 |
| Ash plume from Halemaʻumaʻu as seen from Volcano Golf Course yesterday. Photo by Annabelle Lewis |
 |
| Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park warns motorists of cracks in Highwy 11 between Mile Markers 28 and 29, Kaʻū side of the entrance to the park. NPS Photo |
Park emergency managers urge motorists to slow down and use caution on Highway 11, particularly between mile markers 28 and 29, and Pi‘i Mauna Road, where most damage occurred. The park, which has jurisdiction of Highway 11 between mile markers 28 and 38.5, is not closing Highway 11 at this time.
In addition, motorists are reminded that stopping for non-emergency purposes along the side and shoulders of Highway 11 in the park is prohibited.
“We are leaving Highway 11 open at this time, but will close it if it becomes unsafe for motorists,” said Chief Ranger John Broward. “We suspect we’ll find additional damage throughout the park once we have time to assess damage,” he said.
The earthquake also created sizable cracks and floor shifting in the park’s Visitor Emergency Operations Center and caused a temporary loss of power, and ruptured several water lines.
Most of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been closed since Friday, May 11, due to ongoing seismic activity, summit deflation, and a possible steam explosion at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.
 |
| Ash and steam cloud from Halemaʻumaʻu this afternoon, driving in from the Kaʻū Desert to Volcano. Photo by Kerya Ty-Chun |
According to USGS, yesterday’s series of summit events reflect the most energetic explosions yet observed and could reflect the onset of steam-driven explosive activity.
Today, the 8:30 a.m. 4.4 quake was followed by quakes in the 2.1 to 3.7 range. A 2:30 p.m. statement from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said, "Strong earthquakes within the summit of Kīlauea Volcano continue in response to ongoing deflation and lava column drop. As of the afternoon of May 16, the floor of Kīlauea caldera has dropped approximately 3 feet (90 cm). This movement is stressing faults around the caldera of Kīlauea, causing them to move and resulting in strong earthquakes of up to magnitude 4.4 thus far. |
Cracks in Hwy 11 between entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Volcano Golf Course. Photo by Kerya Ty-Chun |
"As deflation continues, strong earthquakes in the area around Kīlauea Volcano's summit are expected to continue and may become more frequent. Areas further from these earthquakes may feel some ground motion as well, but much less severe.
"The shallow depths of these earthquakes make them more damaging in the immediate vicinity of the epicenter, and individuals need to take precautions to minimize damage from the shaking, including the removal of unstable items from walls and shelves. Steep slopes should be avoided as they may become destabilized during strong earthquake."
 |
| The red dots clustered around Halemaʻumaʻu are earthquakes that could be related to future ash, rock, and steam eruptions. USGS map |
Steam and ash continue to rise up out of Halemaʻumaʻu. Jessica Ferracane of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reminds motorists there is no stopping, unless emergency, on Highwy 11 between mile markers 28 and 38.
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.
Said the governor, "I thank Secretary Mattis for his quick approval. This joint military task force will provide the necessary state and federal resources to Mayor Kim and his Civil Defense team. Together, we are committed to supporting the residents of Hawaiʻi Island in their time of need."
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.
International Volcano Health Hazard Network produces printable and downloadable pamphlets, available online at ivhhn.org, that advise on preparing for ashfall, the health complications of volcanic ash, what to do after ashfall, and information about volcanic gases and the associated health hazards. The organization recommends, “If there is ash in your water, let it settle and then use the clean water. If there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine. Water contaminated by ash will usually make drinking water unpalatable before it presents a health risk. You may eat vegetables from the garden, but wash them [with clean water] first.”
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.
SO2 LEVELS, according to the only two monitoring stations in Kaʻū, outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, registered mostly good air today. At Pāhala. the SO2 registered as good between midnight and 6 a.m., moderate between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and unhealthy for sensitive persons between 10 a.m and 10:30 a.m. The SO2 level was good for the rest of the afternoon with the exception of 45 minutes of moderate air.
![]()
Ocean View's SO2 level registered good over the last two days; at 9:30 a.m. this morning it registered as moderate for 30 minutes followed by good air for the rest of the day. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory.
BRIG. GENERAL KENNETH HARA received the authority from Secretary of Defense James Mattis today to command both the National Guard and active military forces to plan for and be ready for mass air evacuations should roadways in Puna be lost to lava.
Gov. David Y. Ige made the request and announced today the formation of a Dual-Status Command, Joint Task Force 50, in response to the Kīlauea lava flow. Ige’s formal request to appoint Hara was submitted on Tuesday. The formation of this JTF establishes a clear chain of command to maintain operational unity between state and federal efforts and increase efficiency.
 |
Brig. General Kenneth Hara commands the National Guard and active military forces for possible volcanic eruption evacuations and related emergencies. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Hara is the Deputy Adjutant General and Commander of the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard. He will oversee a joint Hawaiʻi National Guard and active duty military joint task force. Based on the current threat the JTF may be required for Search and Rescue, Incident Awareness and Assessment, Debris Clearance, Security, and Emergency Evacuation.
A 22 personnel JTF advance team was deployed to the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo , on Monday, May 14, and began planning for potential missions. Pre-staging the advance team will enable faster response to requests for military support made by Hawaiʻi County.
Hara, as the Dual Status Commander, is a legally authorized military officer who assumes simultaneous but mutually exclusive command authority over both National Guard forces and Title 10 federal military forces. While state and federal military forces maintain separate and distinct chains of command, the Dual Status Commander leads all military forces and directs their response efforts.
For more information about Dual Status Commander authority, click here.
PREPARING FOR ASHFALL WITH A RAIN WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEM involves disconnecting tanks prior to ash falling, says the International Volcano Health Hazard Network. All drainpipes and downspouts from gutters - attached to a rain water system or otherwise - should also be disconnected to stop drains from clogging, while allowing ash and water to empty from gutters onto the ground. Rain water collection systems (tanks included) that are uncovered, partially covered, or covered by a porous material - such a synthetic mesh - should be covered completely to avoid contamination by ash.
 |
| Rain water collection systems (tanks included) that are uncovered, partially covered, or covered by a porous material - such a synthetic mesh - should be covered completely to avoid contamination by ash. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Volcanic Ashfall Impacts Working Group, volcanoes.usgs.gov, states that “contamination of water supplies has been reported for several historic eruptions. The most common problems resulting from ashfall are increased levels of suspended ash in water (turbidity), which can cause a range of problems for water treatment, and higher-than-usual demand for water. The organization also recommends “disconnecting the downpipe from the roof to the tank prior to the ashfall.”
“Tank water contaminated by ash is unlikely to be a health hazard as elements released from the ash (particularly iron, manganese, and aluminum) can impart an unpleasant metallic taste to the water making it unpalatable to drink, with this effect outweighing the release of any toxic elements such as fluorine from the ash,” states the Working Group, and adds “it may be necessary to empty, clean and refill the tank,” if the water becomes contaminated by ash.
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.
SO2 LEVELS, according to the only two monitoring stations in Kaʻū, outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, registered mostly good air today. At Pāhala. the SO2 registered as good between midnight and 6 a.m., moderate between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and unhealthy for sensitive persons between 10 a.m and 10:30 a.m. The SO2 level was good for the rest of the afternoon with the exception of 45 minutes of moderate air.
Combined measurements of particulates, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide- the Air Quality index - registered in Pāhala as 35 - good at 7 a.m., 54 - moderate at at 9 a.m. Ocean View registered at 19 - good at 7 a.m., 61- moderate at 9 a.m. Both sites were unavailable later in the day. See AirNow.
Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality prediction website at http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/
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.
Also see the University of Hawaiʻi air quality prediction website at http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/
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.
 |
| 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. |
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 Methodist Church
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
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workay, Fri, May 18,
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
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, May 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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
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
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
SUNDAY, MAY 20
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
People & Land of Kahuku, Sun, May 20, 9:30-12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
MONDAY, MAY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, May 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Hawai‘i County Special Reading 9-4:30pm , Hilo
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, May 22, 3 p.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Auditions for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainments Musical "Oliver," Tue & Wed, May 22 & 23, 6:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Parts for all ages and ability. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, May 22, 3 p.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Auditions for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainments Musical "Oliver," Tue & Wed, May 22 & 23, 6:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Parts for all ages and ability. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23
 |
| Park Ranger Jay Robinson stands next to native Hawaiian silverswords for size comparison. Learn about how this species have been brought back from the brink of extinction on May 29. Event details at right. Photo from National Park Service |
The native silversword and lobeliads of Hawai‘i are spectacular examples of adaptive radiation, in which single colonizing ancestors have given rise to a stunning diversity of species – some of which are the world’s most critically imperiled plants. Learn how park managers have partnered with public and private organizations to bring these species back from the brink of extinction as McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park.
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free; park entrance fees apply. Donations support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
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.
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.
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.
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.
