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| Ash column rises 6,000 feet at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The explosion was triggered by a rockfall. Photo from USGS |
AN EXPLOSION IN HALEMAʻUMAʻU CRATER THIS MORNING at 8:29 a.m. surprised visitors and staff at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Kīlauea Military Camp. The gray and brown ash shot as high as 6,000 feet into the air and scientists said that a light ash fall could be expected in communities down wind - to the south and west of Volcano Village into Ka`u. According to HVO, the explosion was triggered by a rockfall from the steep walls of Overlook Crater and was short-lived. After the explosion, geologists examined ash deposits on the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu and found fresh lava fragments hurled from the lava lake.
Scientists said the explosion was not caused by the interaction of the lava lake with the water table below the volcano. (See story below). The ash cleared about an hour after the explosion and geologists observed the lava lake surface, still above the water table.
Several more ash clouds rose during the day.
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HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will close all of its facilities in Volcano on Friday "due to the possibility of an explosive steam event and ash fall at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano," said a statement from the park this evening. Only the Kahuku Unit, off Hwy 11 near Ocean View, will be open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The statement says the closure "will be until further notice. Why: Safety. Due to the possibility of a steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kīlauea due to the receding lava lake, an ensuing ash fall event, plus southerly wind patterns forecasted for Friday, the majority of the park will be closed Friday until further notice. We will reopen when it is safe to do so."
Scientists said the explosion was not caused by the interaction of the lava lake with the water table below the volcano. (See story below). The ash cleared about an hour after the explosion and geologists observed the lava lake surface, still above the water table.
Several more ash clouds rose during the day.
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The ash explosion from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater this morning, as seen from Kīlauea Military Camp. Photo by Kēhau Springer |
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EXPLOSIVE ERUPTIONS AT HALEMAʻUMAʻU CRATER at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano are a possibility during coming weeks, according to an update from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory this morning. The steady lowering of the lava lake in Overlook Crater within Halemaʻumaʻu is the cause of concern. If the lava column drops to the level of groundwater beneath Kīlauea Caldera, influx of water into the conduit could cause steam-driven explosions. Debris expelled during such explosions could impact the area surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu and the Kīlauea summit. At this time, scientists cannot say with certainty that explosive activity will occur, how large the explosions could be, or how long such explosive activity could continue.
"Residents of the Kīlauea summit area should learn about the hazards of ashfall, stay informed of the status of the volcano and area closures, and review family and business emergency plans." Learn about volcanic ash hazards at: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/
Primary hazards of concern should this activity occur are ballistic projectiles and ashfall. HVO explains:
Ballistic Projectiles: During steam-driven explosions, ballistic blocks up to 2 m (yards) across could be thrown in all directions to a distance of 1 km (0.6 miles) or more. These blocks could weigh a few kilograms (pounds) to several tons.
Smaller (pebble-size) rocks could be sent several kilometers (miles) from Halemaʻumaʻu, mostly in a downwind direction.
Ashfall: During the drawdown of the lava column, rockfalls from the steep enclosing walls of the Overlook crater vent impact the lake and produce small ash clouds. These clouds are very dilute and result in dustings of ash (particles smaller than 2 mm) downwind.
Should steam-driven explosions begin, ash clouds will rise to greater elevations above ground. Minor ashfall could occur over much wider areas, even up to several tens of miles from Halemaʻumaʻu. In 1924, ash may have reached as high as 20,000 feet above sea level. Small amounts of fine ash from these explosions fell over a wide area as far north as North Hilo (Hakalau), in lower Puna, and as far south as Waiʻohinu.
Gas: Gas emitted during steam-drive explosions will be mainly steam, but will include some sulfur dioxide (SO2) as well. Currently, SO2 emissions remain elevated.
Warning Time: Steam-driven explosions at volcanoes typically provide very little warning. Once the lava level reaches the groundwater elevation, onset of continuous ashy plumes or a sequence of violent steam-driven explosions may be the first sign that activity of concern has commenced.
Background: Kīlauea's lava lake began to drop on May 2, 2018. From its peak on May 2 to the most recent measurement at 9 pm on May 6, the lava lake surface dropped a total of more than 200 m (656 ft). The subsidence was at a relatively constant rate of about 2 meters (yards) per hour.
Reports HVO, "Measurements of subsidence have not been possible since May 6 because of thick fume and the increasing depth to the lava surface. However, thermal images indicate continued lowering of the lake surface since that time, consistent with deflationary tilt recorded at Kīlauea's summit. Therefore, we infer that the lake surface continues to drop at roughly the same rate. So, while HVO cannot report exact depths of the receding lava lake, we can monitor the overall trend."
USGS and HVO scientists are monitoring changes at the summit 24/7 and watching for signs that hazardous conditions have increased, or may increase. HVO is working closely with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense to respond to this situation.
Updates on activity will be posted on the HVO website at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes
/kilauea/status.html. Updates can be received by email through a free subscription service: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Primary hazards of concern should this activity occur are ballistic projectiles and ashfall. HVO explains:
Ballistic Projectiles: During steam-driven explosions, ballistic blocks up to 2 m (yards) across could be thrown in all directions to a distance of 1 km (0.6 miles) or more. These blocks could weigh a few kilograms (pounds) to several tons.
Smaller (pebble-size) rocks could be sent several kilometers (miles) from Halemaʻumaʻu, mostly in a downwind direction.
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The summit lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater has dropped substantially over the past week due to intrusive and eruptive activity on the lower East Rift zone. This 3D model of the crater was created time was roughly 295 m (970 feet) below the floor of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. USGS image |
Should steam-driven explosions begin, ash clouds will rise to greater elevations above ground. Minor ashfall could occur over much wider areas, even up to several tens of miles from Halemaʻumaʻu. In 1924, ash may have reached as high as 20,000 feet above sea level. Small amounts of fine ash from these explosions fell over a wide area as far north as North Hilo (Hakalau), in lower Puna, and as far south as Waiʻohinu.
Gas: Gas emitted during steam-drive explosions will be mainly steam, but will include some sulfur dioxide (SO2) as well. Currently, SO2 emissions remain elevated.
Warning Time: Steam-driven explosions at volcanoes typically provide very little warning. Once the lava level reaches the groundwater elevation, onset of continuous ashy plumes or a sequence of violent steam-driven explosions may be the first sign that activity of concern has commenced.
Background: Kīlauea's lava lake began to drop on May 2, 2018. From its peak on May 2 to the most recent measurement at 9 pm on May 6, the lava lake surface dropped a total of more than 200 m (656 ft). The subsidence was at a relatively constant rate of about 2 meters (yards) per hour.
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| USGS captured this image of the ash explosion at 8:29 this morning from the rim of Halema`uma`u. Photo from USGS |
USGS and HVO scientists are monitoring changes at the summit 24/7 and watching for signs that hazardous conditions have increased, or may increase. HVO is working closely with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense to respond to this situation.
Updates on activity will be posted on the HVO website at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes
/kilauea/status.html. Updates can be received by email through a free subscription service: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense will issue hazard notices, if necessary, at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/ Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park status is posted on https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
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.
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.
AN EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION TO SECURE THE GEOTHERMAL PLANT in Puna, “and protect public health, safety and the environment,” was made by Gov. David Ige today. The proclamation came as Puna Geothermal moved large cylindars of its Pentan Gas off property to the Shipman Industrial area in Kea`au.
The governor said that the proclamation brings together a team to “review and assess the existing PGV Emergency Response Plan and develop a specific mission strategy deemed appropriate to mitigate potential impacts from lava. Expected steps include addressing the supplies of pentane gas used in the
production of geothermal power including options for off-site relocation or controlled leakage or burn. Contingency plans will be made to secure and evacuate area residents should lava intrusions cause elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or sulfur dioxide (SO2) to be released,” says the statement from the governor.
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| Puna Geothermal Plant in the foreground is subject of an emergency proclamation by Gov. David Ige today. Photo from Paradise Helicopters |
He said that among other emergency management functions, the proclamation “establishes lines of authority that will enable a more comprehensive response to changing and unpredictable risks posed by the current eruption. Those risks include possible impacts to Puna Geothermal Venture, which is located on Kīlauea ’s Lower East Rift Zone.”
The governor is exercising his authority, as provided by Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 127A-12(13), and has directed the Director of Emergency Management, the Administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, Mayor Harry Kim, and the administrator of the Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency, to lead a team to develop and implement mitigation steps as necessary to protect public health and safety. In addition to county responders, the team will include federal and state agencies, as well as PGV.
Ige said, “I am placing a tremendous degree of responsibility on two nationally and internationally renowned emergency and mission managers. Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator and retired U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Travis, and County of Hawai‘i Mayor Harry Kim, are proven leaders who care deeply for the public and have the capacity to plan, mobilize and get the job done in a quick and efficient manner.” |
| Map of fissures going through Leilani Estates. Blue dot in upper right corner indicates approximate location of PVG. Map of eruption from Hawaiʻi County GIS |
Given the current situation, the governor said, he determined that a team approach will ensure the most responsive and effective outcomes. He directed Administrator Travis to work directly with Mayor Kim and the County of Hawai County of Hawai
Ige and his team have spent several days in the field viewing and assessing the current eruption and conducting briefings and meetings with Mayor Kim, state and federal resources, and community members, to fully assess the ongoing activities and impacts in the Kīlauea Lower East Rift zone, said the governor's statement.
DISASTER COORDINATION is the help Sen. Mazie Hirono said she will give during this time of damaging volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island. Hirono spoke today with Mayor Harry Kim and Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton.
Hirono issued a statement saying, “The impact of ongoing volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island makes it critically important that local, state and federal agencies continue to work in tandem to provide accurate, timely, and understandable information to the community. This situation is developing quickly, and I will continue to work with relevant agencies and authorities to ensure Hawaiʻi Island residents receive the assistance they need.”
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| Severe ground cracks at fissure 14 this morning in Leilani Estates. USGS photo |
Earlier today, Hirono published resources and information from government agencies on her website for Hawai`i residents affected by recent natural disasters. This page includes instructions for replacing important documents and updated information on federal services in impacted communities.
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AIR IN KAʻŪ CAN BE AFFECTED BY VOLCANIC EVENTS at Halemaʻumaʻu, and from the burning of asphalt, buildings, and the forest in lower Puna where lava and fire have destroyed many homes. As of 2 p.m. today, 36 structures had been destroyed, lava had covered 116.57 acres, and a 15th fissure near the entrance of Lanipuna subdivision had erupted.
Both the particulates in the air and S02 are windblown. Ash dusting could occur from the plume at Halemaʻumaʻu today, with winds blowing towards the west, states HVO.
At 5:30 p.m. today, SO2 levels were reported as good in Pāhala, after changing between moderate and good all afternoon, with the exception of a 15 minute period of air unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ocean View recorded good air on the SO2 scale all day. See more at Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory.
Both the particulates in the air and S02 are windblown. Ash dusting could occur from the plume at Halemaʻumaʻu today, with winds blowing towards the west, states HVO.
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| ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, serving up shave ice at the Hoʻolauleʻa. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
As 5:30 today, moderate particulate pollution was recorded in Ocean View with a reading of 81. Pāhala was listed as good at 23. See more at airnow.
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| Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
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| Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou community support organization served up shave ice for hungry keiki and adults.
The Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation sold a variety of items, including fully donated bonsai and other plants, quilts, and other items like t-shirts and household goods. All proceeds go to keeping the hospital open.
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries sold books and jewelry to help support the reading habits of Kaʻū.
See more from the Kaʻū Coffee Festival events in future Kaʻū News Briefs.
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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. |
THURSDAY, MAY 10
Disability Legal Services, Thu, May 10, 9:30-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com
Ka‘ū Scenic Byway Dedication Ceremony, Thursday, May 10, at2:00 p.m. , Manuka State
Ka‘ū Scenic Byway Dedication Ceremony, Thursday, May 10, at
Papa ‘Olelo Hawai‘i: Beginning Hawaiian Language Classes, Thu, May 10, Part II, 5-6:30pm, Part V, 6:30-8pm, Volcano Art Center. 8 week courses. Hawaiian language experience preferred (basic for part II). $80/VAC Member, $90/non-Member. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night Spring Show, Thu, May 10, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp, Kīlauea Theater. VSAS 6th, 7th and 8th graders each perform a one-act play. Free admission; donations accepted.
FRIDAY, MAY 11
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat, May 12, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
SATURDAY, MAY 12
Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants w/ Zach Mermel, Sat, May 12, 9-noon, Volcano Arts Center
Birth of Kahuku, Sat, May 12, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Maker Fair Spring Spree , Sat, May 12, 10-4pm , The Cooper Center Volcano Village
Zentangle: Fine Feather-Like Friends w/Lydia Meneses, Sat, May 12, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center. Create tiles with feather-like forms. Open to all levels, no experience necessary. Bring snack to share. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Exhibit: Fishponds of Hawai‘i by Carol Araki Wyban, Daily, May 12-Jun 24, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Public opening reception on May 12, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, May 13 & 27, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO
Mother's Day Buffet, Sun, May 13, 5-8pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Main entrees include Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu. $29/Adult, $14.50/Child (6-11 yrs). Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Reservations required. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
TUESDAY, MAY 15
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
Lei Hulu Demonstration, Wed, May 16, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcanoes National Park
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, May 16, noon-1pm, Ocean View Community Center
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| Learn how to use a potters wheel with Erik Wold. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
All skill levels are welcome to join in the ceramic studio to work with stoneware clay and high-fire reduction glazes, with the goal of creating handmade functional pottery.
Teaching artist, Wold, provides demonstrates wheel throwing methods and is available for individualized assistance to students. Those new to clay will be guided step by step through the basics of using the potter’s wheel or hand-building techniques.
Continuing students and those with previous experience are encouraged to develop their skills and are welcome to pursue more advanced directions with the instructor’s helpful input. Informal discussion on topics ranging from sources of creative inspiration to various pottery styles and traditions from around the world supplement this hands-on learning experience.
Seven registration slots are open to wheel throwers, and two additional places will be open to hand builders.
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| Make handmade pottery and refine ceramic skills at a workshop in Volcano this weekend. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Open studio time will be available to registered students on Wednesdays, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at $10 per day, with tickets available at the Administration Office front desk during business hours.
Wold is a full time potter living in Volcano Village. He is a member of the Volcano Village Artists Hui, and sells his wares regularly at the Saturday Hilo Farmers Market, and Sunday Cooper Center Farmers Market in Volcano. Wold studied Ceramics at the University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo, graduating in 1993.
For more or to register, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
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FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT, hosted by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Friday, May 18,
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| Join Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Friday, May 18, to help remove invasive plant species from Mauna Loa strip. Photo from FHVNP |
Goal is a crew of 16 people, and pre-registration is required. All participants will need to sign a Friends release form and a park volunteer form. For those under 18, an adult will need to co-sign. Be aware that there can be VOG or high levels of SO2 in the area. If it is too heavy or the Park is closed, the project will be cancelled.
To volunteer, contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening
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Summer Fun - Registration, May 7-10, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. For grades K-6. $40 per child. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. Program runs Mon-Fri, Jun 12-Jul 20, 8-2pm. Richard Karasuda, 939-2510. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
Tūtū 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.
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Early registration ends May 14; price increase for half marathon from $80 to $85, 10K from $40 to $45, 5K stays at $30. Registration increases again August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.
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.
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