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| Halemaʻumaʻu emitted a steady plume today, rising from the Overlook vent. It is expected that occasional rockfalls into the deep vent will produce intermittent, low-level ash emissions. Depending on wind conditions, dustings of ash may occur in the Kīlauea summit area and downwind. More energetic ash emissions are possible. Photo from USGS |
eruption. Such an eruption could generate ash plumes as high as 20,000 feet.
"The area affected by ash plumes could be as wide as 12 miles. Should this occur, the following are advised: The danger from this eruption is ash fallout. The major response is to protect yourself from fallout. If this event occurs while you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities. If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving
"The area affected by ash plumes could be as wide as 12 miles. Should this occur, the following are advised: The danger from this eruption is ash fallout. The major response is to protect yourself from fallout. If this event occurs while you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities. If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving
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| An ash event at 9:06 a.m., likely caused by rockfall from the crater's steep sides, the reddish color likely from altered rocks and ash fragments.Photo from USGS |
"This is precautionary information for your safety in the event that there is a Halemaʻumaʻu explosive event. We want everyone in the Volcano area to be ready, and to remain safe. Do keep yourself informed and on the alert. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
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ASH ROSE FROM HALEMAʻUMAʻU TODAY, as most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains closed in case of "steam-driven explosive" events that could hurl rocks from the crater. Seismicity at the summit is down, but deflation continues. Lava lake level is out of sight as of yesterday, but from other monitoring, scientists believe the lake level continues to fall.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense advises residents of Lower Puna, between Kapoho and Kalapana, to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption, as a precautionary measure. A statement issued at 11 a.m. said, "Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this time to prepare." Residents can evacuate early, to the Pāhoa Community Center or Keaʻau Community Center. Food and shelter for people and animals will be provided.
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| Ash rose at 9:17 a.m. from Overlook Crater in Halemaʻumaʻu. The rock fragments were darker than the reddish plume just minutes earlier. Photo from USGS |
The Hawaiʻi National Guard has ramped up operations at Hilo Airport, with medical and transport helicopters ready to lift people out of lower Puna should they be unable to escape during an unexpected emergency.
The Leilani eruption area is "quiet" in terms of lava flow and spatter, with no more acres covered or structures destroyed by lava - but gas emissions are still active and hazardous. Seismicity and ground deformation indicate more lava is flowing further into the East Rift Zone.
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HAWAIʻI WAS DECLARED A MAJOR DISASTER AREA today with the approval of Gov. David Ige's request to Pres. Donald Trump. The governor signed a Presidential Disaster Declaration request, asking the President of the United States to “declare a Major Disaster for the State of Hawaiʻi as a result of the ongoing Kīlauea East Rift Zone seismic activity and volcanic eruption beginning May 1” on Hawai‘i Island.
The governor received authorization for the Public Assistance Grant Program for Hawai‘i County, as well as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.
A statement from the governor says that since May 3, Hawai‘i County and the State of Hawai ‘i have dedicated more than $400,000 in emergency protective measures for the lava flow and earthquakes in the Kīlauea East Rift Zone. The estimated cost to protect residents over the next 30 days is expected to exceed $2.9 million. These costs do not include permanent work or damages incurred from the earthquakes, and costs will skyrocket should large-scale air and sea evacuations become necessary.
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| Yesterday afternoon, a geologist inspects a crack that widened considerably since Wednesday, on Old Kalapana Road. In other areas, new cracks have appeared along sections of Highway 130 since Wednesday, some with fume escaping. Photo from USGS |
Hawai‘i County proclaimed a state of emergency on May 3 and the governor issued an emergency proclamation for Hawai‘i County effective May 3, authorizing the expenditure of state funds as appropriate to provide for the quick and efficient relief of damages, losses, and suffering that have resulted from the volcanic eruption and seismic activity. The governor also directed the execution of the State of Hawai ‘i Emergency Operations plan.
“As more fissures open and toxic gas exposure increases, the potential of a larger scale evacuation increases. A mass evacuation of the lower Puna District would be beyond current county and state capabilities, and would quickly overwhelm our collective resources,” said Ige. “Federal assistance would be necessary to enable us to successfully conduct such large-scale operations.”
Ige’s letter to Trump also mentions limited evacuation routes; effects of ash clouds; hazardous levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and sulfuric acid (H2S04) gases; financial impact of the event on the impoverished communities of the area; 25 to 30 percent loss of power to the grid of Hawai‘i Island due to the shutdown of Puna Geothermal Venture; estimated cost of just the 6.9-magnitude earthquake damage being 4.5 million; and other concerns. Read the whole letter.
Sen. Mazie Hirono released the following statement: “Federal, state, and county governments are coordinating and working together to ensure the safety of Hawaiʻi Island residents and to assist communities affected by the ongoing volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island. The approval of a federal disaster declaration will increase the resources for public safety and infrastructure repair.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono released the following statement: “Federal, state, and county governments are coordinating and working together to ensure the safety of Hawaiʻi Island residents and to assist communities affected by the ongoing volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island. The approval of a federal disaster declaration will increase the resources for public safety and infrastructure repair.”
Earlier today, the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation wrote to President Trump in support of Ige’s federal disaster declaration request. This week, Hirono received updates from and offered her support to Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton, and U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal.
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| Red Cross volunteers aid displaced residents of Puna. Photo from Red Cross |
"The Hawaiʻi Red Cross is operating two shelters on Hawaiʻi Island, where over 200 displaced residents are currently living. You can contribute to the Hawaiʻi Red cross here. The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation has also established a Hawaiʻi Island Volcano Recovery Fund. You can contribute here.
"I was so heartened by the outpouring of aloha and support for Kauaʻi and Oʻahu. I’m hopeful we can come together once again to do the same for those impacted on Hawaiʻi Island."
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| HoʻAikāne plays to the Hoʻolauleʻa crowd, inspiring a Kaʻū Coffee Princess to dance. Photo by Julia Neal |
Particulate matter was higher in Ocean View today, reporting at 83 at 2 p.m. Levels in Pāhala were much lower at 2 p.m., reporting at 8.
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| The Chief jumps for joy as HoʻAikāne energizes the Hoʻolauleʻa. Photo by Julia Neal |
THOUSANDS OF SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSES WELCOMED HOʻAIKĀNE to the main stage of the tenth Kaʻū Coffee Fest last Saturday. The band played for the crowd at the festival, with their Hawaiian, Jawaiian, Country, and Reggae music. Russell Mauga wrote in to tell Kaʻū about the band’s experience:
“HoʻAikane would like to thank each and everyone that had participated in the 10th Annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival this year and for allowing us to participate in your success of this event each year. To HoʻAikane we've always believed that "It's for the people" is why we do what we do - from when HoʻAikane was formed in 1983 in Keaukaha, Hilo by Walter Tavares Jr., Russell and John Mauga Jr., we had a great passion for music but most of all our love for the people of Hawai'i. Today HoʻAikane is: Russell Mauga, Jamieson Wong, Jamin "Chief Ragga" Wong, Isaiah Tavares and Joby Wong, and hired musician William "Billy" Akaka on Key Boards...
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HoʻAikāne member Russell Mauga, right, brings the band to the Kaʻū Coffee Festival. Photo by Julia Neal |
“Our thoughts on this years Hoʻolauleʻa was epic. It's something about Kaʻū in itself brings great pride and yet at the same time honor and humility is very transparent thru the people of Kaʻū. Our Keiki and it's History of the people of Kaʻū really is what moves HoʻAikane to perform so well. Like I said It's all about the people. Kaʻū is a very sacred area and we should always keep it like that. HoʻAikane witnessed thru out the day nothing but a group of people from different cultures coming together and sharing love and aloha for one another as one thru local favorite foods, coffee, hula, music and so much more. We were so blessed to see all of you come together in such a way that it's very humbling and blessed to be a small part of it thru our music. The people of Kaʻū gave us the mana to perform at a level that we will never forget, and HoʻAikane again says Mahalo to all of you the people of Kaʻū and may God continue to bring blessings after blessings to your great event. Ke Akua Pu.”
The group recently played for a fundraiser for Willie K, and accompanied the veterans of the Hōkūleʻa sailing canoe in the Merrie Monarch Parade.
Visit facebook.com/hoaikane.kailuakona
See more on the Kaʻū Coffee Fest at www.kaucoffeefestival.com
Visit facebook.com/hoaikane.kailuakona
See more on the Kaʻū Coffee Fest at www.kaucoffeefestival.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. |
SATURDAY, MAY 12
Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants w/ Zach Mermel, Sat, May 12, 9-noon, Volcano Arts Center
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Mother's Day Saturday Walk in the Park, May 12, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Board Member, Linda Pratt, for this month's 4-mile hike exploring Kilauea Iki Crater. The walk is free for members; non-members are welcome to join the Friends group to attend. Registration required, www.fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.
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, 967-8222Jazz in the Forest Concert, Sat, May 12, 4:30pm & 7pm, Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Django Hot Club of Volcano and French Cafe Jazz. Tickets available online, $18/VAC Member, $20/non-Member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
OPENING AND REGULAR GALLERY HOURS CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE - WILL BE RESCHEDULED: 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
OPENING AND REGULAR GALLERY HOURS CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE - WILL BE RESCHEDULED: 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
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: 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
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: 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
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tue, May 15, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic painting techniques. Enjoy sampling of several wines. $30/VAC Member, $35/non-Member, plus $17 supply fee/person.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Lei Hulu Demonstration, Wed, May 16, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcanoes National Park
THURSDAY, MAY 17
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, May 17, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, May 17, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, May 17, 6:30pm, United MethodistChurch in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197
FRIDAY, MAY 18
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Forest Restoration with Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Friday, May 18, 
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workay, Fri, May 18,
Ho‘okani Pila (Play Music) Workshop, Fri, May 18, 10-noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how to play simple, fun songs on the ‘ukulele. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
HEALING THROUGH WORDS, A CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP with Dr. Heather Friedman Rivera, will take place Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., announces Volcano Art Center.
The workshop is geared towards those who want to write and want guidance, support or inspiration to begin. Rivera will use imagery, visualization, and prompts to help students tap into their creative muse and discover the healing power of writing.
Participants who wish to share their writing will have the opportunity to do so in a safe, supportive environment.
Rivera is an Amazon best-selling Author who found healing while writing her first novel. She obtained her Ph.D. in Parapsychic Science in 2011, her Doctorate in Law in 2002 and is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist specializing in Past-life Regression. She trained with Dr. Brian Weiss at The Weiss Institute. Rivera is also a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience. She is the author of seven books, contributing author in five books, and author of numerous articles. She serves as an editor for the International Journal of Regression Therapy. Rivera has been featured in print, radio, and web television. She holds workshops and retreats on writing and past life regression, and coaches writers from dream to book-in-hand.
“Find your voice and let the words flow,” says the event description. The class fee is $30 per Volcano Art Center Member and $35 per non-Member. For more details or to sign-up, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
The workshop is geared towards those who want to write and want guidance, support or inspiration to begin. Rivera will use imagery, visualization, and prompts to help students tap into their creative muse and discover the healing power of writing.
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| Dr. Heather Friedman Rivera offers a creative writing workshop in Volcano this month. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Rivera is an Amazon best-selling Author who found healing while writing her first novel. She obtained her Ph.D. in Parapsychic Science in 2011, her Doctorate in Law in 2002 and is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist specializing in Past-life Regression. She trained with Dr. Brian Weiss at The Weiss Institute. Rivera is also a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience. She is the author of seven books, contributing author in five books, and author of numerous articles. She serves as an editor for the International Journal of Regression Therapy. Rivera has been featured in print, radio, and web television. She holds workshops and retreats on writing and past life regression, and coaches writers from dream to book-in-hand.
“Find your voice and let the words flow,” says the event description. The class fee is $30 per Volcano Art Center Member and $35 per non-Member. For more details or to sign-up, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
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ONGOING
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 464-9634.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.
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.
5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m. ; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Mon, July 9: 5K, $25/person; 10K, $35/person; and 1/2 Marathon , $45/person. From July 9 to Aug 11: $30/person, $40/person, and $45/person, respectively. From Aug 13 to Sept 20: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.
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