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| Halema‘uma‘u Crater as seen from Volcano House Saturday night, just following an explosion. Volcano House is approximately two miles away from the vent. NPS Photo by Sami Steinkamp |
As the new school year gets underway, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui announced participants in the statewide Resources for Enrichment, Arts, Culture and Health Initiative for the 2016-2017 school year. Nearly 5,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 28 schools across the state will be part of the program.
R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades six to eight receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation by engaging them in a broad base of programs and activities, outside of regular instructional hours, in areas of academic enrichment, arts and culture, and athletics.
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| R.E.A.C.H. has accepted Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School into the statewide program. Photo by Julia Neal |
“I am thrilled that we, along with the support of the Department of Education and community partners, are able to continue positively impacting after-school programs for middle and intermediate schools,” said Tsutsui. “The after-school programs participating in the R.E.A.C.H. initiative are improving and reaching more students every year.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi, provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer students expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.
“R.E.A.C.H. provides a very positive option for our students that keeps them engaged in activities and learning after the school day has ended,” Matayoshi said. “Keeping young minds and bodies active is essential for growth, and we appreciate the support of our R.E.A.C.H. partners and their commitment to our keiki.”
Studies have shown that after-school programs not only keep students safe and engaged in learning but also help improve their academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health.
Selection of the schools was based on criteria that included strong student interest and/or participation for the after-school program and established relationships with key stakeholders.
Applications were also evaluated on readiness to achieve goals and student outcomes set forth by the initiative. Some schools apply for the grant every year and are selected based on the criteria. This year, 14 of the 28 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants.
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“R.E.A.C.H. provides a very positive option for our students that keeps them engaged in activities and learning after the school day has ended,” Matayoshi said. “Keeping young minds and bodies active is essential for growth, and we appreciate the support of our R.E.A.C.H. partners and their commitment to our keiki.”
Studies have shown that after-school programs not only keep students safe and engaged in learning but also help improve their academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health.
Selection of the schools was based on criteria that included strong student interest and/or participation for the after-school program and established relationships with key stakeholders.
Applications were also evaluated on readiness to achieve goals and student outcomes set forth by the initiative. Some schools apply for the grant every year and are selected based on the criteria. This year, 14 of the 28 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants.
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THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY is awarding a $750,000 grant for construction of a low-cost air pollution sensor network that will test for volcanic emissions on Hawai`i island. The funding is part of $4.5 million that will be used to help communities tackle their unique air quality challenges.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists will create a Hawai`i Island Volcanic Smog Sensor Network (HI-Vog) of air pollution sensors to track air quality changes caused by emissions from Kilauea. The network aims to provide improved measurements of air quality and vog exposures across the island, as well as to assess the utility of air quality sensor networks as community resources and as tools for atmospheric chemistry research. The project will emphasize community engagement in collaboration with The Kohala Center, local schools and health centers.
While recent advances in technology have led to the development of low-cost air pollution sensors, they have not been widely tested, especially under field conditions, according to EPA. These grants will help fund research projects that explore how scientific data can be effectively gathered and used by communities to learn about local air quality.
“Through these projects, scientists and communities will join together to develop and test new low-cost, portable, easy-to-use ways to measure air pollution,” said Thomas A. Burke, EPA science advisor and deputy assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will provide tools communities can use to understand air pollution in their neighborhoods and improve public health.”
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While recent advances in technology have led to the development of low-cost air pollution sensors, they have not been widely tested, especially under field conditions, according to EPA. These grants will help fund research projects that explore how scientific data can be effectively gathered and used by communities to learn about local air quality.
“Through these projects, scientists and communities will join together to develop and test new low-cost, portable, easy-to-use ways to measure air pollution,” said Thomas A. Burke, EPA science advisor and deputy assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will provide tools communities can use to understand air pollution in their neighborhoods and improve public health.”
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| Sam Gon III |
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY scientist and cultural advisor Sam Gon III is Gov. David Ige's latest appointee to the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. The Nature Conservancy manages Kamehame hawksbill turtle preserve, Kaiholena and other native species conservation areas in Ka`u and around the state. Its former chief, Suzanne Case, is now the chair of the BLNR and the Department of Land & Natural Resources’ top executive.
Gon has worked at The Nature Conservancy for nearly 30 years. He previously served as director of science and program coordinator for Hawai`i Natural Heritage Program. Gon is also an affiliate faculty member at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at University of Hawai`i-Manoa.
Gon earned a bachelor of arts degree in zoology from UH-Manoa in 1978. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in animal behavior from University of California-Davis in 1985.
“Sam has extensive knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and history, as well as research, teaching and administrative experience that will serve the board well as it works to protect, conserve and manage our state’s unique resources,” Ige said. “Sam will be a valuable member of the team.”
Gon has served two terms on the BLNR, from 2006 to 2014. He will serve the remainder of Woodside’s term that expires in June 2017. The Senate will decide whether to confirm Gon’s appointment to a full term when the state Legislature reconvenes in 2017.
“After two stimulating and satisfying terms on the Land Board, I learned so much, and I very much look forward to serving again in support of the protection and preservation of Hawai`i’s unique and precious natural and cultural resources,” Gon said.
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“Sam has extensive knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and history, as well as research, teaching and administrative experience that will serve the board well as it works to protect, conserve and manage our state’s unique resources,” Ige said. “Sam will be a valuable member of the team.”
Gon has served two terms on the BLNR, from 2006 to 2014. He will serve the remainder of Woodside’s term that expires in June 2017. The Senate will decide whether to confirm Gon’s appointment to a full term when the state Legislature reconvenes in 2017.
“After two stimulating and satisfying terms on the Land Board, I learned so much, and I very much look forward to serving again in support of the protection and preservation of Hawai`i’s unique and precious natural and cultural resources,” Gon said.
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| Charred wires and metal components, surrounded by melted plastic, is all that remains of the power supply for an instrument located about 80 ft from the crater rim. Photo from USGS/HVO |
KILAUEA VOLCANO SUMMIT EXPLOSION Saturday night was detailed yesterday. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park released a statement reporting that park ranger Tim Hopp was on routine patrol of the closed Halema`uma`u Overlook in his vehicle Saturday night. Suddenly, the dark sky lit up bright orange, “so surreal and bright you could read a book,” he said. He heard a violent and extremely loud sloshing sound from the crater. Fragments of volcanic rock, or tephra, were ejected from the volcano and rained down on his patrol vehicle as he cautiously left the area, respirator on. He noticed the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory equipment perched on the rim shooting off light as electrical wires burned. “It lasted about a half hour,” Hopp said.
An hour later, Hopp cited two individuals for sneaking into the closed area to get a closer look at the potentially lethal lava lake. The area, which includes the summit lava lake, Halema`uma`u Overlook and about four miles of the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail, has been closed since 2008 when the current summit eruption began.
“This type of volcanic explosion is not that uncommon at the summit of Kilauea and could have easily killed or seriously injured and burned anyone in the area,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Despite the closure, people continue to trespass into the closed area, putting themselves and first responders at great risk.
“Part of the mission of the national park is to provide safe access to active volcanism, and our emphasis is always on safety.
“The view of the summit eruption is fantastic one mile away from the Jaggar Museum observation deck, and that’s as close as visitors can safely get.”
The park has no plans to reopen the closed areas until the eruption from Halema`uma`u ceases, she added.
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“This type of volcanic explosion is not that uncommon at the summit of Kilauea and could have easily killed or seriously injured and burned anyone in the area,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Despite the closure, people continue to trespass into the closed area, putting themselves and first responders at great risk.
“Part of the mission of the national park is to provide safe access to active volcanism, and our emphasis is always on safety.
“The view of the summit eruption is fantastic one mile away from the Jaggar Museum observation deck, and that’s as close as visitors can safely get.”
The park has no plans to reopen the closed areas until the eruption from Halema`uma`u ceases, she added.
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| Following his concert at Volcano House, Eric Silberger performs at Pahala Plantation House Saturday. Photo by Carlin Ma |
PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE for priority seating at Hawai`i International Music Festival’s engagement at Pahala Plantation House Saturday at 6 p.m. Honoring the 20th anniversary of Ka`u Coffee, the concert helps raise awareness for donations for Hawai`i Public Radio’s efforts to improve reception here and throughout the state.
Tickets for $25 may be purchased at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL athletic director Kalei Namohala holds meetings with student athletes' parents this week. Meetings are from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today at Ocean View Community Center, tomorrow at Na`alehu School Cafeteria and Friday at Ka`u High School band room.
TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY for early walk-in voting. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aupuni Center in Hilo, West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona and Waimea Community Center.
For more election information, call 961-8277.
For more election information, call 961-8277.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| Click on document to enlarge. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf. |
