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| See video of this morning's collapse event at Kīlauea's summit, showing crater walls falling with the pressure wave from the explosion passing through steam rising from the crater. USGS video |
CARRYING FIREARMS IN PUBLIC will be allowed in Hawai`i , following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturning a lower court ruling today. Hawai`i has long argued that the state has a right to prohibit carrying guns in public, while allowing guns for personal protection to be kept at home.
The Ninth Circuit, however, ruled in a 2-1 decision today that carrying guns in public for protection is protected by the U.S. Constitution. The county and state may appeal.
Hawai`i County Deputy Corporate Council Kaena Horowitz, who defended the county in the Ninth Circuit case, said today's ruling, "invalidates Hawai`i law that was designed to protect the safety and well being of the people of Hawai`i. Carrying firearms in public clearly poses a significant danger to the safety of our community and greatly increases the risk that police officers have to confront."
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| Hawai`i Attorney General Russell Suzuki, who intends to work with Hawai`i County on further action. Photo from @Atghlgov |
The Hawai`i AG said, "We intend to consult with Hawai‘i County and work with them on further action. We are disappointed in the decision that would undermine Hawai`i 's strong gun control law and our commitment to protect the public."
George Young, a Vietnam Veteran living in Hilo , filed the appeal when he was twice denied a permit to carry a firearm. Hawai`i is one of 15 states that require a permit to carry a handgun, but none have been given except to those working in security during the last 20 years, said Young's attorney.
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LAVA BORE DOWN ON POHOIKI TODAY, heading toward Isaac Hale Park and the diving, surfing, fishing, boating, and family gathering places along the shore. The loss of the treasured and favorite community oceanside recreational place seemed more likely with massive movement of lava viewed from helicopter overflights.
Pohoiki, one of the few ocean entry places left along the lower Puna coast, has long attracted people from all over the island and far away. Pohoiki - a place of imersion into Hawaiian ocean and seaside traditions, the ramp a prime launching facility for local fishing and lava tour boats. Pohoiki - almost always full of children playing in the water while music plays in the park.
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| Pohoiki today, with lava on its way toward Isaac Hale park and the boat ramp. Photo from Bruce Omori of Extreme Exposures, courtesy of Paradise Helicopters |
Pohoiki, one of the few ocean entry places left along the lower Puna coast, has long attracted people from all over the island and far away. Pohoiki - a place of imersion into Hawaiian ocean and seaside traditions, the ramp a prime launching facility for local fishing and lava tour boats. Pohoiki - almost always full of children playing in the water while music plays in the park.
Now deserted, Pohoiki felt the approach of lava today with the white smoke of laze rolling in like a blanket. Area residents sent out messages of "Pohoiki Strong," just hoping the lava would stop.
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| Palm trees at Pohoiki Boat Ramp and Isaac Hale Park, obscured by laze, may soon be covered in lava. Photo from houseofhowe.exposure.co/pohoiki-strong |
Ikaika Marzo shared photos and a post on Facebook from Bruce Omori, who described Pohoiki as "beloved" and "the last coastal gem in Puna." He said the lava took Shacks and sat on the edge of taking another surf spot called Dead Trees. Omori said that, though the lava looked still as they passed over in a helicopter, "there appears to be a significant build up of `a`ā behind it... which would not bode well in the long term.
"Please continue to pray for the residents of Puna, as thousands of individuals have had their lives altered forever."
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A VISIBLE PRESSURE WAVE FROM THE COLLAPSE EVENT at Kīlauea summit this morning, July 24, at 6:41 a.m. , released energy equivalent to a magnitude-5.3 earthquake. This quake is similar to that released by previous collapse events. In the USGS video, HVO's live-stream camera shows shaking, then the pressure wave from the collapse "passes through the steam plume in the crater, and light is reflected back to the camera, highlighting the passage of the expanding sound energy through the air," says the caption. Just after that, a rockfall begins on the South Sulphur Banks, a distant light-colored scarp on the left.
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| Halemau`ma`u at sunset this evening. USGS photo |
Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the channel leading northeastward from the vent, curving south to enter the ocean, primarily near Ahalanui. Crews in the field today do not report an increase in lava output from Fissure 8 following this morning's summit collapse event. In the last day, "ooze outs" along the edge of the lava flow in the Ahalanui area have caused the flow to expand westward.
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"OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS IN GRAVE DANGER," said Sen. Mazie Hirono in a statement issued today. She called the judicial system "the backbone of our democracy."
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono Photo from @maziehirono |
"As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I know all too well what's at stake in the battle to protect our courts: health care, immigration, equality for women and LGBTQ rights; everything we hold dear. We cannot allow the Senate to confirm extremist judges who will undermine the integrity of our judicial system." She asks those with her to "stand with me in the fight to protect our courts by adding their names to tell the Senate: Stop confirming Trump's unqualified judicial nominees."
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WEST KA`Ū'S STATE SENATOR, JOSH GREEN, LEADS in the polls in the race for Lt. Governor.
The primary election is Saturday, Aug. 11.
Green - who lived at the A-Frame house at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach when working as an emergency room doctor at Ka`ū Hospital - first ran for the state House of Representatives in 2004. He served from 2005 to 2009, when he became a state Senator. He represents District Three from Honu`apo through Nā`ālehu, South Point, Ocean View, and Kona, through theKohala Coast
The primary election is Saturday, Aug. 11.
Green - who lived at the A-Frame house at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach when working as an emergency room doctor at Ka`ū Hospital - first ran for the state House of Representatives in 2004. He served from 2005 to 2009, when he became a state Senator. He represents District Three from Honu`apo through Nā`ālehu, South Point, Ocean View, and Kona, through the
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| Sen. Josh Green, ahead in the polls in his bid for Lt. Gov. |
Green led the successful campaign to raise the age for obtaining tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to 21 years of age, and Hawai`i became the first state to do so. He succeeded in passing Luke’s law, which mandates health insurance companies cover autism. He advocates for medical prescriptions, for housing for the homeless, and led the cause to provide every child in Hawai`i with healthcare.
Green said that the Lt. Governor's position would give him a fighting chance to protect Medicare and Social Security for kupuna, and to block Pres. Donald Trump's efforts to strip millions of their healthcare and end protections for pre-existing conditions. Green describes health care as 'a basic human right." He advocates for a $15 minimum wage and equal pay for women. He has won numerous awards as legislator of the year from health care organizations.
Green is married to Jaime Ushiroda, from Kaneohe . They are raising daughter Maia and son Sam.
Green is running in a crowded field. Democrat candidates are: Kaua`i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, state Sen. Will Espero, former state Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto, and state Sen. Jill Tokuda. Republican candidates are businesswoman Marissa Kerns, businessman Steve Lipscomb, and Research Assistant Jeremy Low. Green Party candidate is retired city parks director Renee Ing. Two Nonpartisan candidates are bank manager Ernest Magaoay and auto salesman Paul Robotti.
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NEW and UPCOMING
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| Chief Ranger John Broward speaks at Coffee Talk at Kuhuku Unit Friday, July 27. Photo from NPS |
National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers are also trained as Emergency Medical Technicians and Search & Rescue Technicians. Chief Ranger John Broward, currently in charge of law enforcement and emergency services, has been a Law Enforcement Ranger with the National Park Service for 26 years. He is joined by Kahuku Law Enforcement Ranger Ryan Deacy, who has been with the National Park Service as a Law Enforcement Ranger for three and a half years. All are welcome to join the informal talk story as Deacy and Broward share about some of their "hair-raising" experiences within the National Park Service in their efforts to keep visitors safe.
The event is free to attend; Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park does not charge entrance fees. Ka`ū coffee, tea and pastries are available for purchase. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
The event is free to attend; Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park does not charge entrance fees. Ka`ū coffee, tea and pastries are available for purchase. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
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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 |
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
Summer Fun Event, Wed, July 25,9:30-10:30am , PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Parents, caregivers and keiki create fun summer art; 0-7 years old. Wear clothes that can get messy. Art supplies, healthy snacks and drinks provided. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
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Vision Board Event, Wed, July 25, 4-6pm , PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 8-18 years old and parents/caregivers. Set intentions, goals and give voice to wishes and dreams by creating a vision board. Art supplies, healthy snacks and drinks provided. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
THURSDAY, JULY 26
Volcano Bay Mobile Health Unit Visit, Thu, July 26, 1-5pm , Cooper Center Volcano Village
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Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu, July 26, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
FRIDAY, JULY 27
SATURDAY, JULY 28
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Paths and Trails, Sat, July 28, 9:30-12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Discovery Harbour 4-10pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
TUESDAY, JULY 31![]()
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, July 25, 9-11am , St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Wed, July 25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building
Summer Fun Event, Wed, July 25,
THURSDAY, JULY 26
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, July 26, 12:30-1:30pm , Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
FRIDAY, JULY 27
Coffee Talk, Fri, July 27, 9:30-11am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
SATURDAY, JULY 28
Second Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival, Sat, July 28, 9-1pm , Nā‘ālehu Park
MONDAY, JULY 30
Register to Vote in the Primary Election at an Early Walk-In Voting site from Monday, July 30, to Thursday, August 9.TUESDAY, JULY 31
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, July 31, 11:30-1pm , St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
Family Yoga Class, Wed, Aug 1, 9-10am , PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Wonderful way to embody connection. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘iVolcanoes National Park 9-5pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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Volcano Rain 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 22,7 a.m. ; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Sun, Aug 11: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon , $45/person. From Aug 13: $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.
Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keaʻau High School Gym. Buses run to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. The Salvation Army continues to operate a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.
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Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
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.
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Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kama`aina and tourist alike are encouraged to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo. While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater – causing the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on May 11 – park rangers continue to enlighten and engage visitors from other locations," says HVNP.
Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza and Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo.![]()
Visitor Contact Station hosts `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. This coming Sat, July 28, park rangers and staff from Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association will share their knowledge and passion for Lei Making in the tightly woven lei haku style.
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Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m. The next Coffee Talk is Fri., July 27. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger John Broward will talk about "Mitigating Disaster in National Parks," from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani CampusTo 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
Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm , Sundays 2:30pm . Shows at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors 60+ and students, $12 keiki 12 and under. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo . Info and reservations: 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i
5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22,
Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from
Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
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.
Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza and Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo.
Kahuku Unit
Paths & Trails Guided Hike: Explore Kahuku’s newest trail, Pali o Ka`eo. Walk along a two-mile, moderately difficult trail that offers spectacular views of Kahuku. Discover the paths people, animals, and plants followed to arrive in this special section of Ka`ū. The first guided hike of Pali o Ka`eo is offered July 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Paths & Trails Guided Hike: Explore Kahuku’s newest trail, Pali o Ka`eo. Walk along a two-mile, moderately difficult trail that offers spectacular views of Kahuku. Discover the paths people, animals, and plants followed to arrive in this special section of Ka`ū. The first guided hike of Pali o Ka`eo is offered July 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m. The next Coffee Talk is Fri., July 27. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger John Broward will talk about "Mitigating Disaster in National Parks," from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus
Find Park Rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
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The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes – including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partners, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partners, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Find Park Rangers 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.
Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.
Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.
