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| The view from the top of Ladders at South Point. Photo from Dept. of Hawaiian Homelands |
AFTER CLIFF JUMPING FROM THE TOP OF THE LADDER AT SOUTH POINT, A WOMAN IS UNABLE TO FEEL HER LEGS. Captain J. Souza of Hawai`i Fire Department reported that at 12:12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, emergency responders arrived at South Point Landing to find a woman in her 30s laying on a rock shelf, with no feeling in her legs. She was surrounded by bystanders, who had pulled her from the water.
HFD personnel climbed down the rocks to assess and treat her, while waiting for a Fire Department Helicopter. The woman and a rescue swimmer were lifted into the helicopter via Billy Pugh net, to the awaiting ambulance. The woman was then taken to Kona Community Hospital
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| Turtles taken by the lava in Puna may have not escaped in part due to their strong home territory instincts, like those seen here at Punalu`u. Photo by Julia Neal |
The flight follows social media and press reports on turtles dying and trapped on the coast near Kapoho Bay and Pohoiki Boat Ramp. "To the naked eye no turtles were visible," reported the DLNR statement. "Ocean conditions are such that seeing turtles is next to impossible."
The report states that Ikaika Marzo, a permitted lava tour boat operator and cultural practitioner from the Puna area, said, "It would be very difficult to save turtles anywhere along the coastline at this point. The water is so turbid and murky that it would be hard to even spot them up-close from the shoreline. The time has passed."
According to DLNR, experts from NOAA Fisheries and DLNR say even if teams could have reached turtles depicted in social media postings, relocating these wild animals is fraught with challenges. "Those include difficulty in capturing turtles in the ocean even by trained experts, lack of safe access by land or sea, risk of harm to turtles during capture, and no guarantees that turtles who have very strong home territory instincts wouldn't swim back after being relocated."
Today's overflight is the third mission in the past ten days initiated by DLNR to look for turtles in distress or in danger from the lava flow ocean entry in Puna. DLNR reported that "researchers believe many turtles -- those that had clear paths to the ocean -- swam away from the area. Various social media postings, some from early June, indicate turtles that were apparently trapped and/or killed during an active ocean lava entry or in landlocked pools."
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, "We're charged with the mission of protecting Hawai`i's natural resources and we obviously share everyone's concerns and sadness over the loss of turtles and any other aquatic and terrestrial wildlife." She added, "The eruption is obviously powerful and dangerous to both humans and wildlife."
Anyone who sees turtles or other animals trapped by lava -- outside the restricted disaster zone -- is encouraged to report it immediately to NOAA's statewide turtle stranding hotline, 1-888-256-9840. Reports can also be made via the DLNR hotline at 643-DLNR.
The DLNR Chair also stressed safety: "As much as we'd like to rescue and save each creature impacted by the East Rift Zone eruption, much of it is simply beyond all of our control. The restricted zones are necessary for public safety. I really encourage everyone to respect and stay out of areas that are off limits as established by the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard."
The team on the overflight reported that as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Pohoiki Boat Ramp had not been covered by advancing lava. However, they said that visibility beyond the ramp into Isaac Hale Park was severely restricted by volcanic gasses and steam.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SPOKE OUT AGAINST PRES. TRUMP today on the U.S. Senate floor, to "denounce the Trump administration's attacks on the federal workforce and highlight the important role of federal workers inHawai`i ," says a statement from her office.
"Donald Trump and the Republican Party obviously do not recognize the service and commitment of our more than two million federal workers. But in Hawai`i , and indeed, across the nation, we see the impact of their hard work every day. These dedicated public servants have been working around the clock for months to support the Puna community. These workers deserve our respect, appreciation, and unwavering support for their service. They certainly don't deserve the contempt and animosity that Donald Trump and his administration have directed at them." Watch video of Hirono's remarks.
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NEW and UPCOMING
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.
Volcano Bay Mobile Health Unit Visit, Thu, July 26, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Medical services offered last Thursday of every month. Dental to be announced. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center June newsletter for details. thecoopercenter.org
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FRIDAY, JULY 27
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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
Today's overflight is the third mission in the past ten days initiated by DLNR to look for turtles in distress or in danger from the lava flow ocean entry in Puna. DLNR reported that "researchers believe many turtles -- those that had clear paths to the ocean -- swam away from the area. Various social media postings, some from early June, indicate turtles that were apparently trapped and/or killed during an active ocean lava entry or in landlocked pools."
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, "We're charged with the mission of protecting Hawai`i's natural resources and we obviously share everyone's concerns and sadness over the loss of turtles and any other aquatic and terrestrial wildlife." She added, "The eruption is obviously powerful and dangerous to both humans and wildlife."
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| Pohoiki -- with its famous house, boat ramp, and jetty -- this afternoon at 2 p.m., with lava creeping along the coast and reaching Isaac Hale Park nearby. Photo form DLNR and U.S. Coast Guard |
The DLNR Chair also stressed safety: "As much as we'd like to rescue and save each creature impacted by the East Rift Zone eruption, much of it is simply beyond all of our control. The restricted zones are necessary for public safety. I really encourage everyone to respect and stay out of areas that are off limits as established by the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard."
The team on the overflight reported that as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Pohoiki Boat Ramp had not been covered by advancing lava. However, they said that visibility beyond the ramp into Isaac Hale Park was severely restricted by volcanic gasses and steam.
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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| Jack's Tours served the Hawai`i Island community with employment and transportation services for visitors, locals and school travel groups. Jack's was founded more than 50 years ago. Photo from Jack's Tours |
JACK'S TOURS IS SHUTTING DOWN: The company, founded by Jack Miyashiro, known for its half day and round the island Volcano trips, which often stopped at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Punalu`u Bakeshop and other Ka`ū and Volcano locales, sent out this letter:
"We regret to announce that we will be closing down our business and operations. Our last day of providing services will be July 31, 2018. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. The downturn in tourism due to the volcanic activity on Hawai`i Island has affected our business significantly and, unfortunately, we are unable to continue operations due to the significant decrease in business levels with no foreseeable improvement in the near future. We are very grateful for your business partnership and want to express our thank you and appreciation for all your support over the years."
"We regret to announce that we will be closing down our business and operations. Our last day of providing services will be July 31, 2018. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. The downturn in tourism due to the volcanic activity on Hawai`i Island has affected our business significantly and, unfortunately, we are unable to continue operations due to the significant decrease in business levels with no foreseeable improvement in the near future. We are very grateful for your business partnership and want to express our thank you and appreciation for all your support over the years."
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| Jack's Tours operated a fleet, from cars, to vans, to motor coaches. Photo from Jack's Tours |
Jack's Tour Company operated for more than 50 years on Hawai`i Island, serving hotels, cruise ships, school groups, and private parties. Its fleet included sedans, vans, four-wheel drive vehicles, and motor coaches. The company served a large Japanese and mainland following, and also took visitors to the top of Mauna Kea for stargazing.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SPOKE OUT AGAINST PRES. TRUMP today on the U.S. Senate floor, to "denounce the Trump administration's attacks on the federal workforce and highlight the important role of federal workers in
Hirono remarked: "Over the past year and a half, Donald Trump and his administration have launched a concerted attack on federal workers and the unions that fight on their behalf. There appear to be no lengths to which Donald Trump and the anti-union, moneyed interests who support him will go to attack and try to eviscerate protections for working people.
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Senator Hirono and members of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance. Photo from Hirono's office |
Earlier in the day, says the statement, Hirono joined hundreds of union members outside the Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C. at a rally to protest several executive orders that undermine federal workers' fundamental civil service protections. Last month, Hirono introduced the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, legislation that would guarantee the right of public employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. Last year, Hirono led 14 Senate Democrats in unveiling their Five Fights for Federal Employees -- a proposal to protect current and retired government workers from ideologically motivated attacks from Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration.
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.
NEW and UPCOMING
TEMPORARY CHANGES TO TŪTŪ AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL'S NĀ`ĀLEHU SITE LOCATION have been announced by Site Manager Hawai`i South Elizabeth (Betty) Clark, as "the county is making repairs to the community center floor." The new location, until further notice, will be Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Clark assures that meeting days and times remain the same - Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Currently on summer break, both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center, site programs will resume August 6 and 7, with orientation taking place the week before, on August 1 and 2. To enroll keiki ages birth to 5 years and caregivers in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms. Address questions to Clark by calling 929-8571 or emailing eclark@pidfountation.org.
Currently on summer break, both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center, site programs will resume August 6 and 7, with orientation taking place the week before, on August 1 and 2. To enroll keiki ages birth to 5 years and caregivers in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms. Address questions to Clark by calling 929-8571 or emailing eclark@pidfountation.org.
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| Miloli‘i Canoe Club hosts a Keiki Ocean Celebration Day after a successfulregatta competition. Photo from Miloli‘i Canoe Club Facebook |
MILOLI`I CANOE CLUB HOSTS KEIKI OCEAN CELEBRATION DAY with ocean games for keiki and adults to celebrate their first season of keiki paddlers and the "end of a successful regatta competition," states a flyer from the organization. The event takes place on Saturday, July 28, at 9 a.m., with a potluck to follow. "All are invited so bring the `ohana!" states the flyer. Send questions to miloliicc@gmail.com or call 313-0107.
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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 |
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
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
Meet and Greet with state Senate candidate Brenda Ford happens Thursday, July 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School Gymnasium. A statement from the former County Council member says that she will discuss her goals for the Senate District 3, which runs from Honuʻapo through Kona, and answer questions from the public. She listed some of the issues for which she has been contacted: SpinLaunch, which she opposes; her support for a new Kona Trauma & Teaching Hospital, dialysis unit in Kaʻū, and Physician’s Assistant Program for more medical access. She also supports a minimum wage of $15/hour, assistance with agriculture, and many other Kaʻū related issues. She said a vote for Ford will be “A Vote for the People.”
Coffee Talk, Fri, July 27, 9:30-11am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
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
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Exhibit, Birds of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park 9-5pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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.
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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 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.
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Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. Buses run to and from Kea`au 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.
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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Kahuku Unit
In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.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
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
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.
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.
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 a release from HVNP staff.
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 in Hilo.
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 in Hilo.
In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
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.
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.
Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus
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.
Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 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
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
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.