Ka‘ū News Brief Friday, May 4, 2018

A 6.9 EARTHQUAKE SHOOK KA‘Ū at 12:33 p.m. today, rocking vehicles, sending people into doorways and under desks, and shutting down Bank of Hawai‘i in Pāhala early. With multiple earthquakes near the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, and many more downrift, with some into Ka‘ū, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park shut down the entire park to guests, including all accommodations and concessions.
     The epicenter for the 6.9 quake was south of Leilani Estates, the community where lava is burning houses and forests with fountains of ash, rocks, and flames shooting as high as 150 feet.

A 6.9 earthquake and temblors almost every few minutes continued today as more lava broke out in Leilani Estates and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park shut its gates to everyone. USGS map

     Civil Defense ordered mandatory evacuations for all of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions, where people and friends carried as many belongings away from their homes as they could load into trucks and cars.
     Hawaiʻi Fire Department reports extremely dangerous conditions due to high levels of Sulfur Dioxide gas in the evacuation area. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense states the sulfur gas is “an immediate threat to life for all who become exposed.” Civil Defense also warned that first responders may not be able to come to the aid of residents who refuse to evacuate.
     A Civil Defense statement said the Leilani area “continues to be unstable with multiple volcanic eruptions happening. No one is allowed into the area. Do not attempt to return to your home at this time.” Earthquakes continued into the afternoon every few minutes across lower Puna.
     Reports stated there was no tsunami threat from earthquakes, though sea water rose in Hilo, Honoka‘a, Punalu‘u, and a few other places.
     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense suggests those residents who felt quakes check utility connections and for other possible damage.

5.0-magnitude earthquake Thursday morning triggered a small collapse at Pu‘u Ō‘ō vent that sent a rose-colored plume billowing skyward. The plume was visible throughout  Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and neighboring communities, including Kalapana Gardens, where this photo was taken. Photo from Janice Wei/NPS

     Ka‘ū and Volcano residents were seen filling up with gas, and buying water and food, to prepare for the possibility that the quakes and the lava could come their way.
     The lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at the volcano’s summit dropped about 100 feet or more below the vent rim in the last few days. Lava is no longer visible within Halema‘uma‘u.
     The “activity further supports the continued instability in the East Rift Zone,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando stated. “Safety of visitors and staff is our highest priority,” she said.

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John Cross, land manager with Kaʻū Valley Farms, points to nursery specimens. Photo by Lee Neal

DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURE IS APPARENT AT KAʻŪ VALLEY FARMS. Kaʻū Coffee, tea, sweet potatoes, lettuce, and other vegetables were on display yesterday. The tour marked the first time that Kaʻū Valley Farms held an event for this week's Kaʻū Coffee Festival.
     Guests visited green houses where young plants are started and the fields where they grow out. The farm is on 1,500 acres that climb the slopes of Kahilipali Ahuapua‘a, the hill behind Nāʻālehu. The owners said they plan a tea farm as well as growing food to be sold locally.