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| Mauna Loa, the long mountain and active volcano where most of Kaʻū is located is under an advisory for volcanic activity issued by the U.S. Geological Survey. Photo by JW Frank/NPS |
HVO raised the alert level from NORMAL to ADVISORY and the aviation color code from green to yellow. HVO will issue updates on Mauna Loa weekly.
HVO explains that "days or weeks prior to an eruption, monitoring instruments will detect signs of an increased potential for eruption. These signs could include further increases in rates of earthquakes and ground deformation, increases in the sizes of earthquakes, an increase in surface temperatures, or an increase in visible steam plumes or sulfur dioxide emissions. However, it is also possible that the timeframe to eruption could be shorter - hours to days. All communities on the flanks of the volcano should be prepared."
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| A thermal camera on the edge of Mokuʻaweoweo Crater at the summit of Mauna Loa keeps track of volcanic activity which led to an ADVISORY alert today and a yellow code for aviation. USGS photo |
During this same time period, GPS instrumentation and satellite radar have measured ground deformation consistent with renewed recharge of the volcano's shallow magma storage system. The current rate and pattern of ground deformation is similar to that measured during inflation of Mauna Loa in 2005 and again from 2014 - 2018.
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| Instrumentation on the top of Mauna Loa will help to provide updates on the status of volcanic activity. NPS Photo |
HVO states it is possible that current low-level unrest will continue and vary in intensity for many months, or even years, without an eruption – or that the current unrest is an early precursor to an eventual eruption. "At this time, we cannot determine which of these possibilities is more likely," states HVO.
HVO continues to monitor the volcano closely and promises to report any significant changes. HVO is in close touch with Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and other agencies responsible for public safety.
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| Mana Ke and Merle Becker, representing Lanaʻi. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
status.php or by signing up to receive updates by email at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns. Alert levels and aviation color codes are explained at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html.
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THE KAʻŪ MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY led by Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka organized horses and riders for the annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday in Nāʻālehu. Horses carried princesses and escorts in honor of each island.
Pā‘ū riders, a woman and her escort each, represented one of the eight main islands in their signature colors – red for Hawaiʻi, pink for Maui, gray for Kahoʻolawe, orange for Lanaʻi, green for Molokaʻi, yellow for Oʻahu, purple for Kauaʻi, and white and brown for Niʻihau. Flag bearers on horseback led the procession of the islands.
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| Ricky Souza and Teʻani Souza, representing Hawaiʻi Island. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
See more on the parade in recent and upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs and the July print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar.
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Each fireworks permit entitles the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits are issued to those 18 years or older. They are non-transferable and non-refundable. The $25 permits are available at Phantom Fireworks Tents in Hilo at Walmart Center and at Kona Commons Shopping Center; Fire Administration in Hilo, County Building, 25 Aupuni St., through Wednesday, July 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Fire Administration Kona, West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, 2nd floor, through Wednesday, July 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HFD states it is illegal to offer for sale, sell, or give any firework to minors, and for any minor to possess, sell, set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firework, except under the immediate supervision of an adult. So is removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework or throwing a firework from a vehicle. Aerial Luminary Devices such as Sky Lanterns and Hawai‘i Lanterns are illegal. It is illegal to set off any firework outside of permitted hours; within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly, or animal hospital; in or on any school building or property; on any highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or other public way; in any park; or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held. This includes Hilo Bayfront and Liliuokalani Park
HURRICANE BARBARA became the first Major Hurricane of the season today, reaching a Category 5 status. She was less than 2,100 miles east southeast of Hawaiʻi at 5 p.m. , traveling west northwest at 14 miles per hour, with 155 mph winds.
However, Barbara is forecast to be downgraded to a tropical storm by Saturday, around the same time she passes from the Eastern Pacific into the Central Pacific. Forecasts indicate Hawaiʻi, especially east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island, may see some effects from the storm.
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DETAILS ON FIREWORKS PERMITS have been issued by the Hawaiʻʻi County Fire Department. Permits can be purchased through Thursday, July 4 at8 p.m. Fireworks may be set off only on Thursday, July 4, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers. Public firework displays will be at 8 p.m. on July 4, at Hilo Bay Queens ' Marketplace in Waikoloa.
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Richard Souza and Kamalani Salmo, representing Kahoʻolawe. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
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PROVIDING AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING "has been a top priority for Hawaiʻi lawmakers and with the signing of House Bill 1312 by Governor David Ige today, the state has move a step closer to that goal," says a statement from the state House of Representatives.
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| Ikaika Derrasin and Makela Akana, representing Photo by Leilani Esperanzaion |
HB1312 HD1 SD1 CD1 authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates $50 million each in 2019 and 2020 into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. This is in addition to the $35 -$38 million from the conveyance tax that is placed annually into the RHRF, bringing the total appropriation to about $170 million for two fiscal years.
"By passing and signing this bill, the Legislature and the Governor continue their resolve to address Hawaiʻi's affordable rental housing crisis for the whole spectrum of local households," said House Majority Leader Della Au Belatti. "We now look forward to working with the state housing agencies and developers to get projects moving through the pipeline and built for our residents."
In 2018, the Legislature passed an historic and comprehensive housing measure to create more affordable housing by putting $200 million into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. This year, HB1312 builds on that commitment and coupled with prior legislative funding initiatives, more than $350 million will have gone into the RHRF from fiscal year 2016-17 through 2020-21.
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Aislynn Mandaloniz and Makana Gravela, representing Molokaʻi. Photo by Peter Anderson |
"According to the Hawai'i Housing and Finance Development Corporation, the more funding that is made available emboldens developers to be more aggressive with the scope of their projects, and the confidence to move forward on such plans," Belatti said.
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DETAILS ON FIREWORKS PERMITS have been issued by the Hawaiʻʻi County Fire Department. Permits can be purchased through Thursday, July 4 at
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| Ikaika Grace and Lori Lee Lorenzo, representing Kauaʻi. Photo by Peter Anderson |
The Fire Department issued a statement asking the public to help prevent fireworks-caused fires and injuries by having a connected water hose or fire extinguisher readily available on the 4th. Wet down surrounding brush prior to setting off fireworks. Set fireworks off in areas away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials. Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.
HFD reminds the public that children playing with firework must be under adult supervision at all times as "even the smallest of firework can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries."
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Waʻa Ke and Elaine Togami, representing Oʻahu. Photo by Peter Anderson |
HFD will collect un-used and unwanted fireworks following July 4. Anyone interested in disposing of any firework, including Aerial Luminary Devices, with amnesty, should call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911. Fi
reworks are not accepted for drop-off at local fire stations.
reworks are not accepted for drop-off at local fire stations.
For more on firework permits, disposal, and safe use, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911.
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| Frank Lorenzo and Raylynne Welker, representing Niʻihau. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
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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 |
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
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Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
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UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Early Head Start, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Stacey Kapuaikapolipele Ka‘au‘a, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Stacey Kapuaikapolipele Ka‘au‘a, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
July 4th Breakfast Buffet, Thursday, July 4, 6:30-11a.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Includes: Waffles with Toppings, Omelet Station, Meats, Breakfast Potatoes, Steam Rice, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Baked Breads, and a beverage. $12.50/Adults, $6.50/Child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair, Thursday, July 4, parade starts 9a.m., festival and craft fair at Cooper Center until 1:30p.m. Parade starts at Volcano Post Office, down Old Volcano Road, up Wright Road, and ends at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Free entry to activities, food, entertainment. Sponsored by Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center Council. Leashed dogs allowed. Parade entry form at volcanocommunity.org. Vendor application at thecoopercenter.org, email to idoaloha@gmail.com. Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8a.m.-5p.m.
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, July 4 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
FRIDAY, JULY
Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association 42nd Annual 4th of July Buckle Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7. Slack starts 8a.m., show starts noon, at rodeo grounds behind Nā‘ālehu Park. Tickets available at gate, $8/person. Pre-sale tickets available $7/person around town from Rodeo Queen contestants. Ralph or Tammy, 929-8079
Edible Landscaping for Backyards and Beyond with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, July 6, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. Learn how to transform lanai and lawn, field and fence into an abundant oasis of edible and multifunctional plants. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. Class size limited; register early. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Alternative Handbuilding - East African Pottery with Erik Wold, Saturday, July 6 through August 31, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class August 24. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, July 6 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
SUNDAY, JULY 7
Postcards from the Edge - Painting Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Alice Leese, Sunday, July 7, 10a.m.-noon, edge of Kīlauea, behind Volcano House. Meet and paint with Leese. Limited to 12 people. Attendees receive a postcard-sized blank canvas but must bring their own paints and a small travel easel. $75/person includes lunch at Volcano House. Register, fhvnp.org/events/postcards-from-the-edge-painting-workshop-with-artist-in-residence-alice-leese. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, July 7 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, JULY 8
Head Coaches Wanted for Ka‘ū High School, 2019-2020: Coed Judo, Coed Swimming, and Boys Basketball. Applications due Monday, July 8 - pick up at school office weekdays, 8a.m.-4p.m. Must pass criminal background check. Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, 313-4161
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Monday, July 8 (Committees), Tuesday, July 9 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Couples Dinner, Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 4:30-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Followed by Couples Engagement, 6-8p.m. Hosted by Ocean View Baptist Church. Open to the public.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
ONGOING
Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.
Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com
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