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| Lava river to Kapoho from Fissure 8 in Leilani, the image taken in an overflight this morning. USGS photo |
AS THE TOLL GROWS TO 600 HOMES DESTROYED, THE GOVERNOR BROUGHT A $12 MILLION pledge to Hawaiʻi County on Thursday to help with emergency services and recovery efforts during the ongoing Kīlauea Volcano disaster. In five weeks, the county alone spent $3 million, said Mayor Harry Kim. The governor said the money is the first of more to come.
During a press conference in Hilo, Gov. David Ige described the volume of lava that keeps pouring from fissure 8 in Leilani Estates. "It certainly has escalated the impact and devastation of the area," he said, referring to the farms and homes lost from Leilani to Kapoho and Vacationland.
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| Aerial flight shows Kapoho Bay filled with lava and a few houses remaining on its north end as lava approached them. Approximately 600 houses are believed to have been taken by the lava flow. USGS Photo |
Mayor Harry Kim repeated his expressions of sadness and hope that he relayed last night when meeting with victims of the lava. He remembered the 1990 lava flows that took out Kalapana homes, beaches, parks, and surf spots, where native "Hawaiians for generations, overnight - they lost everything."
He noted that just three days ago not one home in Vacationland, where he lost his house, "was affected not even under threat." He said the shocking fact for him was that he got a call in middle of night that lava was flowing 800 yards an hour, "almost a water type flow, unbelievable." People fled, some with very little with them. "Remember 'home' is a word. I am talking about 600 families."
Kim again promised to cut through county, state, and federal bureaucracy to recover from this disaster. Both he and the governor talked about building a "new community."
The governor brought up the question of whether people should live "in certain places." Both he and the mayor inferred that perhaps homes should not be located in the active rift zone of the volcano. Both mentioned their concern for ranchers and farmers, and how to help them rebuild their businesses and perhaps relocate.
Ige said he has never seen such a committed group of people - federal, state, and county - responding to a crisis, "putting the community first," 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for more than a month. He said the $12 million comes from savings in the state budget, and that the Memorandum of Understanding to provide it soon is "just a start to move the recovery and repair process forward." He noted that Sen. Russell Ruderman and Sen. Kai Kahele also asked for his help.
The mayor called it a "tangible hope that we will find ways to make it better."
Regarding the immediate need for housing, Kim said he is working with churches to get the community involved for shelter, mid-term, long-term, and "hopefully a permanent community."
Also on hand was Willie Nunn, Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA. He said FEMA is particularly good at bringing in technical help, which it did to protect the public when the Puna Geothermal Venture plant was threatened and partially covered with lava. In addition, FEMA is helping with air quality assessments and planning for temporary housing. Up to 45 FEMA workers were brought in for technical assistance for all aspects of the disaster. Fifteen are on island as incident managers.
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| FEMA Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn, Mayor Harry Kim, and Gov. David Ige said they will work as a team to cut through red tape and provide a recovery program for the disaster. Image from Hawaiʻi News Now. See Press Conference |
When asked about help with promoting tourism to bring back the economy islandwide, the mayor said the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has a $5 million emergency fund "that we can activate.... We will continue to work to focus the message that Hawaiʻi Island is still a great place to visit."
MORE HOMES WERE TAKEN THIS MORNING at the north end of Kapoho Beach lots, the Ikaika Marzo Facebook livestream reported. "The flow front is very thick. Kapoho graveyard is still there as of this morning, but as for Kapoho, Vacationland, or Waiʻōpae, it is all gone. These are the last remaining homes in the Kapoho Beach Lot area. My heart goes out to them," Marzo said.
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| Some remaining homes being taken by lava in Kapoho Beach lots. Image from Ikaika Marzo Facebook |
He and Mileka Lincoln reported that during their trip by boat there Wednesday, the ocean water was hot in Kapoho Bay, some 117 F, and that hundreds of fish, turtles, and eels were floating on the surface, dead.
Marzo described seeing the "30 feet high lava wall bulldozing over the houses." He recalled a pattern he noticed, that lava would come in and take out a house on the coast and stop, then turn left and right to take out more houses instead of flowing directly into the ocean; "Like it has a purpose," he said.
On Marzo's regular Facebook update yesterday evening, his colleagues said that the lava flow from Fissure 8 is building up walls, berms, and levies that are strong, and may somewhat contain it on its path to the ocean, meaning that perhaps there will be fewer outbreaks and hazards to those left along the way.
Lincoln described the power of the lava flow's heat, even from 1,000 feet away on their boat. The lava flow into the ocean "was happening with just sheer force and energy, that dark cloud of sand and lava being thrown up in the air." She said it was "heartbreaking; we could see the fountaining from Fissure 8, six miles away" that flowed to Kapoho Bay. Marzo said, "we watched the fissure rage from the ocean entry."
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| Houses catch fire as heat from lava approaches in Kapoho Beach Lots. Image from Ikaika Marzo Facebook |
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.
In addition to DOH and EPA work on the program, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and South Coast Air Quality Management District in California provided expert staff, equipment, and monitors to this network.
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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ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through June 29 (closed June 11).
In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue (except Mon, June 11), 8-4:30pm.
In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.
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Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
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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.
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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. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.
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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.
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REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY DATA INCLUDING Nā‘ālehu has been launched by state, county, and federal groups, now online with 15 new monitors, bringing the total to 34 air quality monitors islandwide.
The aim is to give the public and emergency responders help in making informed decisions about the air quality affected by volcanic activity. The map uses the county’s three-color public notification system - blue, orange, and red - along with recommended protective actions to be taken by responders and the public.
Monitors track sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and particulate matter. They are concentrated in active fissure and summit areas, with monitors around the island, from Hilo , through Kaʻū, and up to Waikaloa.
The aim is to give the public and emergency responders help in making informed decisions about the air quality affected by volcanic activity. The map uses the county’s three-color public notification system - blue, orange, and red - along with recommended protective actions to be taken by responders and the public.
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| The new real-time air quality map allows the public to stay up-to-date on how to manage eruption air quality side effects. Map from epa.gov/kilaueaairdata. |
The state Department of Health, in partnership with Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency coordinated the effort. See epa.gov/kilaueaairdata.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said “Volcanic eruptions are unique hazards that call for specialized response protocols. We developed a system that aligns with federal and state health standards that also meets the needs of our county first responders. We believe these guidelines support our sheltering and evacuation messaging by efficiently communicating health risks to the public during our ongoing response.”
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said “Volcanic eruptions are unique hazards that call for specialized response protocols. We developed a system that aligns with federal and state health standards that also meets the needs of our county first responders. We believe these guidelines support our sheltering and evacuation messaging by efficiently communicating health risks to the public during our ongoing response.”
Director of the state Department of Health, Dr. Bruce Anderson, said, “The health and safety of first responders and the community have been our top priorities.”
Mike Stoker, regional administrator for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Office, said, "The EPA will continue to provide support to our partner agencies to ensure first responders and the public have access to this vital information.”
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| Chart from epa.gov/kilaueaairdata. |
The monitors provide real-time data on SO2 and H2S levels. The online map is color-coded, based on the average concentration of all data received over 30 minutes. It is updated every time a new reading is received. Blue indicates gas levels are healthy, orange indicates moderate levels, and red indicates unhealthy conditions.
To learn more about Hawaiʻi County
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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 |
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
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Zentangle: Stacks and Dangle Designs for a Dr. Seuss-Inspired Whimsical Garden, Sat, Jun 9, 10-1pm, $30/VAC Member, $35/non-Member, $10 supply fee. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register at volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
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Stained Glass Basics II, Sun, Jun 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Jun 10 and 24, 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. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
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Meet Candidate Raina Whiting, candidate for state Rep., Dist. 3. Sun, June 10, 2-3:30pm, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, upper pavilion. Bring prepared, written questions for the candidate. Light refreshments provided. Questions? Ezmerelda5@gmail.com, mgw1955@gmail.com, voteRaina.com
TUESDAY, JUNE 12
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Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu, Jun 14, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View, on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
KDEN's 16th Birthday Celebration, Fri, June 8, 6-8pm, at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant. Tickets are $20, which includes an Italian buffet. There will be a raffle for orchid plants and chocolate tortes, and a live auction for a dinner for 6 at a location of the winner's choice. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 9Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Sat, Jun 9, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Stained Glass Basics II, Sat and Sun, Jun 9 and 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
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Hi‘iaka and Pele, Sat, Jun 9, 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
Hi‘iaka and Pele, Sat, Jun 9, 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
Kāwā Volunteer Day, Sat, Jun 9, 9:30am, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org
CANCELLED: Jazz in the Forest Concert, Sat, Jun 9. The July concert is also cancelled. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 10
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Jun 10 and 24, 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. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Meet Candidate Raina Whiting, candidate for state Rep., Dist. 3. Sun, June 10, 2-3:30pm, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, upper pavilion. Bring prepared, written questions for the candidate. Light refreshments provided. Questions? Ezmerelda5@gmail.com, mgw1955@gmail.com, voteRaina.com
TUESDAY, JUNE 12
Special Event: Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, Tue, Jun 12, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. HOT has been producing opera in Hawai’i for 33 years - Broadway and classical favorites. 939-2442
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Jun 12, 4-6pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
THURSDAY, JUNE 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu, Jun 14, Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View, on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
KDEN CELEBRATES ITS 16TH BIRTHDAY tomorrow, Friday, June 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant. Tickets are $20, which includes an Italian buffet. There will be a raffle for orchid plants and chocolate tortes, and a live auction for a dinner for 6 at a location of the winner’s choice.
KDEN is also addressing the closure of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: “As we begin our 17th year, we are in production for our annual summer musical OLIVER! We plan to perform July 13 through 29, but are currently an orphaned theater company doing a show about an orphan. Due to the closure of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, we are not sure if we will be able to perform in our beloved Kīlauea Theater at Kīlauea Military Camp. There is a ‘Plan B’, but we will wait until July 1st to make that decision. In the meantime please send all your positive vibes that we will be able to get into our home again.”
For more information about the birthday party or the show, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through June 29 (closed June 11).
In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue (except Mon, June 11), 8-4:30pm.
In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.
Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
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. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $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,
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.
