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| Helicopter with a line to a container, dumping water, in the smokey fire above Pāhala on Friday, near coffee farms, pastures and macadamia orchards. Photo by Julia Neal |
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| The fire could be seen from Pāhala Village and Keaīwa Road. Photo by Julia Neal |
The fire department reported that the fire site was near the long abandoned Keaīwa and Higashi sugar camps.
Police blocked Ka‘alaiki Road late Friday afternoon as coffee farmers living in Pāhala drove to Moa‘ula and Pear Tree coffee farms to pay and retrieve their coffee pickers. The farmers gained permission to travel on the otherwise blocked road to prevent coffee pickers from being stranded and to take them away from smoke and the fire area.
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| Grass fire through the eucalyptus farm on Kamehameha Schools land above Pāhala on Friday. Photo by Julia Neal |
The west side of Hawai‘i Island remains dry and in above-risk conditions for wildfires. The fire department reminds people to refrain from throwing cigarettes out the windows of vehicles and to report any information on any clues to the possibility of arson for any of the recent fires.
Call Crimestoppers at 329-8181 or 961-8300.
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| Hawai‘i and California have something in common, an above normal risk for wildfires. Image from National Interagency Fire Center |
MORE ON THE NEW FILM ON KĪLAUEA'S SUMMIT ERUPTION is revealed in this week's Volcano Watch, written by USGS scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The article includes the volcanic events leading up to the video production which can be seen online:
In March 2008, a new volcanic vent opened within Halema‘uma‘u, a crater at the summit of Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawaiʻi. The eruption continues today, with continuous degassing, occasional explosive events, and an active, circulating lava lake.
Due to volcanic hazards associated with Kīlauea’s summit vent, the area around Halemaʻumaʻu was closed to the public by the National Park Service in early 2008 and remains closed today. The hazards include high levels of sulfur dioxide gas and explosive ejection of molten lava and solid rock fragments onto the crater rim, which could cause serious injury (or worse) to anyone venturing into the closed area.
The summit eruption can, however, be safely viewed from vantage points on the rim of Kīlauea Crater, such as the National Park’s Jaggar Museum overlook. From these points, the gas plume emitted from the summit vent is nearly always visible (unless obscured by fog or rain), and, on most nights, a beautiful orange glow from the incandescent lava lake can be seen. Depending on the level of the lava lake, spattering from gas bubbles bursting through the lake surface is sometimes visible from the Jaggar overlook.
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Lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, a crater at the summit of Kīlauea, was about 30 m (98 ft) below the vent rim on the day of this photo, Jan. 7, 2016. Orange lines on the lake surface were the result of lava lake circulation; as lava moved from left to right, sections of the dark-colored,semi-solid lake surface pulled apart, revealing incandescent molten lava beneath the crust. Vigorous spattering (bright yellow area at right) often occurs where circulating lava sinks back into the lake. USGS photo by T. Orr |
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which is responsible for monitoring Kīlauea eruptions and assessing volcanic hazards, was the driving force behind the documentary. HVO staff appear in on-camera interviews about the science of the summit eruption and were actively involved in behind-the-scenes production of the video.
People outside of USGS-HVO also helped bring the project to fruition. For example, an interview with a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ranger offers insights on the cultural aspects of the eruption. Additionally, the video features the voices of two well-known Island of Hawaiʻi educators, as well as images taken by Hawaiʻi photographers. HVO appreciates the time and talent these and other friends and colleagues contributed to the documentary.
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| Dr. Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele opens the film with a chant. Image from the film Kīlauea Summit Eruption: Lava Returns to Halema‘uma‘u. |
The documentary then recounts the eruptive history of Halemaʻumaʻu and describes the formation and continued growth of Kīlauea’s current summit vent and lava lake. Narration is provided by Jackie
Pualani Johnson, a recently retired Drama Professor and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. |
| Christina Neal, USGS Scientist in Charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Image from Kīlauea Summit Eruption - Lava Returns to Halema‘uma‘u |
The summit lava lake is one of two ongoing eruptions on Kīlauea. The other is on the volcano’s East Rift Zone, where vents have been erupting nearly nonstop since 1983. The duration of these simultaneous summit and rift zone eruptions on Kīlauea is unmatched in at least the past 200 years.
Kīlauea Volcano’s summit eruption will reach its 10th anniversary in March 2018. Even now, it is the longest-lasting summit lava lake since 1924, and there are no signs that it’s slowing down. But, as noted in the video, how long it will last, remains to be seen.
The new video documentary can be viewed on the USGS YouTube channel (youtube/gNoJv5Vkumk). It is also published as USGS General Interest Product 182 (pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/gip182).
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| USGS scientists worked on the film. Here they are seen measuring rocks thrown out of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Image from the film Kīlauea Summit Eruption: Lava Returns to Halema‘uma‘u. |
Visit the HVO website (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo) for past Volcano Watch articles, volcano updates and photos, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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COFFEE TALK in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National park takes place Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join rangers and other community members in an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in Hawaiian Ranchos office.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 27, for community members interested in hosting a booth at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Pāhala Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc., the festival is directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who teaches hula on Wednesday evenings to all ages at Pāhala Community Center.
There are openings for craft vendors, food vendors, informational booths, and game vendors for children. Craft vendors fee is $50.00. Food vendors fee is $75.00. Game Vendors fee is $50.00. Informational booths are free. Call 649-9334 for an application.
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| Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com |
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
The hike will also be offered on Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR AN EDIBLE HALLOWEEN CRAFT CLASS scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Oct. 24. For more, call 928-3102.
HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. For more, call 929-9910.
INPUT FOR THE FUTURE OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, including the Hele On Bus that takes many Ka‘ū residents to work, school and shopping, is invited at meetings outside Ka‘ū. Those unable to attend may contact Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David at maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov or email the consultants at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
The final meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale in Hilo.
For more, call 808-356-1260.
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EVENTS CELEBRATING WORLD FOOD DAY, presented by Hawai’i Island Food Alliance, KTA Super Stores, and The Kohala Center, are set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at KTA locations - Puainako, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Keauhou - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Kohala Center describes the event as following, “Support local farmers showcasing their value-added products at this in-store event. Enjoy tastings, samples, and purchase a selection of products direct from farmers." The Kohala Center will distribute plant starts as supplies last. Farmers and value-added producers who would like to distribute samples at KTA for World Food Day, may contact Nicole Milne at nmilne@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411. See a short slide show called The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6-12 FOR A BAT FINGER PUPPET class at Kahuku Park scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register until Friday, Oct. 25. For more, call 929-9113.
SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosts a Town Hall Meeting at Volcano Art Center's campus on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. A statement from the state Senator says it will be "An evening of legislative discussion and insight. Take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in on the 2018 Legislative Session. Additional information will be provided about participating directly in the legislative process."
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LEARN ONE OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAL ARTS OF HAWAI‘I, ulana lau hala, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free Lau Hala workshop takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful, artistic items for centuries. Those learning to weave lau hala can take home their own peice of lau hala art. The class in one of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Park entrance fees apply.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will occur on Friday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m.
To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
THE 31ST ART STUDIO TOUR & SALE hosted by the Volcano Village Artists Hui over Thanksgiving weekend is set for Friday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
See artwork in a wide variety of media, from paintings, prints and photography to hand blown glass, metal and wood sculpture, pottery, jewelry, fiber art and more.
Meet artists and view the artworks displayed, which are available for purchase, at six studios and galleries in the heart of the Village.
This years participating Hui members: Erik Wold, Ira Ono, Misato & Michael Mortara, Elizabeth Miller, Zeke Israel, Emily Herb, Pam Barton, Margaret Barnaby and Lisa Louise Adams, along with guest artists Joan Yoshioka, Randy Sutton, Ricia Shema, Scott Pincus, Tim Freeman, Charlotte Forbes Perry and Nash Adams-Pruitt.
A special drawing for artwork contributed by each of the artists will be held at the end of the sale. For more information, call 987-3472. Maps to the artists' studios will be available at local businesses and galleries in Volcano Village and at: VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
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The final meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale in Hilo.
For more, call 808-356-1260.
The Kohala Center describes the event as following, “Support local farmers showcasing their value-added products at this in-store event. Enjoy tastings, samples, and purchase a selection of products direct from farmers." The Kohala Center will distribute plant starts as supplies last. Farmers and value-added producers who would like to distribute samples at KTA for World Food Day, may contact Nicole Milne at nmilne@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411. See a short slide show called The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6-12 FOR A BAT FINGER PUPPET class at Kahuku Park scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register until Friday, Oct. 25. For more, call 929-9113.
SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosts a Town Hall Meeting at Volcano Art Center's campus on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. A statement from the state Senator says it will be "An evening of legislative discussion and insight. Take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in on the 2018 Legislative Session. Additional information will be provided about participating directly in the legislative process."
LEARN ONE OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAL ARTS OF HAWAI‘I, ulana lau hala, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free Lau Hala workshop takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful, artistic items for centuries. Those learning to weave lau hala can take home their own peice of lau hala art. The class in one of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Park entrance fees apply.VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will occur on Friday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m.
To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
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"Iwa Decanter" by Emily Herb. Photo from Volcano Village Artists Hui |
See artwork in a wide variety of media, from paintings, prints and photography to hand blown glass, metal and wood sculpture, pottery, jewelry, fiber art and more.
Meet artists and view the artworks displayed, which are available for purchase, at six studios and galleries in the heart of the Village.
This years participating Hui members: Erik Wold, Ira Ono, Misato & Michael Mortara, Elizabeth Miller, Zeke Israel, Emily Herb, Pam Barton, Margaret Barnaby and Lisa Louise Adams, along with guest artists Joan Yoshioka, Randy Sutton, Ricia Shema, Scott Pincus, Tim Freeman, Charlotte Forbes Perry and Nash Adams-Pruitt.
A special drawing for artwork contributed by each of the artists will be held at the end of the sale. For more information, call 987-3472. Maps to the artists' studios will be available at local businesses and galleries in Volcano Village and at: VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
