a collaborative process with checks built into the process. 

    While the review process takes time, it is in some ways the most important step: it double (and sometimes triple) checks our information before it is made public. HVO and the USGS confidently stands behind the science-based information we provide, secure in the knowledge it is based on quality scientific methods and approaches and verified by experts. After the review process, the information is ready to be shared and can support decision-making, raise community awareness, and increase knowledge and understanding of our volcanic environment. 

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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UDATES: 

      Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Over the past week, earthquake rates beneath Kīlauea summit increased and were more than double that of the previous week. About 270 earthquakes were located beneath the summit. Earthquake rates in the upper to middle East Rift Zone remained comparable to the previous week. Ground deformation rates in the summit region showed steady inflation over the past week, while ground deformation rates near the September 15-20 middle East Rift Zone eruption site have slowed. Future intrusive episodes and eruptions could occur with continued magma supply. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL. No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Please visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec.18, 2024

Marlene Freitas and her Ku'ui Ihi Flowers & Gifts invited keiki to receive gifts through Letters to Santa on Wednesday.
Photo by Julia Neal

Marlene Freitas and Santa.
Photo by Julia Neal

LETTERS TO SANTA gift giving drew more than 130 keiki and their families to receive gifts from Santa on Wednesday. The program organized by Marlene Freitas invites keiki to drop letters into her mock post
office box with signage North Pole in front of her Ku'u Ihi Flowers & Gifts shop in Pāhala Center. The keiki ask for specific affordable gifts of their liking.
    Freitas and friends buy them and wrap them for each keiki by name and invite keiki to meet Santa and receive their Christmas gifts and candy canes ahead of the holiday. Cosponsors included R&G Minimart, 'O Ka'ū Kākou, Navarro Coffee Farm, Mike & Val Pakele Transport Company, Ka'ili Mali'e Farms, Kei & Loke's Art Haven, Milton Crutchfield, The 
Kaʻū Calendar newspaper and three who wish to be anonymous.
    Letters to Santa is a continuation of the program over the years that was organized by Jana Kaniho at Pāhala Post Office. Behind the white beard, Santa is Brad Villanueva. To donate for next year, contact Freitas at her store or call 808-987-2578.

Letters to Santa in the North Pole netted results, gifts for each child. Photo by Julia Neal 

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SUMMIT OBSERVATIONS from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory notes that earthquake activity is heightened in Kīlauea’s summit region following a low in the first half of the last week. Starting in the early morning of Saturday, there have been a few periods of increased seismicity activity, lasting from one to a few hours, often accompanied by minor inflation as recorded at the tiltmeter at Uēkahuna, northwest of Kaluapele, the summit caldera, and tiltmeter at Sand Hill, southwest of Kaluapele. 

    Overall, there were about 250 earthquakes underneath the summit, most at depths of 1 to 3 miles under the surface, and most below magnitude-2.0. Since the September eruption in the East Rift Zone, there have been sustained rates of inflation at the summit. The most recent measurement of the sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate from the summit was approximately 70 tonnes per day on Oct. 17, a value representative of noneruptive conditions at Kīlauea. Unfavorable weather and wind conditions have delayed acquisition of a new SO2 emission rate measurement, USGS reported.

Above Top: Number of earthquakes per day during the past week (blue bars). The red line is the cumulative moment (energy) release. Bottom: Depth of earthquakes during the past week in the area shown on the map above. Depth is reported relative to sea level, which is equal to a depth of zero on the above plot. On both figures, circle-size represents magnitude, and color indicates depth. Graphs from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

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POLICE ARRESTED 18 FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 9, through 15. Hawai`i Island police arrested 18 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Seven of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two were under the age of 21.

    So far this year, there have been 923 DUI arrests compared with 902 during the same period last year, an increase of 2.33 percent.
    Hawai'i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 943 major crashes so far this year, compared with 811 during the same time last year, an increase of 16.3 percent.
    To date, there have been 26 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 fatalities, compared with 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 85.7 percent for fatal crashes and 86.7 percent for fatalities.

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Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec.17, 2024

Perspective of hālau to be built on west end of Kīlauea Visitor Center. Artistic rendering by Otak & Mason Architecture

DETAILS ON THE TEMPORARY  CLOSURE OF KĪLAUEA VISITOR CENTER for renovations have been released by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Kīlauea Visitor Center will close Sunday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. for extensive renovations.
    KVC restrooms, sidewalks, water station and about half of its parking will be unavailable during the construction project. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for limited services and parking. Volcano 
House and the Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open. KVC renovations include:
    Addition of a covered hālau (pavilion) on the west end of the building
    New and improved restrooms relocated to the east end of the building
    Full accessibility
    Converting offices to expand visitor space
    More space for the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store
    New bilingual exhibits in English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi

Artistic rendering showing part of the hālau (outdoor pavilion) and renovated

Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from Otak &

Mason Architecture.

    Park rangers and the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store and staff will continue to serve visitors. A few days after KVC closes, they will relocate to a temporary welcome center at Kilauea Military Camp's accessible Koa Room, just 1.2 miles west of the park entrance. Parking is available at the nearby ballfield.
    While some ranger programs will continue, visitors should plan ahead, come prepared and expect limited services, says the park statement. The park film and programs like After Dark in the Park and Nā Leo Manu are suspended until KVC reopens. The project could take up to two years to complete.
    KVC is the only visitor center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and is too small and outdated to serve the 1.5 million or so people that venture to the park each year. Jaggar Museum was removed earlier this year due to damage it received during the 2018 eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea.
    The deconstruction of the museum and restoration at Uēkahuna is part of the 2018 Disaster Recovery Project. Jaggar Museum and the former USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory buildings have been removed. Workers are currently restoring Uēkahuna to a more natural state that enables uninterrupted views of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera). The restored Uēkahuna is expected to reopen by summer 2025.
    The park will continue to share disaster recovery updates through news releases, social media and its website. Construction closures and delays are regularly updated on the park's construction webpage: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/construction-closures.htm.

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Jenn Kajiwada wants more
flights for Hilo Airport

EAST HAWAI'I NEEDS MORE AIRLINE SERVICE following the merger of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, and County Council Member Jenn Kagiwada has issued a statement noting that there is no talk of adding on later flights from Honolulu to Hilo or a direct flight from Hilo to the West Coast in recent news
    Kagiwada said, “The East side of Hawai‘i Island is significantly disenfranchised with the lack of travel options for residents to and from Honolulu in the evening. The addition of a late-night route would allow residents to enjoy a day in the city for shopping or visiting family and friends and be able to return home to East Hawai‘i after dinner. Right now, the latest return flight leaves Honolulu at 7:35pm, which means travelers would have to wrap up their plans and be heading to the airport before dinnertime. For those who have to commute to O‘ahu regularly for work or health care appointments it is a significant challenge to battle the traffic at that time and if they miss that last flight out, they are out of luck until the following day.
   "For those doing longer distance travel, if the connecting return flight to O‘ahu arrives after 6 p.m. they are left searching for a hotel or frantically calling relatives and unable to fly home until the next day. When the direct United flight from Hilo to California ceased during the pandemic and was never reinstated, many hoped Hawaiian Airlines would step in to fill the gap.

 "This merger with Alaska Airlines seems to be a good opportunity to reinstate an alternative for those of us on the East side whose only options now are driving to and from Kona and paying for parking or flying in and out of Honolulu and adding multiple hours and dollars onto our travel plans. I’m urging Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines to take into account the needs of our large East Hawai‘i population and add on a late evening inter-island option for Hilo and consider the addition of a direct flight to the West Coast out of Hilo.”

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KAʻŪ TOOK DOWN KEALAKEHE 70-17 ON HOME COURT IN GIRLS BASKETBALL ON TUESDAY. The Trojans beat the Waveriders, a Division 1 high school team. Ka'u Coach Troy Gacayan said, "The girls are really starting to click as a team and we hope to peak at the right time to be ready for our Division 2 games coming up."

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ALL SOLID WASTE FACILITIES operated by County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day and Wednesday, Jan. 1, New Year's Day. "Please kōkua, plan ahead, and refrain from littering outside the transfer station gates. Mahalo for your cooperation," says the county statement. With questions, contact Solid Waste Administrative Office at (808) 961-8270.

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Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.