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| Kīlauea Caldera in November of 2017 (left) and August 1 of 2018 (right). The radical changes are due to the evacuation of magma to the lower East Rift Zone. See Volcano Watch, below. USGS photo |
A DETOUR FROM HWY 11 AWAY FROM KĪLAUEA CALDERA is necessary for public safety and teachers reaching schools, according to Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno. He told Volcano Village residents at a meeting Thursday night that an emergency route will be built soon, taking motorists farther away from the caldera, with its earthquakes causing cracks and sink holes -- major damage to Hwy 11. While Hwy 11 is constantly under repair, a new route is "critical," said Magno. Magno explained that parts of Hwy 11 are inside Kīlauea Caldera, which is subsiding, its floor dropping, its crater walls falling, making the nearby land under Hwy 11 unstable.
"We've been given a life-changing blow here. Whether you like it or not, we all gotta adjust, to make things still viable for our communities," said Magno.
"We've been given a life-changing blow here. Whether you like it or not, we all gotta adjust, to make things still viable for our communities," said Magno.
Magno noted that of approximately 50 teachers in Ka`ū, 22 commute on Hwy 11 from the Hilo side. Without the highway, Ka`ū schools would shut down.
Children traveling from Ka`ū to Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, Kamehameha Schools, and St. Joseph's also travel Hwy 11, as do many people from Ka`ū going to work and college in Hilo.
Magno said that more than half of police, fire department, and other personnel and equipment, come fromHilo side. He mentioned the importance of Hilo Hospital to the Ka`ū Community.
Children traveling from Ka`ū to Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, Kamehameha Schools, and St. Joseph's also travel Hwy 11, as do many people from Ka`ū going to work and college in Hilo.
Magno said that more than half of police, fire department, and other personnel and equipment, come from
Magno also noted that the Volcano Village
Magno said the emergency route that would take the least time to build would leave Hwy 11 at Pi`imauna Dr. and turn right before Volcano Village Golf Course and Volcano Winery. It would use usually quietGolf Links Road , which parallels Hwy 11, to Old Volcano Road, where motorists would be reconnected to Hwy 11.
Magno said the emergency route that would take the least time to build would leave Hwy 11 at Pi`imauna Dr. and turn right before Volcano Village Golf Course and Volcano Winery. It would use usually quiet
The second option would be farther from the caldera. Magno said it would probably take about three months to construct. It would use established roads - up Pi`imauna, turn northeast toward Mahiai Road and cross ranch land to connect to Mahiai. The traffic would make a right at Wright Road, and reconnect with Hwy 11.
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| Map of proposed alternate routes around Hwy 11. Note the dotted line along Golf Links Road and the solid line mauka of Volcano Golf Course community. Map from Civil Defense via Big Island Video News |
HOW LONG WILL KĪLAUEA 'S LOWER EAST RIFT ZONE ERUPTION CONTINUE? Volcano Watch, by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates, seeks to answer this question:
"How long will it last?" is one of the most challenging questions asked about a volcanic eruption, including Kīlauea Volcano's current lower East Rift Zone eruption.
The short answer is that no one knows for sure. Scientists can, however, offer the most likely possibilities based on characteristics of the current eruption and comparisons with past eruptions.
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| Fissure 8 spouts lava to fill a deceptively large and deep lava "river" that travels to the ocean. USGS photo |
The LERZ eruption started on May 3, 2018 . Over the next few weeks, a total of 2
Knowing how much lava is erupting could help answer the duration question, but it's been difficult to measure the fissure 8 eruption rate. USGS scientists have used several techniques in recent weeks to obtain a rough estimate of 50 to 150 cubic meters per second (65–196 cubic yards per second), for a total erupted volume to date of 0.5 cubic kilometers (0.12 cubic miles).
A decreasing trend in this rate would suggest that the eruption might be ending -- or be over when the eruption rate gets too low to sustain ongoing activity. Unfortunately, scientists have not detected any trends. The eruption rate seems more or less constant, with some short-term variations.
Preceding the LERZ eruption, geophysical monitoring of earthquakes and ground deformation tracked the subsurface intrusion of magma under Leilani Estates. If scientists could detect decreases in the volume of that intrusion as fissure 8 lava continues to erupt from it, they could estimate the length of time after which the intrusion would be depleted.
But monitoring has detected no changes in the intrusion since its emplacement. This suggests that magma withdrawn by the fissure 8 eruption is being quickly replaced.
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| Fissure 8, still going strong. USGS photo |
Scientists also turn to past eruptions for clues to possible duration. In the recent USGS hazard assessment of fissure 8, volcanoes.usgs.gov/vsc/file_
mngr/file-185/USGS%20Preliminary%20
Analysis_LERZ_7-15-18_v1.1.pdf,
Kīlauea 's 2018 eruption was compared to four past LERZ events.
mngr/file-185/USGS%20Preliminary%20
Analysis_LERZ_7-15-18_v1.1.pdf,
The 1840 eruption, which lasted 26 days, had an average eruption rate similar to today's rate. In 1924, earthquakes and major subsidence in the Kapoho area suggested that magma had intruded the LERZ, but no eruption occurred.
A LERZ eruption in 1955 shared some similarities with the first three weeks of the current eruption. During the 88-day-long 1955 event, more than 20 fissures erupted in no clear order; in May 2018, 24 fissures erupted, also in no clear order. However, the average 1955 eruption rate was significantly lower than the present rate.
The most recent LERZ eruption occurred in Kapoho in 1960. It lasted about 5 weeks, and its eruption rate was less than half that of today's eruption.
As of July 31, the 2018 eruption has surpassed the 1955 eruption in duration and exceeded all but the 1840 event in eruption rate. So, scientists look to other Kīlauea eruptions for clues to how long the 2018 eruption could last.
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| New land forms amid the destruction of much of lower Puna. USGS photo |
Heiheiahulu, a shield-shaped vent similar to Kupaianaha, active 1986–1992, may have erupted in the early 18th century. It is located about 10 km (6 miles) uprift of fissure 8, and its lavas cover about 45 square kilometers (17 square miles). The similarity of its structure to that of Kupaianaha and Mauna Ulu suggest that Heiheiahulu erupted for several years.
Lava from Pu`u Kaliu, located 1.6 km (1 mile) uprift of fissure 8, covered about 12 square kilometers (4.6 square miles) with an estimated volume of 0.2 cubic kilometers (0.05 cubic miles). Puʻu Kaliu lava flows, thought to have erupted in 1790 from fissures on either edge of the LERZ, are similar to the 1840 flow.
Finally, scientists must consider Pu`u `Ō`ō, which lasted 35 years, 1983–2018, erupting a volume of 3.3 cubic kilometers (0.79 cubic miles), and Mauna Ulu, which erupted 0.2 cubic kilometers (0.05 cubic miles) of lava over 5 years, 1969–1974.
So, how long will the 2018 LERZ last? Based on past eruptions and current geophysical monitoring, it could continue for many months to a few years. Time will tell.
Volcano Activity Updates
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| Pu`u `Ō`ō on July 13. USGS photo |
On Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, lava continued to erupt primarily from fissure 8, feeding a channelized flow to the main ocean entry near Ahalanui Beach Park. At the coast, as of August 2, the flow remained less than 0.1 mile from the Poho`iki boat ramp at Isaac Hale Park. Sulfur dioxide emissions from the active fissure remain high. Residents in the lower Puna District of Hawai`i Island should stay informed and heed Hawai`i County Civil Defense
At Kīlauea 's summit, collapse events continued to occur during the past week, releasing energy equivalent to earthquakes of around magnitude-5.3. Ongoing subsidence of Halema`uma`u and adjacent parts of the caldera floor resulted in frequent felt earthquakes at the summit. Three or more felt reports were submitted for 51 of the earthquakes that occurred in Hawai`i during the past week.
Visit HVO's website, volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea ) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa ). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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FREE WATER AND SOIL TESTING is offered by The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources of the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Residents and commercial farmers in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, South Point, Nā`ālehu, Pāhala, Volcano, and Puna are defined as "volcano affected areas" eligible for testing. The testing aims to address concerns with acidity and lead in catchment water, and heavy metals in soil.
The U.H. Agricultural Diagnostic ServiceCenter will do Water Testing for pH and heavy metals and Soil Testing for pH and heavy metals.
Contact the Cooperative Extension Office in Hilo to arrange for testing, or for other information, at 961-5199. More information at cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu.
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| Map from NOAA |
HECTOR HAS GROWN TO A CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE. The National Hurricane Center predicts that by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Hector will be passing Hawai`i. Ka`ū is within the cone predicting the probable path of the hurricane. NHC says, "There is the potential for Hector to bring some impacts to portions of the Hawaiian Islands by the middle of next week, but it is too soon to specify the magnitude of the impacts or where they could occur. This is a good time for everyone in the Hawaiian Islands to ensure they have their hurricane plan in place. For additional information on any potential local impacts from Hector in Hawai`i, please refer to products issued by the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Honolulu at prh.noaa.gov/hnl."
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KINDERGARTEN AND PRE-K SCHOOL SUPPLIES were delivered to Nā`ālehu Elementary this morning by `O Ka`ū Kākou, a local community non-profit. OKK has been donating supplies to local area schools for several years. "I can't remember not having OKK's support (at school). Nā`ālehu school really appreciates it," said Principal Darlene Javar.
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OKK secretary Nadine Ebert and President Wayne Kawachi drop off a donation of school supplies to Nā`ālehu Elementary principal Darlene Javar and kindergarten teachers Nellie Davis, Brittney George, and Raina Whiting. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
"This (donation) makes a big impact on kids and families. It takes the edge off of the new year," added Kindergarten teacher Raina Whiting.
Javar shared that the $1,100 donation of supplies covers any supplies Pre-K and Kindergarten students might need to start the year. Even backpacks are covered, as Costco will be donating a backpack for every student in the school. The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 7.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO'S MILITARY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT was passed by Congress 87-10 on August 1, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill now goes to Pres. Trump to sign.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono. Photo from @MazieHirono |
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| John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. Photo from @JohnFeinblatt |
John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety said, "Domestic violence is domestic violence, and all convictions for this inexcusable crime should be recorded in the national background check system. We applaud Congress for taking action to close the Sutherland Springs loophole and prevent anyone convicted of domestic abuse from accessing guns."
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| Klyeanne Hunter, Vice President of Programs at the Brady Campaign to Prevent Violence and co-founder of Veterans for Gun Reform. Photo from klyeannehunter.com |
Retired Marine Corps Combat veteran Kyleanne Hunter, Vice President of Programs at the Brady Campaign to Prevent Violence and co-founder of Veterans for Gun Reform said: "Making sure people who intend to do others harm like domestic abusers don't have access to guns is more than common sense -- as we saw in Sutherland Springs last year, it's an issue of national security. At Brady, we were proud to support bipartisan legislation to improve the nation's background check system in the wake of the Sutherland Springs shooting, despite the failed attempt by some lawmakers to co-opt this legislation with dangerous concealed carry language on behalf of the gun lobby. Sen. Hirono's bill, coupled with the FIX NICS law passed earlier this year, will further improve the military and Defense Department's ability to report dangerous, prohibited persons to NICS, and contribute to the security of the United States. We applaud and thank the senator for her leadership on this crucial issue."
NEW and UPCOMING
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| Justin and Wai`ala, founders of Waiho`olu`u Ola: Living Color Dyery, lead an indigo dying workshop at Volcano Art Center. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
WAIHO`OLU`U OLA: LIVING COLOR DYERY, a creative natural collective started by husband, Justin (the alchemist) and wife, Wai`ala (the artist), hosts a workshop on Saturday, August 25, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m, at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
The workshop focuses on using traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern Shibori styles to create patterns as participants explore the alchemy of indigo, a plant-derived pigment. Students will use a plant-derived indigo vat to dye material made from natural sustainable fibers and create Shibori resist patterns using folding, wrapping, and clamping techniques. Students will also learn how to control hue density with multiple dyeing submersions. Students will bring home new skills and understanding of indigo dye, as well as their own finished sample pieces.
The workshop focuses on using traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern Shibori styles to create patterns as participants explore the alchemy of indigo, a plant-derived pigment. Students will use a plant-derived indigo vat to dye material made from natural sustainable fibers and create Shibori resist patterns using folding, wrapping, and clamping techniques. Students will also learn how to control hue density with multiple dyeing submersions. Students will bring home new skills and understanding of indigo dye, as well as their own finished sample pieces.
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| Learn to use natural, plant-derived indigo dye with natural, sustainable fibers in a workshop on August 25. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Basic fundamentals of this historic dyeing process will be covered, with all materials provided. Participants may also bring 1-5 small items of their own to dye -- avoiding bulky or heavy pieces (i.e. towels, linens, yards of fabric, or bedding, etc.) as vat space and time are limited. The items brought should be cotton, linen, hemp, silk, or anything natural -- no synthetics -- as they accept the color best. Pre-wash items for best results.
The teaching duo also work together with other natural living color dyes: olena, avocado, hibiscus, and more. "Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two love sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature," states Volcano Art Center's calendar listing.
See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more details. No experience necessary. Space limited. Pre-registration required. Class is $50 per Volcano Art Center Member or $55 per non-Member, plus $25 supply fee.
The teaching duo also work together with other natural living color dyes: olena, avocado, hibiscus, and more. "Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two love sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature," states Volcano Art Center's calendar listing.
See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more details. No experience necessary. Space limited. Pre-registration required. Class is $50 per Volcano Art Center Member or $55 per non-Member, plus $25 supply fee.
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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 |
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Aug 4, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Chili Cook Off w/Benefit Concert for Puna and Ka`ū Food Bank, Sat, Aug 4, 4-8pm, The Terraces, 1885 Princess Kaiulani Blvd, Ocean View. Raffle, non-alcoholic mixers and more, with music provided by Soul Town
Pu`u o Lokuana, Sun, Aug 5, 9:30-11 a.m. , Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, 8-week session beginning Aug 5 (no class Aug 12), morning class 11:30-2:30pm , afternoon class 2:45-5:45pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, Aug 5, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park
Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon, Aug 6, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā`ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, Aug 6, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hawai`i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, Aug 7 (Committees)/8 (Council), Hilo, Tue/Wed, Aug 21 (Committees)/22 (Council), Kona. Ka`ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā`ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 4-6pm, Aug 21, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
AdvoCATS, Wed, Aug 8, 7am-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
ONGOINGExhibit, Birds of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai`i Nei Invitational -- daily through Aug 4, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com
Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.
Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.
5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.
Disaster Recovery Center 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. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.
Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
Kahuku Unit
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
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
Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they 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 partner, 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 on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown 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.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.