FORMER HURRICANE OLIVIA blew through and away from the islands as a Tropical Storm today, reports the Central Pacific Hurricane Center
As of 5 p.m, the storm was traveling at 20 mph toward the west southwest, with winds of 40 mph. Tropical Storm warnings were dropped for the entire state. Olivia is expected to change direction to the west northwest as she distances herself from the islands, dragging moisture through the islands behind her.
As of 5 p.m, the storm was traveling at 20 mph toward the west southwest, with winds of 40 mph
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| Olivia passed through the islands today after slowing down. She flooded streams, and knocked out power. Image from Central Pacific Hurricane Center |
Civil Defense reports that all Kaʻū public parks, beaches, and roads are open, and all school activities are operating as normal. Civil Defense also reminds the public that the Pāhoa Community Center Disaster Recovery Center
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| Park staff survey a rockfall while inspecting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes for reopening. NPS photo |
SAFETY IS KEY TO REOPENING PORTIONS OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in ten days, says a statement issued this morning:
"As we prepare to welcome the world back to Hawai‘iVolcanoes National Park
"As we prepare to welcome the world back to Hawai‘i
"Help keep our National Park Service staff safe. When unauthorized persons enter closed areas, they are not only endangering themselves, but also the NPS rangers who may have to rescue them." Monetary fines for entering a closed area are steep and trespassers may also receive up to six months of jail time.
Molten lava is no longer present or visible anywhere in the park. The recent eruption saw the disappearance of the lava lake inside Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit and lava flows from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō have ceased.
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A park staff member documents a sinkhole on a walking path in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, in preparation for opening of limited areas of the park on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. NPS photo |
Inspections of park infrastructure continue. Twenty-nine miles of trail are evaluated. National Park Service assessment teams inspected 54 buildings and restored non-potable water to 12 buildings. At this time, there is no drinking water available in the park. Plan accordingly before arriving at Hawai‘i Volcanoes, as services may be extremely limited.
For the safety of visitors, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes offers a list of things to do and not do when exploring the park's many features:
Use only open trails and roads. Closed trails and roads are dangerous; do not enter. Pukas - holes or cracks in the ground - are prevalent throughout the park and often hidden under vegetation or ash. These unstable and dangerous features can collapse at any time and may have fragile edges or be undercut. If possible, hike and travel with at least one other person and let someone know the travel plan.
Stay away from cliff edges and be aware of rockfalls that may occur as the land continues to settle after tens of thousands of recent earthquakes and caldera collapses.
Volcanic ash is present in many areas, especially the Ka‘ū Desert, where whirlwinds of ash swirl across the landscape every day. Park staff recommends that visitors carry protective eyewear and an N-95 particulate mask for hiking the Footprints Trail into the Ka‘ū Desert. Conditions may suddenly become hazardous during high wind events and particulates in the air can cause eye and lung irritation. Pele's Hair - fine threads of volcanic glass - is present in many areas and can be extremely abrasive and harmful to respiratory systems and exposed skin.
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A fallen sign, reminding visitors to stay on trails at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. NPS photo |
Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Falling on lava rock is like falling on broken glass. There is very little shade in lava fields around the park and temperatures may be much higher than surrounding areas. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The park's water remains unsafe to drink. All visitors should bring at least two quarts or more of drinking water per person.
Do not hike after dark due to new hazards in the area. Even those who are familiar with the park should be cautious while hiking because of these hazards.
Although sulfur dioxide is at the lowest recorded levels since 2007, air quality may change at any time. If the air irritates the lungs, smells bad, or with difficulty in breathing, leave the area immediately. The Kīlauea Visitor Center
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes plans to reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. For more information, visit the park's website at nps.gov/havo.
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On money not making people happy, the report says happiness only increases with wealth up to an annual income of $75,000. One thing that can have a big influence on how people feel about life, says the report, is where people choose to live.
WalletHub drew upon the "findings of 'happiness' research" to see what influences overall well-being and satisfaction with life most. Other studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical, and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life.
Hawaiʻi had the third lowest incidence of adult depression, the fifth lowest rate of separation and divorce, and the tenth lowest suicide rate. Hawaiʻi ranked eighth in safety. The islands had the 13th greatest income growth, 19th lowest long-term unemployment rate, and the 30th lowest number of work hours.
However, Hawaiʻi ranked 50th of all the United States in getting "adequate" sleep.
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Hirono said, "As the need for STEM workers continue to grow, we must ensure that students in Hawaiʻi have every opportunity to pursue college degrees in these fields. This funding will support University of Hawai`i
Hirono has continued to advocate for federal programs that promote a strong STEM workforce by broadening participation for women, minorities, and other traditionally underrepresented groups, says a release from her office. Earlier this year, the Senator led a letter with four of her colleagues calling on the foundation to maintain funding for its programs that broaden participation for women and minorities, including the LSAMP and IUSE programs.
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PROGRAMS HELPING TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS are set to expire starting Sept. 30. Senators Mazie Hirono and John Boozman (R-AR), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, have introduced legislation to renew seven of those programs for the next fiscal year through 2020, says a release from Hirono's office.
Hirono said, "Organizations in Hawaiʻi and nationwide are working hard every day to help ensure our country's veterans have access to necessary resources and a permanent, stable roof over their heads. We cannot allow funding for these critical programs to lapse and I thank Senator Boozman for his strong support in this fight to keep our commitments to our veterans and their families."
Boozman said, "We must support our nation's veterans by providing them with the tools and resources they need to end the cycle of homelessness. We've seen the success of these programs in
U.S.VETS' Chief Operating Officer Darryl Vincent said, "U.S.VETS is the nation's largest homeless veteran service provider that commits itself to reintegrating homeless and at-risk veterans and their families in to the community. It is our mission at U.S.VETS to work for the day that no veteran who has given their life to protect our freedoms suffer the indignity of homelessness. Programs that provide support for our veterans have played, and continue to play, a vital role in helping us fulfill our commitment to serving those who served by bringing us closer to the goal of ending veteran homelessness."For Fiscal Year 2018, these programs served approximately 725 veterans and their families across Hawaiʻi. The expiring provisions impact these following seven programs that provide outreach and services to homeless veterans and their families:
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| Volunteers serve food to homeless veterans and their families. Photo from army.mil |
- Grants and Per Diem (GPD) Homeless Veterans with Special Needs: Allows VA to award grants to community-based agencies to create transitional housing programs and offer per diem payments. GPD Special Needs funding assists with operating costs of services for special need groups such as women, chronically mental ill, and those with minor dependents.
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families: Funds grants for supportive services to assist very low-income veterans and their families who are either residing in permanent housing or transitioning from homelessness.
- Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program: Provides services to veterans including outreach, assistance in interview preparation, job search, job training, and follow-up assistance after placement.
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| Active military try to give aid to homeless former military. Photo from dod.defense.gov |
- Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program: Provides job referral and counseling services, housing, health care, and other benefits to assist veterans who are leaving prison.
- Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans: Provides advice to the VA secretary on benefits and services the VA gives to homeless veterans.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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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
Sat., Sept. 15, 1pm, @ Kohala
Sat., Sept. 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
Fri., Sept. 14, @ Kamehameha
Mon., Sept. 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
Wed., Sept. 19, 6pm, host Kohala
Thu., Sept. 20, 6pm, @ Honokaʻa
Tue., Sept. 25, 6pm, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat., Sept. 22, 9am, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat., Sept. 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
Sat, Oct 6, 12pm , host Kohala
Girls Volleyball: Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
Fri., Sept. 14, @ Kamehameha
Mon., Sept. 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
Wed., Sept. 19, 6pm, host Kohala
Thu., Sept. 20, 6pm, @ Honokaʻa
Tue., Sept. 25, 6pm, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Tues, Oct 2, 6pm , @ Kealakehe
Fri, Oct 5, 6pm , host Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 15, 10am, Keaʻau Wed, Oct 10, 6pm , @ Parker
Fri, Oct 12, 6pm , host St. Joseph
Cross Country:
Cross Country:
Sat., Sept. 22, 9am, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat, Oct 6, 2pm , @ Kealakehe
Sat, Oct 13, BYE
NEW and UPCOMING
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| Photo by Jesse Tunison provided by volcanoartcenter.org |
LITERATURE OF KĪLAUEA: CONTEMPORARY VOICES IS FEATURED SEPT. 20, at Volcano Art Center's Thursday Night at the Center, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event presents an evening of poets, novelists, bloggers, biographers, and journal writers reading their own and others' work about Kīlauea. "Come hear the varied and powerful voices of this wide-ranging community of island writers, many our neighbors, each recognized for a unique voice and view of this living volcano," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
The event takes place at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village and is free to attend; however, a donation of $5 to support Volcano Art Center is suggested.
Volcano Art Center offers a Thursday Night at the Center event once a month, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the local environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
The event takes place at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village and is free to attend; however, a donation of $5 to support Volcano Art Center is suggested.
Volcano Art Center offers a Thursday Night at the Center event once a month, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the local environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 13
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu., Sept. 13, 10:30-noon, Nāʻālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, Thu., Sept. 13, 6:30pm , United Methodist Church
FRIDAY, SEPT. 14
Free Community Dance, Fri., Sept. 14, 7-10pm , Cooper Center Volcano Village
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 15
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Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Sept. 15, 10-1pm , Ocean View Community Center
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Bunco and Potluck, Sat., Sept. 15, 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
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MONDAY, SEPT. 17Discovery Harbour 5-6:30pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund "Get the Drift and Bag It" International Coastal Cleanup, Sat., Sept. 15, contact in advance for meet up time at Waiʻōhinu Park. 4WD needed, some space available but limited. RSVP. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
Palm Trail, Sat., Sept. 15, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO
John D. Dawson Studio Sale 10-3pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Hula Kahiko - Paul Neves w/ Hula Hālau Kou Lima Nani E, Sat., Sept. 15, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus, Volcano Village. Hula performance. Free. Desiree, 987-7288, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula w/ Loke Kamanu and ʻOhana, Sat., Sept. 15, 11-1pm , Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus, Volcano Village
Potluck and Dance, Sat., Sept. 15, 5:30pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Live music by Shootz Band. BYOBeverage. $5/ticket. Register at office by Sept. 12. Discovery Harbour Community Association, 929-9576
SUNDAY, SEPT. 16
Kaʻū ʻOhana Day: Picnic In The Park, Sun., Sept. 16, 12-3pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; entrance near 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11). Family-friendly event. Shave ice, food vendors, children's activities, hula, and music. nps.gov/HAVO
TUESDAY, SEPT. 18
Hawaiʻi County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Sept. 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Kaʻū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nāʻālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Sept. 18, 4-7pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village Hilo . $30/VAC member, $35/non-members, plus $17 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Sept. 19, 12:30pm , Ocean View Community Center
Arts and Crafts Activity: Friendship Bracelets, Wed., Sept. 19, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For all ages. Register Sept. 10-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Arts and Crafts Activity: Handprint Tree Art, Wed., Sept. 19, 3:30-5pm, Pāhala Community Center. For keiki in grades K-8. Register Sept. 13-18. Free. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102
ONGOING
Disaster Recovery Center Closes Sept. 29; Deadline to Apply for Aid is Today, Sept. 12. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at fema.gov/disaster/4366. If you are a survivor who has left the area, call 800-621-3362.
For all ages:
- Friendship Bracelets: Wed., Sept. 19, 3 to 4 p.m. Registration open through Sept. 14.
- Park Beautification Day: Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept. 19 through 26.
Activities are free to attend. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit the park during business hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
- Park Beautification Day: Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept. 19 through 26.
Activities are free to attend. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit the park during business hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
- Sept. 19: Handprint Tree Art. Register Sept. 13 through 18.
- Sept. 26: Beaded Wind Chime. Register Sept. 19 through 25.
For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.
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Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool’s Temporary Nāʻālehu Location is Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
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.
- Sept. 26: Beaded Wind Chime. Register Sept. 19 through 25.
For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
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.