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| April is Tsunami Awareness Month. In November 1975, Hawai`i's largest locally generated tsunami in the 20th century hit the Ka`u Coast, wrecking this house at Punalu`u. UGGS Photo by David Shapiro, of Honolulu Star-Bulletin |
APRIL IS TSUNAMI AWARENESS MONTH, and Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency encourages the public to take tsunami preparedness into their own hands. Seventy years ago, on April 1, 1946, one of the deadliest tsunamis to ever hit Hawai`i caused widespread devastation on all islands. Generated by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands, the massive tsunami took 159 lives and caused more than $26 million in damage. April was chosen as the month to honor and remember the lives lost in all tsunamis to hit the state.
Due to Hawai`i’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the state is extremely vulnerable to the threat of tsunamis. Distantly generated tsunamis can reach Hawai`i within several hours and are triggered by earthquakes that take place along the Ring of Fire, which circles the Pacific Rim. Locally generated tsunamis are caused by earthquakes or volcanic activity that occur in or near the Hawaiian Islands and can make landfall in a matter of minutes.
The largest tsunami generated locally in Hawai`i in the 20th century was triggered by sudden, violent ground motion associated with the magnitude-7.7 earthquake on Nov. 29, 1975. Waves reached six to 14 meters above sea level on the Ka`u Coast and generally less than four meters elsewhere on the island. The tsunami killed two people and caused property damage of about $1.4 million.
According to U.S. Geological Survey, at Punalu`u, 55 kilometers southwest of its epicenter, the earthquake woke several families camped near the beach and others sleeping in nearby houses, but few suspected that a tsunami was moving swiftly toward them. Sea level began rising rapidly within a few minutes after the earthquake, forcing campers and residents to wade quickly to higher ground. The largest wave arrived about 10 minutes later, destroying seven homes and two vehicles and causing damage of nearly $1 million as it swept through the restaurant and gift shop. The structures remained standing, and no injuries were reported.
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| The 1975 tsunami threw this car into rocks at Punalu`u. USGS Photo by Andy Badig, of Ka`u News |
“There is no season for tsunamis,” said Vern Miyagi, Administrator of Emergency Management. “During a tsunami threat, people only have hours – sometimes minutes – to move to safety. For this reason, it is crucial that families and individuals have their survival kits ready ahead of time and emergency plans up to date so they can quickly respond and react in a safe and efficient manner.”
For distantly generated tsunamis, outdoor warning sirens will sound statewide. For locally generated tsunamis, however, there may not be sufficient time to sound sirens. If you are near the ocean when an earthquake takes place, immediately move to higher ground. Upon hearing any warning sirens, the public should tune immediately to a radio or television for updates and the latest information.
Additionally, everyone should be able to recognize the natural warning signs that a tsunami may be imminent. Signs include rapidly rising or receding water in the ocean, the sound of a locomotive or jet plane coming from the ocean, and empty beaches.
People located within a tsunami evacuation zone should quickly move to higher ground or inland until they are at least 100 feet above sea level, while avoiding steep cliffs and watching for falling rocks. To find out if you live, work or play within a tsunami evacuation zone, turn to the disaster preparedness pages in your local telephone book or enter your address into the Tsunami Evacuation Zone Map Viewer on HI-EMA’s website at www.scd.hawaii.gov.
On Saturday, April 16, Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo will host an open house event with free admission to the public. For more information, call 935-0926.
HI-EMA is also releasing a series of public service announcements, which were produced by partners within the State Department of Defense’s Public Affairs Office with the assistance of PTWC and the museum. The series provides background information about the science behind tsunamis and warning along with helpful tips about how to prepare and respond.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY’S Hawaiian Volcano Observatory welcomes geophysicist Brian Shiro to its team and introduces him in the current issue of Volcano Watch. “Brian is HVO’s new Seismic Network Manager, a key position in charge of monitoring earthquakes, one of the most important tools we have for understanding active volcanoes in Hawai`i,” the article states. “He replaces Dr. Wes Thelen, who transferred to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory.
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For distantly generated tsunamis, outdoor warning sirens will sound statewide. For locally generated tsunamis, however, there may not be sufficient time to sound sirens. If you are near the ocean when an earthquake takes place, immediately move to higher ground. Upon hearing any warning sirens, the public should tune immediately to a radio or television for updates and the latest information.
Additionally, everyone should be able to recognize the natural warning signs that a tsunami may be imminent. Signs include rapidly rising or receding water in the ocean, the sound of a locomotive or jet plane coming from the ocean, and empty beaches.
People located within a tsunami evacuation zone should quickly move to higher ground or inland until they are at least 100 feet above sea level, while avoiding steep cliffs and watching for falling rocks. To find out if you live, work or play within a tsunami evacuation zone, turn to the disaster preparedness pages in your local telephone book or enter your address into the Tsunami Evacuation Zone Map Viewer on HI-EMA’s website at www.scd.hawaii.gov.
On Saturday, April 16, Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo will host an open house event with free admission to the public. For more information, call 935-0926.
HI-EMA is also releasing a series of public service announcements, which were produced by partners within the State Department of Defense’s Public Affairs Office with the assistance of PTWC and the museum. The series provides background information about the science behind tsunamis and warning along with helpful tips about how to prepare and respond.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY’S Hawaiian Volcano Observatory welcomes geophysicist Brian Shiro to its team and introduces him in the current issue of Volcano Watch. “Brian is HVO’s new Seismic Network Manager, a key position in charge of monitoring earthquakes, one of the most important tools we have for understanding active volcanoes in Hawai`i,” the article states. “He replaces Dr. Wes Thelen, who transferred to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory.
“Brian comes to HVO from NOAA’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu, where he worked as a geophysicist for 10 years. In that capacity, Brian was one of a handful of scientists keeping watch on big earthquakes around the world, and, when needed, issuing tsunami advisories, watches and warnings when dangerous waves were possibly headed our way. So, he is quite familiar with monitoring network operations and the pressure-packed, time-sensitive need to issue accurate information about potential hazards to emergency managers and the public.
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| Brian Shiro is Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's new Seismic Network Manager. Photo from USGS/HVO |
“HVO and the Island of Hawai`i are not new territories for Brian. In his time at PTWC, he worked in close cooperation with HVO to establish the Hawai`i Integrated Seismic Network, which involved expanding NOAA’s seismic station inventory by scouting new installation locations and working with technicians to get the instruments up and running. These efforts facilitated better multi-hazard monitoring of earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis statewide.
“Prior to his time at PTWC, Brian was heavily involved with installing and operating seismic networks in remote and dramatic landscapes around the world including Antarctica, Alaska, Canada, Fiji, Tonga and the Northern Mariana Islands, where he witnessed up close and personal the start of the Anatahan eruption in 2003.
“Brian also contributed to the mission of the USGS Honolulu Magnetic Observatory, where he measured Earth’s magnetic field every week from 2005 to 2014. These measurements are used by science agencies from the U.S. and other countries to understand how the magnetic field contributes to and impacts space weather.
“Magnetism also features prominently in Brian’s recent research. Using a variety of electromagnetic techniques, he has conducted field surveys to find groundwater in the Arctic, search for permafrost on Mauna Kea, determine seamount ages in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and map lava tubes on Mauna Loa.
“Brian brings an inspiring planetary perspective to his work. In 2009 and 2010, he served on simulated Mars missions at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island, Canada, and at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. And, since 2012, he has helped establish and operate the Hawai`i Space Exploration Analog Mars analog missions on Mauna Loa. There, he trains crews and directs their field geology exploration program.
“As you might have guessed, Brian’s lifelong ambition has been to explore space as an astronaut— and he has been on NASA’s short list of Highly Qualified applicants since 2008. While we hope he becomes a long-term member of the HVO staff, we also wish him well on this quest!
“Brian earned a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University with triple majors in Integrated Science, Geology and Physics, as well as Master’s degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis and in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in geophysics at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, investigating lava tubes on Mauna Loa and seamounts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from terrestrial and planetary science perspectives.
“Speaking to at-risk communities and media about geophysical hazards is something Brian also enjoys. While at PTWC, he developed a website, subscription feeds and social media services for improved public access to tsunami information. Recently, he worked with an interagency team to develop NOAA’s Tsunami.gov, a new national website. So, watch and listen for a new HVO face and voice when the next eruption or earthquake makes the news!
“Brian is excited about the new adventures that await him at HVO and on Hawai`i Island, and HVO’s staff look forward to working with him. Welcome aboard, Brian!”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION reported vandalism that occurred at the community center yesterday evening or overnight. Computers, tools and a refrigerator are among items stolen. Power cords were cut. President Sandi Alexander said every drawer was opened and contents strewn about. “It looked like a hurricane came through,” she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 939-2520 or OVCC at 939-7033.
“Brian also contributed to the mission of the USGS Honolulu Magnetic Observatory, where he measured Earth’s magnetic field every week from 2005 to 2014. These measurements are used by science agencies from the U.S. and other countries to understand how the magnetic field contributes to and impacts space weather.
“Magnetism also features prominently in Brian’s recent research. Using a variety of electromagnetic techniques, he has conducted field surveys to find groundwater in the Arctic, search for permafrost on Mauna Kea, determine seamount ages in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and map lava tubes on Mauna Loa.
“Brian brings an inspiring planetary perspective to his work. In 2009 and 2010, he served on simulated Mars missions at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island, Canada, and at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. And, since 2012, he has helped establish and operate the Hawai`i Space Exploration Analog Mars analog missions on Mauna Loa. There, he trains crews and directs their field geology exploration program.
“As you might have guessed, Brian’s lifelong ambition has been to explore space as an astronaut— and he has been on NASA’s short list of Highly Qualified applicants since 2008. While we hope he becomes a long-term member of the HVO staff, we also wish him well on this quest!
“Brian earned a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University with triple majors in Integrated Science, Geology and Physics, as well as Master’s degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis and in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in geophysics at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, investigating lava tubes on Mauna Loa and seamounts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from terrestrial and planetary science perspectives.
“Speaking to at-risk communities and media about geophysical hazards is something Brian also enjoys. While at PTWC, he developed a website, subscription feeds and social media services for improved public access to tsunami information. Recently, he worked with an interagency team to develop NOAA’s Tsunami.gov, a new national website. So, watch and listen for a new HVO face and voice when the next eruption or earthquake makes the news!
“Brian is excited about the new adventures that await him at HVO and on Hawai`i Island, and HVO’s staff look forward to working with him. Welcome aboard, Brian!”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION reported vandalism that occurred at the community center yesterday evening or overnight. Computers, tools and a refrigerator are among items stolen. Power cords were cut. President Sandi Alexander said every drawer was opened and contents strewn about. “It looked like a hurricane came through,” she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 939-2520 or OVCC at 939-7033.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HAWAI`I ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY is waiving $25 fees for picking up stray dogs in Ocean View. The organization announced that and other services during a meeting at Ocean View Community Center last week. It also intends to expand to Ocean View its program that traps feral dogs in hot spots and research placing a dog park on county-owned property there. Representatives reminded residents that free pet food is distributed at Malama Market to those in need.
At its Kona location, the organization also offers spay and neuter clinics, for which it distributes a limited number of free coupons. Microchip implanting is available once each month.
Humane Society suggested that residents contact the Police Department regarding barking and/or vicious dogs.
For more information, call 329-1175, or see hihs.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT Network presents The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Make reservations at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.
Humane Society suggested that residents contact the Police Department regarding barking and/or vicious dogs.
For more information, call 329-1175, or see hihs.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT Network presents The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Make reservations at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.
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| Theater-goes can enjoy a casual dinner at Crater Rim Cafe before KDEN's production at KMC Theater. Photo from KMC |
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park invites theater-goers to indulge in a casual dinner before KDEN’s productions today and tomorrow. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests.
See kilaueamilitarycamp.com for more information.
HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’s Ka`u chapter and Earth Matters Farm sponsor a sustainability workshop tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $25 and free to all HFUU members.
A garden-fresh lunch is included.
For more information and to sign up, call Greg Smith at 443-3300, or email earthmatterskau@aol.com.
For more information and to sign up, call Greg Smith at 443-3300, or email earthmatterskau@aol.com.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf. |
