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| Overflows from the perched lava pond within west pit, a small crater adjacent to the main Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater on Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone, continue to build up the levees around the pond. The rising level of the perched lava pond during the past month is a sign of the increasing pressure within the magma system beneath Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. This overflow, captured by a USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory time-lapse camera, occurred on April 17. Read this week's Volcano Watch, below. Photo from USGS |
THE U.S. SUPREME COURT AUDIO FROM TRUMP V HAWAI‘I will be available immediately after arguments conclude, next Wednesday, April 25, as urged by Sen. Mazie Hirono. The case addresses the State of Hawai ‘i's objections to Pres. Donald Trump's proclamations on barring visitors, immigrants, and refugees from entry into the U.S. The Hawai‘i Attorney General contends that the Office of the President lacks authority to make such rules. According to a statement from the Court, the recording and transcript for oral arguments will be available by 2 p.m. on the 25th on the Supreme Court website.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono requested the Supreme Court immediately release recordings and transcriptions once the Trump v. Hawaiʻi case has concluded. |
"I thank the Supreme Court for agreeing to our request to release same day audio for Trump v. Hawaiʻi oral arguments," Hirono said. "In high interest cases like this one, same day audio provides valuable insight into oral arguments, and increases access to primary sources of information on the case."
Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, agreed: "The Court has opened up the judicial process regarding this case to the American public. I believe that the people of the United States will take this opportunity to recognize the care with which the Court considers the issues that matter to them, and hope to see this become a standard practice by the Court."
The Senators wrote to Chief Justice John Roberts last month, saying: "Releasing same-day audio has proven to be a valuable resource for individuals who are interested in listening to the arguments, as demonstrated in cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges and D.C. v. Heller. Giving the public access to a primary source of information as soon as possible allows more citizens to participate in our democratic system and illustrates the care with which the Court considers the issues that matter to the people of the United States ." Read the full letter here. Read the case 17-965.
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NO PRIVATIZING THE VA is the main takeaway from Sen. Mazie Hirono's meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Nominee, Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson. She met with the longtime White House doctor this week, to clarify his intentions. Jackson 's Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee confirmation is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, April 25.
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Sen. Hirono speaks with Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson. Photo from Hirono's office |
"I welcome Admiral Jackson's commitment that he will not privatize the VA and I will hold him to it," Hirono said. "We also discussed the unique needs of veterans in Hawai‘i, including a shared commitment to improving access to health care services for veterans in rural communities through telehealth services. I look forward to hearing more from Admiral Jackson at his confirmation hearing."
As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Hirono recently worked with the VA to continue providing nursing home care services for Maui veterans. Last month, she visited the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo to highlight her recently enacted legislation with Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to increase reimbursements for adult day health care services for severely disabled veterans. In January, the Senate unanimously passed Senators Hirono and Joni Ernst's (R-IA) VETS Act to expand VA telehealth services.
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DO RECENT CHANGES HERALD OPENING OF NEW PU‘U ‘Ō‘Ō VENT? That's the question in this week's Volcano Watch by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
In recent years, scientists have made significant improvements in developing sophisticated models of how volcanoes work. The ultimate goal is to develop models that allow scientists to forecast new activity. Despite these advances, operational volcano monitoring still relies primarily on "pattern recognition." In other words, scientists look at current monitoring data and compare it to past patterns and similar eruptions to anticipate when and how a volcano may erupt in the future.
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| A brief break in the rain allowed for some clear views of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone on April 18. Since mid-March, Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō tiltmeters have been recording inflation, and uplift of the crater floor is visible in HVO webcams. The lava pond within the west pit (foreground) has also risen several meters (yards) and has overflowed onto the floor of the west pit numerous times. Photo from USGS |
A clear pattern of activity has recently developed at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, the current vent on Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone.
Since mid-March, tiltmeters and GPS instruments have indicated rapid inflation at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. Small lava flows have also erupted on the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor. Most striking, however, are webcam images showing that the main Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor is slowly uplifting like a piston - pushed up at least several meters (yards) in recent weeks, and again in recent days.
Additionally, the lava pond level in west pit, a small crater west of the main Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater, has risen at least 7 m (23 ft) since March 27. The pond is now "perched" above the floor of west pit, where overflows have incrementally built up the pond rim. This is reminiscent of past Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava pond activity.
These changes indicate building pressure in the magma chamber beneath Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. While inflation and uplift of the crater floor are unusual compared to recent activity at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, it is not unprecedented. This pattern occurred two other times in the past five years - in June 2014 and May 2016 - as well as in earlier years of the eruption, most notably in 2011.
In each of the two most recent cases, the building pressure culminated in the opening of a new vent on the flank of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone. The June 27, 2014 , vent marked the beginning of the "June 27th flow," and the May 24, 2016 , vent marked the beginning of the ongoing episode 61g lava flow.
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| An HVO geologist observes the perched lava pond within the west pit of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. Photo from USGS |
Assuming that the current changes result in a new vent opening on or around Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, the main question is, "where exactly will the vent appear?" Unfortunately, scientists are not able to determine with certainty where a new vent might open. But, it's an important question, because the accompanying hazard will largely depend on the location and duration of the vent.
With the June 27th flow, the vent opened on the northeast flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and sent lava flows down the north side of the East Rift Zone. Over the course of many months, these lava flows advanced toward the community of Pāhoa, eventually posing a threat to residential areas.
The 61g vent opened about 400 m (440 yds) east of the June 27th vent, sending lava flows to the south of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, often within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. These ongoing flows have not posed a threat to nearby communities.
On September 21, 2011 , a fissure on the upper east flank of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone drained the lava lake within the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater. This vent fed lava flows that advanced to the southeast, mostly through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
When lava bursts through the flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, areas immediately around the cone are extremely dangerous. On August 3, 2011 , the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor collapsed and lava breached the flank of the cone, sending a fast-moving lava flow to the southwest. The initial breach sent a broad flood of lava traveling at speeds faster than a person can run.
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| Surface flows on the 61g flow field remain active. Most breakouts are within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the 61g vent on the flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, but a few small surface flows are active on the upper flow field (above the pali) roughly 6 km (3.7 miles) from the vent. Photo from USGS |
The August 2011 event is a reminder of why areas on and around Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō remain closed to the public. The volcanic hazards associated with Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, especially with the recent changes in activity, should not be taken lightly.
While current circumstances indicate an increased likelihood of changes at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō in the coming weeks, there is no guarantee that the current buildup in pressure within Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō will lead to the opening of a new vent. It is possible that the current inflationary trend could end with no result.
However, because Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō appears to be at a critical juncture, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists are closely monitoring it and will provide updates if and when conditions change.
Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlaueadaily eruption updates, Mauna Loaweekly updates, volcano photos, maps, 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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| Join NPS Master Volunteer Charlene Meyers for a Guided Hike to Keanakāko‘i Crater on Park Rx Day, Sunday, April 29. Event details, below. Photo by J. Ferracane, National Park Service |
Tomorrow, Sunday is the ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua event, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO.
Next weekend offers two free programs on Sunday, April 29, the last day of National Park Week:
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| A Prescription for Fun in Kahuku on Sunday, April 29, is "perfect for families with young children." Event details, below. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service |
A Prescription for Fun in Kahuku is offered next Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with participants meeting near the main parking area of Kahuku Unit. See above for directions. Join a guided 0.4-mile walk up to the top of Pu‘u o Lokuana, a grassy cinder cone in Kahuku. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. Perfect for families with young children, states the release.
For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
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MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT IS TONIGHT, SATURDAY at Ka`u District Gym, 6 p.m. Miss Ka`u Coffee 2017, Jami Beck, a University of Hawai`i -Hilo student and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park ranger, will pass the torch to the 2018 queen.
Tickets are available at the door.
Judging the pageant this year is 2010 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Ulu Makuakane, a kumu hula, Ka‘ū Hawaiian Homes Association member, and employee of Punalu`u Bake Shop.
Also a judge is 2016 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Rochelle Koi, a University of Hawai`i-Hilo student working on a degree in Early Childhood Education, and a ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Also judging is Shara Ahia Kalanikuamaieiwilanie Keawe-Ako Dancel, a mental health therapist, director of a Tahitian dance studio and great-granddaughter of famed Hawaiian singer Genoa Keawa. She has deep family roots and is a graduate of schools here.
The fourth judge is MacKenzie Franklin, a singer and Special Education teacher at Ka‘ū High & Pahala Elementary School. Pageant Director is Trini Marques.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com
For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
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| Jami Beck's final walk as Miss Ka`u Coffee is tonight at Ka`u District Gym. Photo by Pam Taylor |
MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT IS TONIGHT, SATURDAY at Ka`u District Gym, 6 p.m. Miss Ka`u Coffee 2017, Jami Beck, a University of Hawai`i -Hilo student and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park ranger, will pass the torch to the 2018 queen.
Tickets are available at the door.
Judging the pageant this year is 2010 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Ulu Makuakane, a kumu hula, Ka‘ū Hawaiian Homes Association member, and employee of Punalu`u Bake Shop.
Also a judge is 2016 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Rochelle Koi, a University of Hawai`i-Hilo student working on a degree in Early Childhood Education, and a ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Also judging is Shara Ahia Kalanikuamaieiwilanie Keawe-Ako Dancel, a mental health therapist, director of a Tahitian dance studio and great-granddaughter of famed Hawaiian singer Genoa Keawa. She has deep family roots and is a graduate of schools here.
The fourth judge is MacKenzie Franklin, a singer and Special Education teacher at Ka‘ū High & Pahala Elementary School. Pageant Director is Trini Marques.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com. |
MONDAY, APRIL 23
Fishery Council Monthly Meeting, Monday, April 23; new membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers - to provide feedback for the council on a regular basis, passed on to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Visit westhawaiifisherycou.ipower.com
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Apr 24, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, last Tue of each month, Apr 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View, at Paradise Circle-Mauka. Food is often gone before 1 p.m. We ask all participants to respect the grounds where this is held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on that Tuesday. For more info or emergency food, call Dave Breskin at 319-8333. We are expanding our services to include - based on availability - free clothing provided by nonprofit Big Island Giving Tree, and pet food provided by the Hawai'i Humane Society.
Getting a Handle on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, Tue, Apr 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. J.B. Friday, extension forester with University of Hawai’i, shares current understanding, management, and how to avoid spreading the disease. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Apr 25, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years & older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i; referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
Kāhili Demonstration, Wed, Apr 25, 10 a.m. - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to make a small hand-held feather standard - an example of Hawaiian art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Apr 26, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Vendor Application Deadline for Ho‘olaule‘a, Fri, Apr 27. To become a vendor, contact Brenda Iokepa-Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com or 731-5409
Coffee Talk, Fri, Apr 27, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join park rangers in an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Pa‘ina & Open House, Fri, Apr 27, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. Free; donations accepted for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Scholarship Fund. Julia Neal, 928-9811, mahalo@aloha.net. kaucoffeefestival.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Apr 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Hawai‘i Democratic County Convention, Sat, Apr 28, Sangha Hall, Hilo. hawaiidemocrats.org
Flameworking - an Introductory Class, Sat - Sun, Apr 28 - 29, 1 - 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Glasswork using a torch or lamp to melt glass. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee per person. Advanced registration required. Workshop limited to 4 adults. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. Call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. Park Stars themed events - nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities - at nps.gov/HAVO.
One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.
National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. Park Stars themed events - nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities - at nps.gov/HAVO.
One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.
Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
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UPCOMING & JUST ANNOUNCED
PAPER CUP FISH CRAFT AT PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER, a free Arts & Crafts activity, for keiki in grades K-8, Wednesday, May 2, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register from Monday, April 23, to Monday, May 1. For more, call Nona Makuakane at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
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UPCOMING & JUST ANNOUNCED
PAPER CUP FISH CRAFT AT PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER, a free Arts & Crafts activity, for keiki in grades K-8, Wednesday, May 2, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register from Monday, April 23, to Monday, May 1. For more, call Nona Makuakane at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
