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| Ash splatter from the explosive eruption at 4:17 a.m. today at summit of Kīlauea Volcano. USGS Photo |
During a press conference this morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said the event was consistent with lava interacting with groundwater creating explosions as the crater floor subsides. The entire Kīlauea crater floor subsided by 3 feet yesterday and pressure built beneath it. Larger explosions are possible. Some could be short lived and others sustained. Scientists referred to the situation as "dynamic" and this morning's explosion as "short lived,""narrow," and "tall but small."
Geologists Jim Kauhaikaua said that in 1924, there were a series of explosions at Kīlauea summit. Scientists expect more explosions in the near future to relieve pressure at the summit. "We're in it for the long haul," said Kauhaikaua.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the ash plume this morning drifting to the northeast and that continued emissions from the crater reached as high as 12,000 feet.
"At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent," said the statement for HVO.
Due to elevated sulfur dioxide (S02) levels from the continued gas emissions from fissures in lower Puna, Pahoa High, Intermediate, and Elementary School Complex, Keonepoko Elementary, and Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science are closed today. The state Department of Health reported the installation of many more air quality measuring instruments in Puna.
Due to the unstable conditions and ash events, Volcano School of Arts and Science is also closed. The Volcano community experienced some 125 quakes in the 24 hours leading up to the ash explosion this morning.
Yesterday, scientists found 2-foot wide rocks thrown out of the crater onto the Jaggar Museum parking lot near the overlook.
With an ash alert, but clean air readings in Kaʻū, Kaʻū High & Elementary, Nāʻālehu School and Kaʻū Learning Academy remain open.
See this morning's interview with HVO team and other officials, recorded by Hawaiʻi News Now.
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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED AN ASHFALL ADVISORY in effect until noon today for the entire island and its surrounding waters. The advisory says additional eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano Summit may occur the rest of this morning. "The advisory may need to be extended if volcanic ashfall persists." NWS lists impacts as ash accumulation of less than one quarter inch as possible in the advisory area.
NWS advises mariners to avoid the nearshore waters of Hawaiʻi Island until the ashfall subsides.
"At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent," said the statement for HVO.
Due to elevated sulfur dioxide (S02) levels from the continued gas emissions from fissures in lower Puna, Pahoa High, Intermediate, and Elementary School Complex, Keonepoko Elementary, and Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science are closed today. The state Department of Health reported the installation of many more air quality measuring instruments in Puna.
Due to the unstable conditions and ash events, Volcano School of Arts and Science is also closed. The Volcano community experienced some 125 quakes in the 24 hours leading up to the ash explosion this morning.
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| A 2-ft. wide projectile found in the ash covered parking lot by Jaggar Museum yesterday. More explosives and much larger projectiles are possible, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. USGS photo |
With an ash alert, but clean air readings in Kaʻū, Kaʻū High & Elementary, Nāʻālehu School and Kaʻū Learning Academy remain open.
See this morning's interview with HVO team and other officials, recorded by Hawaiʻi News Now.
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.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED AN ASHFALL ADVISORY in effect until noon today for the entire island and its surrounding waters. The advisory says additional eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano Summit may occur the rest of this morning. "The advisory may need to be extended if volcanic ashfall persists." NWS lists impacts as ash accumulation of less than one quarter inch as possible in the advisory area.
NWS advises mariners to avoid the nearshore waters of Hawaiʻi Island until the ashfall subsides.
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.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SERVICES AND NOAA’s National Weather Service announced Wednesday that they are working together to observe, model, and warn the public of hazardous conditions in connection with volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island:
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| An ashfall alert has been issued by the National Weather Service until noon today. It may be extended of eruptions continue at Kīlauea Volcano summit. NWS Map |
"While the USGS Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Observatory is positioning staff to observe the volcano and best communicate its status and evolution, they rely heavily on the weather forecasts from
NOAA. Wind forecasts, along with dispersion models such as HYSPLIT, are critical in
understanding where sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) will disperse from
fissures and vents to ensure safety of USGS observers, emergency managers and the public.
On May 15 the National Weather Service issued the first ever ashfall advisory for Hawai`i.
Forecasters will issue ashfall advisories and warnings when ashfall is a hazard. NOAA predicts
where an ash plume will go and how much ash will accumulate using USGS’s Ash3d Volcanic
Ash Dispersion Model .
Volcanic ash clouds can threaten air traffic by sandblasting windscreens, clogging pitot tubes,
and in severe cases, causing jet engines to shut down. NOAA issues volcanic ash warnings to
alert pilots to potential ash in the atmosphere and will include volcanic ash in forecasts for
airports.
During explosive eruptions, volcanic ash can disrupt downwind populations by causing
breathing problems, impacting water quality, clogging air filters, shorting out power systems and
making transportation difficult. If your community is threatened by ash, you are advised to do the
following:
○ Seal windows and doors.
○ Protect electronics and cover air intakes and open water sources.
○ Avoid driving as visibility will be reduced and roads may become slippery.
○ Remain indoors to avoid inhaling ash particles unless it’s absolutely necessary to
go outside. If you have a respiratory illness, do not go outside.
○ If you must go outside, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth.
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.
FRIDAY, MAY 18
DESPITE THE HAZY SKIES FOLLOWING AN ASH EXPLOSION and continuing ash plume rising at Kīlauea Volcano, air quality was reported as good this morning in Pāhala and Ocean View, the only two places with instrumentation that are reporting outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Light rains may have taken ash to the ground. However, an ash fall alert remains untilnoon .
As of 8 a.m., at Pāhala, SO2 levels registered at 0.01 parts per million. Ocean View registered as moderate, at 0.11 ppm. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory.
Light rains may have taken ash to the ground. However, an ash fall alert remains until
As of 8 a.m., at Pāhala, SO2 levels registered at 0.01 parts per million. Ocean View registered as moderate, at 0.11 ppm. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory.
Combined measurements of particulates, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide - the Air Quality index - registered in Pāhala as 11, good, and Ocean View as 71, moderate, at 7 a.m. See AirNow. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi
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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. |
FRIDAY, MAY 18
CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Forest Restoration with Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Friday, May 18, 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.
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
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Volunteer Estuary Restoration Workay, Fri, May 18,
Ho‘okani Pila (Play Music) Workshop, Fri, May 18,
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
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 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
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
MONDAY, MAY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, May 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
TUESDAY, MAY 22
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
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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
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23
THURSDAY, MAY 24
VA Medical Services, Thursdays, May 24 & 31, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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| Learn to make poi on May 30. Event details at right. Photo from National Park Service |
The root of the kalo plant is cooked and pounded (ku‘i) to create this classic Hawaiian dish. The authentic cultural experience with rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau Experience the Skillful Work workshops. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
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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.
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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.
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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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.
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.
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.
