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| Fissure 17, as seen from a helicopter today, measured at over 1,400 feet long. Scientists in the helicopter said they could hear the explosions of erupting lava over the rotor sound. Photo from Big Island Video News |
A statement from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says: "Residents of lower Puna: there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare. If you evacuate voluntarily, pet-friendly shelters are open at Pāhoa Community Center and Keaʻau Community Center.
"Highway 132 is closed at Pohoiki Road intersection. Only local traffic allowed on Highway 132 (Pāhoa-Kapoho Road) and Highway 137 (Beach Road). Highway 130 is closed at the intersection of Highway 132. Only local traffic allowed into Leilani Subdivision. Highway 130 remains closed between Malama Street and Kamaʻili
Road. Off-road sightseeing is prohibited. Stay out of the active eruption area. Allow the residents to care for their business.
"Vacation rentals in lower Puna are directed to cease operations to relieve the demand for water as well as reduce the area population so emergency responders can focus on residents who live in the area.
Halekamahina Road are ordered to evacuate and be on the alert for gas emissions and lava spatter.
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| Fissure 18 opened up this afternoon, following Fissure 17, which extended more than 1,400 feet. Photo from USGS |
"Vacation rentals in lower Puna are directed to cease operations to relieve the demand for water as well as reduce the area population so emergency responders can focus on residents who live in the area.
"Due to the continued volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island, three charter schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 14, according to the Public Charter School Commission: Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki, LPCS and Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School.
Earlier today, Civil Defense warned: "Lava spatter activity and gas emissions are occurring at this time on Halekamahina Road located to the west, or Kalapana side, of Highway 132. Due to the volcanic activity, Highway 132 and Highway 137 remain open for local traffic only. Residents of  |
| Aerial view of fissure 16 at 8:27 a.m. yesterday, located about .8 miles northeast of fissure 15 (top left). The fissure is northeast of the Puna Geothermal Venture site (top right). Photo courtesy of Hawaiʻi County Fire Department |
“Hawaiʻi Police Department is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restriction for lower Puna area. No helicopter or drone activity is allowed without approval.” Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park confirmed during a press conference this morning the FAA restriction is in place at least through May 25.
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NEW LAVA OUTBREAKS IN LOWER PUNA COULD START FLOWING FASTER, according to hints from chemical tests on the most recent lava outbreak in fissure 17, which opened up yesterday. During a press conference this morning, Steve Brantley of USGS said the chemical composition of the new lava is slightly different than lava tested in the first 16 fissures. He said lava that destroyed houses in Leilani Estates may have been stored locally along the Rift Zone since as far back as the 1955 eruption. He said none of that lava appears to be from Puʻu ʻŌʻō or the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.
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| During an overflight on May 11, thermal images were collected of the crater at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō to create an updated 3D model of the crater geometry. The collapse on April 30 produced a large cavity, with the deepest point roughly 350 m (1150 feet) below the crater rim. Image from USGS |
Given this possibility, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense has warned lower Puna residents that they might have to evacuate quickly, if the faster flowing, more fluid lava erupts.
Regarding the possibility of explosive eruptions at Haelmaʻumaʻu, Brantley said scientists are unable to determine the level of the lava lake at the summit. Visual, laser range finding, and thermal imaging are unavailable for tracking the level of the lake, since it has dropped beyond view and is inaccessible for imaging. Scientists are assuming that the level continues to go down, based on deflation and tilt measurements, and will reach groundwater, which could cause steam-driven explosions.
VOLCANIC HAZARDS AND ACTIVITY are posted at the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network. The new resource covers the current eruptive activity and associated hazards at Kīlauea’s summit and the Lower East Rift Zone. See vog.ivhhn.org.
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AIR QUALITY IN KAʻ TODAY was reported healthy as far as combined measurements of particulates, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. At 2 p.m., the Air Quality index registered a 0 in Pāhala. Ocean View registered at 65, which is "moderate" air quality. Reading later in the day were unavailable. See AirNow.
The SO2 in Pāhala waffled between "good" air at 0.04 parts per million at 12 a.m., to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" at .32 ppm at 6 a.m., back to "good" air at 0.03 ppm at 1:15 p.m., continuing good through 8 p.m. Ocean View's range was between 0.02 ppm at 12 a.m., to a single spike of air "unhealthy for sensitive groups," registering at 0.21 ppm at 9 a.m., and back to healthy air, also registering at 0.03 ppm at 1:15 p.m., continuing good through 8 p.m. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory.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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| Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has spread from Hawaiʻi Island where it killed some 135,000 acres of native ʻōhiʻa trees, to Moloaʻa Forest Preserve on Kauaʻi. SeeThe Nature Conservancy film. |
A team identified the fungus as Ceratocystis huliohia, a slower-acting fungus than the more aggressive Ceratocystis lukuohia. Both species are found on Hawaiʻi Island, where Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has infected 135,000 acres of the native tree that makes up 80 percent of the native forest here, essential for producing groundwater. ʻŌhiʻa makes up 50 percent of all forest on Hawaiʻi Island.
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Rotorods have been installed in hala trees at the Moloaʻa Forest Reserve where Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death was detected on Kaua‘i. Photo from ROD Facebook |
Rotorods measure airborne particulates and can help researchers detect airborne frass - beetle boring dust - that may harbor infectious spores. The information gathered from rotorods can help determine if ROD-infected beetle frass is airborne and potentially spreading in the area.
See The Nature Conservancy film on Rapid
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A TRAFFIC DEATH RESULTED FROM A PICKUP TRUCK ROLLING OVER on Hwy 11 between Pāhala and Volcano this morning around 7:45 a.m. Police reported the accident at the 41 mile marker. The vehicle was a Toyota pickup with the driver ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. No name has been released.
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A TRAFFIC DEATH RESULTED FROM A PICKUP TRUCK ROLLING OVER on Hwy 11 between Pāhala and Volcano this morning around 7:45 a.m. Police reported the accident at the 41 mile marker. The vehicle was a Toyota pickup with the driver ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. No name has been released.
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A MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE FROM SEN. MAZIE HIRONO circulated today. She wrote: "When I was nearly eight years old, my mother, Laura, made the courageous decision to escape an abusive marriage in Japan and create a better life for my brothers and me in Hawaiʻi.
"Mom worked two jobs to put food on the table and sewed all my clothes herself. Our early years were difficult, but together, we persevered. Mom’s 93 now and has lived with me and my husband, Leighton, for over 20 years. Over the years, she’s done everything she could to support me –
including making her famous guava jelly to give away, haku lei, and cards decorated with
flowers that she grew and pressed herself. Mom’s decision to leave Japan changed my life. It paved the way for opportunities that led to my service in the U.S. Senate. Nothing that I can do will ever match her courage. |
| Mazie Hirono, left, and her mother, who came to Hawaiʻi with nothing and built a life for their family. Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono |
"On Mother’s Day, I honor my mom, and all of the mothers in Hawaiʻi who make courageous decisions and quiet sacrifices for their children every day. Mahalo nui loa for all that you do."
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A MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE FROM GOV. DAVID IGE'S TEAM says, "Our moms are our first and most important teachers. Tsurue Ige, Governor Ige’s mother, grew up on a sugar plantation when schools only went through the 8th grade. But, she believed that anyone could aspire to their dreams. Tsurue sacrificed so much in order to provide opportunities that included achieving a good education for her six sons.
"First Lady Dawn Ige is also an incredibly caring woman and mother. Utilizing her business and education background, she actively promotes healthy living opportunities through the Choose Healthy Now program, advocating for strong Hawai‘i families and keiki. As the mother of Amy, Lauren, and Matthew, Dawn is dedicated to her family and our community through her public service in education and healthcare."
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HAWAIʻI STATE TEACHER’S ASSOCIATION ENDORSED GOV. DAVID IGE yesterday. The group represents approximately 13,700 educators from public and charter schools. A release from Ige’s office states:
“From expanding the Early College
“Governor Ige knows that investment in education is the greatest predictor of economic innovation and success, and Team Ige is thrilled for the Governor and the recognition he has received for his many accomplishments for Hawaiʻi's education.”
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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. |
TUESDAY, MAY 15
Discovery Harbour 4:30-6:30pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
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Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, May 16, noon-1pm, Ocean View Community Center
THURSDAY, MAY 17
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Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, May 17, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Work on the Mauna Loa strip, clearing invasive weeds around native seedlings planted in the past, allowing the park to control blackberry and other weeds without hurting the seedlings. Registration required. To volunteer, contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening May 14, 2018 . Include your first & last name(s), email address(s), and a phone number in case of cancellation.
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Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workay, Fri, May 18,9-3pm ; contact in advance for meeting location. Short hike to site. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
SATURDAY, MAY 19
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The Art Express, Sat, May 19, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express
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MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Mongolian BBQ, Sat, May 19, 5-8pm Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
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SUNDAY, MAY 20
NEW & UPCOMING
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
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Lei Hulu Demonstration, Wed, May 16, 10-noo
THURSDAY, MAY 17
VA Medical Services, Thursdays, May 17, 24, & 31, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, May 17, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, May 17, 6:30pm, United MethodistChurch
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Fishponds Of Hawai‘i: Free Lecture and Slideshow by Carol Araki Wyban, Thu, May 17, 7-8pm, Volcano Art Center. Artist presenting exhibited at Volcano Art Center Gallery, May 12-June 24. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
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
SATURDAY, MAY 19
Stained Glass Basics I w/Lois Pollock, Sat & Sun, May 19, 20, 26 & 27, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $15 supply fee/person. Advance registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, May 19, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, May 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Hula Kahiko w/Wahineaukai Mercado w/Ke Ana La‘ahana Public Charter School, Sat, May 19, 10:30-11:30am, kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Nā Mea Hula w/ Loke Kamanu and ‘ohana, Sat, May 19, 11-1pm , Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Bunco & Potluck, Sat, May 19, 6pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Day w/Island Naturals, Sun, May 20, contact in advance for meeting time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Space limited. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: People & Land of Kahuku, Sun, May 20, 9:30-12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
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| Kumu Hula Wahineaukai Mercado. Event details at left. Photo from volcanoartcener.org |
The performance will take place in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (hula platform) in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. Free; however, park entrance fees apply.
The event is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ʻohana.
Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.
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| Ka‘iulani Carvalho presents a workshop on bamboo stamping this month. Event details at right. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Carvalho was born in Hilo and raised in Puna. She is a 2012 graduate of Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, a Hawaiian Language Immersion Public Charter School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies and Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and is currently pursuing certification from Kahuawaiola – the Indigenous Teacher Education Graduate Program.
Free; however, park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.
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MAY BE CANCELLED OR MOVED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: KDEN AUDITIONS for summer musical, Lionel Bart's Oliver, Tue and Wed, May 22 & 23, 6:30 p.m. , at KMC's Kilauea Theater. Parts for all ages and ability. Auditioneers should be prepared to sing a song that best shows their vocal range and dress comfortably to move on the stage. There will also be cold readings.
Principal characters include: Oliver - the orphan boy, Fagin - the conniving criminal, Nancy - Fagin's friend and Bill Sike's wife, Mr Brownlow - Oliver's grandfather, Bill Sikes - Nancy's brute of a husband, Mr. Bumble - the beadle of the workhouse, and Artful Dodger - the cleverest of Fagin's pickpockets. Other fun characters include the Undertaker Sowerberry and his wife, along with their daughter Charlotte and aide Noah; Charley Bates the Dodger's friend; Bet - Nancy's sister; Mrs. Corney - the matron of the workhouse; house-servant Mrs. Bedwin; Dr. Grimwig; and Old Sally.
The show will run July 13 through 29. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
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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.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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