Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Tūtū & Me keiki learn about bees at one of their monthly excursions. See story, below. Photo from Tūtū & Me

     Attend a community meeting, share thoughts, volunteer to be a test driver, or drop a line to the DOT. Residents can also provide input and ask questions via an online community meeting on Thursday, April 18, link to be announced in a future Kaʻū News Briefs. See hiruc.org.

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A 5.5 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHOOK KĪLAUEA'S SOUTH FLANK at 12:55 a.m. this morning, waking up people in many communities. The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the epicenter about 7.5 miles (12 km) southeast of Kīlaueacaldera, near the Hōlei Pali area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, at a depth of 4.1 miles (6.7 km).

     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reported no tsunami danger from the quake, warned of "possibilitiy of aftershocks." Civil Defense urged those living any heavily shaken areas to check for damages, especially to gas, water, and electricity connections, and to report them to 935-0031.

     Significant damage to buildings or structures was not reported. The USGS "Did you feel it?" service at earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/received over 850 reports today with light to moderate shaking reported around Hawaiʻi Island and on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu.

     According to HVO seismic network manager Brian Shiro, the earthquake had no apparent effect on Kīlauea Volcano. "We see no detectable changes in volcanic activity at the summit or along the rift zones of Kīlauea as a result of this earthquake. Aftershocks are possible and could be felt." HVO continues to monitor Kīlauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
     Kīlauea's south flank has been the site of 16 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater during the past 40 years, stated HVO. Most are caused by abrupt motion of the volcano's south flank, which moves to the southeast over the oceanic crust. The location, depth, and waveforms recorded as part of today's earthquake are consistent with slip along this south flank fault.

     See more at the NationalEarthquakeInformationCenter website at earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv70863117/or USGS HVO website at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/.

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PROTECTING HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS is the focus of legislation introduced by Sen, Mazie Hirono this week. Hirono spoke on the U.S. Senate floor yesterday, where she asked the Department of Justice to "protect Americans with pre-existing conditions by defending the Affordable Care Act."

Sen. Mazie Hirono, speaking on the Senate floor yesterday. Photo from Hirono's Facebook

     Hirono said that last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions "refused to defend the ACA in court" when 20 states challenged "the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act." She said Sessions filed a brief, claiming "several vital protections of the law should be ruled unconstitutional."

     Said Hirono, "The outcome of this case will have a profound impact on virtually every American, especially the 133 million people living with pre-existing conditions."

     Hirono also said Pres. Donald Trump aims to "cut $1 trillion from Medicare and Medicaid, which one in three Americans rely on for health care. That is devastating and despicable to our communities. While Republicans continue their attacks on the ACA, try to roll back protections for those with pre-existing conditions, and propose massive cuts to life-saving services to pay for their $1.5 trillion tax cut for the richest, Democrats are fighting to protect patients and provide affordable and accessible health care for all."
     She noted that all Democrats in the Senate support the legislation.

     See her entire speech facebook.com/senatorhirono/videos/868356193509572/.

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FIELD TRIPS FOR TŪTŪ & ME PARTICIPANTS in Kaʻū give keiki zero to five and their caregivers a look at the wider world. Once a month, Tūtū and Me families are invited to participate in field trips to places like Bird Park or Manuka Park, Kaʻū Coffee Mill, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea and its Kahuku Unit. There is no cost for these trips from the group, just entrance fees in cases like the Park.

     Both Pāhala and Nāʻālehu site participants gathered in Waiʻōhinu Park on Feb. 28 for a "park day," focused on learning all about bees. This huakaʻi - trip - concluded a month of curriculum based around arachnids and insects.

Tūtū & Me keiki observe a Bee Boys beehive. Photo from Tūtū & Me

     Alex from The Bee Boys brought their demonstration hive for keiki to observe the activity of bees in a hive, close-up but safely. Alex brought a beekeeper's gear for keiki to try on, some honeycomb for them to sample, and age-appropriate activities, including an opportunity for keiki to roll their own candles made entirely of beeswax.

     For March, to conclude a unit about animals, Tūtū & Me will visit Panaʻewa Zoo. For some excursions, a bus is provided for keiki over two years of age, "which for many of our keiki is their first experience riding a bus, and the highlight of their day," says an announcement from the group.

     See pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/aboutfor more.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, and stewardship programs during April 2019. The Park will also celebrate National Park Week from April 20 through 28, kicking off with a fee-free day on Saturday, April 20. Visitors are encouraged to check the Park's online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at KīlaueaVisitorCenter.

     Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

Overlooking the Steam Bluffs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo

     The theme of National Park Week, April 20-28, is "On a Mission." The mission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes and associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness for public education and enjoyment. Everyone is invited to the following National Park Week events that celebrate the park's mission:

     Fee-Free Day. National Park Week kicks off Saturday, April 20 with a fee-free day. Take a hike on one of the newly re-opened trails, or walk out to the Keanakāko‘i side of Halema‘uma‘u to see where Crater Rim Drive slid into the crater during last year's eruptive activity.

New Junior Ranger Program at Kahuku will commence during National Park Week in April. NPS photo

     Junior Ranger Day at Kahuku. Kahuku Unit will debut its new Junior Ranger Program and wooden junior ranger badge Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keiki who complete the junior ranger handbook, illustrated by Hawai‘i artists, will earn the badge, a junior ranger certificate, and will be sworn in as a National Park Service junior ranger.

     Merrie Monarch Festival Events. Part of the park's mission is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture. During Merrie Monarch Week, the park will offer six ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, programs for everyone to experience and connect with Hawaiian practices. On Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p. m., come to Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in the Park to learn about ‘ulana niu, weaving coconut leaves; nā lei, lei making, with Patty Kaula and Lehua Hauanio; play kōnane, a Hawaiian game that resembles checkers, with park rangers; and learn about nā pa‘ahana hula – the tools, altar, and plants that symbolize hula – with Amy Ka‘awaloa. Musicians Rupert Tripp, Jr. and Ti Kawhi Chun and Pōki‘i Seto will share their melodies.

Stewardship programs seek to eradicate invasive species, like morning glory. NPS photo

     KīlaueaVolcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption. Kīlauea's long-lasting East Rift Zone eruption changed abruptly when the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor collapsed on April 30, 2018, followed by an intrusion of magma downrift. On May 3, lava erupted in Leilani Estates and within two weeks, 24 fissures had opened along a 4.2-mile-long segment of the lower ERZ. Fissure 8 soon became the dominant vent, erupting a fast-moving channelized lava flow that reached the ocean, burying 13.7 square miles of land and destroying over 700 structures along the way. Join U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium as she recounts the progression of this dramatic eruption and shares her experiences monitoring it. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series.

     Other ongoing April events:

Rangers educate keiki and adults in various programs throughout Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Kahuku Unit. NPS photo

     Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu. Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Meet every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in April: 4, 11, 18, and 25; at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the Park. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info, nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

     Stewardship at the Summit. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park, a World Heritage Site. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at 8:45 a.m. at KīlaueaVisitorCenteron Friday, April 5 and 26, or Saturday, Arpil 13 and 20. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm. 

"Meet" Dr. Thomas Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, during a free presentation offered Tuesdays in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo

     A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar leads a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House, showing original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up free ticket at KīlaueaVisitorCenter's front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the KīlaueaDrama Entertainment Network. Meet at KīlaueaVisitorCenterTuesday in April: 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.

Kiʻi carving demonstration at KīlaueaVisitor Center lānai, by James Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr., on  Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. NPS photo

     Ki‘i Demonstration. Hawaiians carved ki‘i, statues, to represent forces of nature, gods, guardians, and the spiritual world. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr., who has worked on the sacred site of Ke Kahua o Kaneiolouma Heiau on Kaua‘i, will share his expertise and the essential role of ki‘i in Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Wednesday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at KīlaueaVisitorCenterlānai.

      The Amazing, Almost Unbelievable, Story of the Coconut Palm. The coconut palm is beautiful, iconic, useful, and deeply connected with many cultures. Palm expert John Stallman guides attendees on the epic journey of the modern coconut palm, from its earliest record in Indiaand Asia, to recent genetic studies and a spectacular shipwreck. The coconut palm has accompanied human migration across the globe and journeyed across oceans, earning the nickname of "the most useful tree on earth." Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series, Tuesday, April 16 at 7 p.m.at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

The history of the coconut palm will be the focus of After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, April 16. NPS photo

     Explore Kahuku.  Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.and is free. Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on Sundays in April for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m.; the trail will vary depending on visitor interest. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. 

     Kahuku Coffee Talk: The Sandalwood Story. Hawaiian sandalwood, ‘iliahi, was once so abundant in the Hawaiian Islands that the Chinese called Hawai‘i Tahn Heung Sahn, or SandalwoodMountains. However, the sandalwood trade in the early 1800s rendered the trees commercially extinct within a few years. Biologist and former park ranger John Stallman delves into the past, present and future of Hawaiian ‘iliahi and the conservation of this irreplaceable species at Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station on Friday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Come to Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in the Park to learn about ‘ulana niu, weaving coconut leaves. NPS photo

     Hawai‘i Volcanoes is one of five national park units on the island of Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is also free of charge April 20. Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-HonokōhauNationalHistoricalPark, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail do not charge entrance fees. 

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ŌHĀHĀ HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM is accepting applications from high school students until tomorrow, Thursday, March 14, for the Spring 2019 session, March 18–22. High school students and recent grads will deepen their connection with ʻāina and local food production, learn about educational and career opportunities in agriculture, and receive a VISA gift card for up to $125 for successfully completing the program. Learn more and apply at koha.la/ohaha or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.

ECONOMIC INJURY APPLICATIONS from U.S. Small Business Administration for Hawai'i County small businesses are open until tomorrow, Thursday, March 14 for recovery costs resulting from the Kīlauea volcanic eruption and earthquakes that occurred between May 3 and August 17, 2018. For eligibility information and instructions to apply, refer to the agency's press release. Applicants may also call SBA's customer service center at 800-659-2955 for more information.

FOOD SAFETY COMPLIANCE GRANT APPLICATIONS are open through Monday, April 15 to help farmers and ranchers with costs of food safety compliance through Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture. Hawaiʻi farmers and ranchers may apply for reimbursement of costs up to $5,000. For eligibility information and to apply, refer to HDOA's website. For assistance preparing an application, contact TKC's agricultural outreach specialist Maile Woodhall at mwoodhall@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411.

LEARN ABOUT CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS for Hawaiʻi County businesses and organizations Friday, March 15 from 9 a.m.to noon, at Hawaiʻi County Office on Aging Training Room, 1055 Kinoʻole Street, Hilo. Presented by The Kohala Center and Hawaiʻi Energy, with funding support from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the County of Hawaiʻi, speakers from The Kohala Center, USDA Rural Development, and Hawaiʻi Energy will share information about grant, loan, and financial incentive programs available to help businesses and organizations achieve clean energy goals. These programs can help save money on photovoltaic, small hydroelectric, high-efficiency refrigeration, and HVAC systems, perform energy efficiency upgrades, and afford energy upgrades through on-bill financing. Reserve a spot at koha.la/cleanenergy or contact Megan Blazak at 808-887-6411; register online; download flyer. Free.

WEBINARS FOR PRODUCE GROWERS will be presented by Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and UH CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service on Fridays, March 15 and March 22. Food Safety Modernization Produce Safety Rule affects all fruit and vegetable growers. Growers are encouraged to attend these one-hour webinars for information about best practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in advance. Contact Luisa Castro at luisac@hawaii.edu with questions; register online; download flyer.

THE COFFEE BERRY BORER SUBSIDY PROGRAM's  annual reimbursement for Beauveria bassiana purchases is available for coffee producers. The state Department of Agriculture is reimbursing for purchases made between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. The application can be completed online. Request a paper application by contacting hdoa.cbb@hawaii.gov or 808-323-7578.