 |
| Halau hula from Mexico to Japan come forward for a blessing before the beginning of Hoʻokopu Hula No Kaʻū today in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal |
 |
| Hoʻokopu Hula No Kaʻū founder Debbie Ryder and Mayor Harry Kim today at the festival. Photo by Julia Neal |
The theme was appreciation of cultures worldwide, and the welcoming of those from afar who study Polynesian music and dance. A Tahitian group from Mexico City and Hawaiian dancers from Japan were among those who graced the stage. Kumu Debbie Ryder and her husband Kawehi founded the festival on Lanaʻi, and established a cultural exchange with Hawaiian dancers and musicians from Kaʻū who traveled there. After five years the festival moved from Lanaʻi to the grounds of Pāhala Plantation House, which it quickly outgrew, and on to Pāhala Community Center. The Ryders now live and work in Kaʻū with the schools and community, teaching Hawaiian dance, music, agriculture, and other cultural practices. See photos below and more in Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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.
 |
| Making poi at Hoʻokopu No Kaʻū Cultural Festival Photo by Julia Neal |
The provision would require collection of data from orchid growers on a state-by-state basis to include incidences of pest detection. It also mandates an analysis of additional resources needed to prevent and mitigate introduction of pests when importing potted orchids.
In 2014, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service began the rulemaking process to allow the importation of orchid plants from Taiwan and Korea . In response to Hawaiʻi orchid growers' concerns, Hirono led the Hawaiʻi delegation in sending comment letters to APHIS, expressing concern with the proposed rules in 2015 and 2017. USDA APHIS moved forward with publishing final rules to allow importation of orchids in growing media.
 |
| A collection of stone poi pounders used to make poi. Photo by Julia Neal |
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.
HAWAIʻI PRIORITIES in the U.S. Senate's fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills were approved on an 84-9 vote this week. The bipartisan appropriations package includes annual funding for the federal Departments of Commerce, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and several others. The bill now moves to a conference committee to reconcile differences with the House-passed appropriations bills.
Sen. Mazie Hirono said she successfully fought for many Hawaiʻi priorities "the Trump Administration sought to eliminate" or "block," in the FY2020 budget. They are:
A report on Micronesia and Hawaiʻi to update federal agencies' implementation of a Regional Biosecurity Plan.
 |
| Noa of Kamehameha Schools learns about native seaweed, limu, from expert Wally Ito. Photo by Julia Neal |
Language highlighting the importance of Tropical and Subtropical crop research at USDA. This language highlights the importance of research by the Agricultural Research Service in combating invasive pests that threaten crop security in the Pacific and Insular Areas.
Funding to support the USDA Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program. The bill provides $2 million in support of the program, which reimburses producers in Hawaiʻi, Alaska , Puerto Rico , the Virgin Islands , and insular areas for transportation costs.
Funding to acquire land for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The bill provides $6 million for the National Park Service to acquire land to add to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawaiʻi Island.
Funding to replace U.S. Geological Survey facilities on Hawaiʻi Island that were damaged during the 2018 eruption and earthquakes.
Funding to replace lost days at sea due to the sudden decommissioning of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hiʻialakai research ship. The bill provides $7 million to replace lost days at sea for research throughout the Hawaiian Islands .
Language rejecting proposed staffing cuts at the National Weather Service and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Pacific Tsunami Warning Center National Tsunami Warning Center Alaska .
 |
| Pam Lota Fujii helps to educate the public about local seaweed and the limu's nutritional and cultural value. She said she hopes to come back to Kaʻū to help with a workshop. Photo by Julia Neal |
Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service Program - $162 million. EASP ensures minimum standards for and provides subsidized air service to rural communities across the country including Waimea and Hana.
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, an independent agency tasked with coordinating federal efforts to address homelessness, $3.7 million.
Funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Space Grant Program at $47 million, a $3 million increase over 2019. The Space Grant program supports scholarships, fellowships, and internships in higher education, research infrastructure, precollege, and informal education through its 52 Space Grant consortia, including the Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa
 |
| Na Mamo O Kaʻū ,with James Akau preparing kukui nuts and sea salt. Photo by Julia Neal |
Community Development Block Grants, $3.6 billion. "One of the federal government's most effective means to revitalize low and moderate income communities across the country," stated Hirono, CDBG funds support home ownership, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, and economic development projects throughout the nation.
HOME Investment Partnership Program, $1.25 billion. The program is a block grant to state and local government designed to produce affordable housing for low-income families.
Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program, $54 million. The program helps low-income homebuyers contribute to the construction of their own homes, helps local organizations develop affordable housing and community development projects, and provides grants to nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate or make improvements to the residences of low-income and disabled veterans.
A MEASURE TO SUPPORT URBAN AGRICULTURE was introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono to the U.S. Senate this week. The measure would provide $5 million in funding to support activities such as indoor and vertical farms, community gardens, and urban farms.
 |
| Handbade Polynesian drums by the master, Ika Vea. Photo by Julia Neal |
EARLY ENDORSEMENTS FOR KAI KAHELE'S RUN TO REPRESENT KAʻŪ and all of Hawaiʻi's second congressional district have come in from community leaders from across the state of Hawaiʻi.
Among them are: West Kaʻū and Kona state Sen. Dru Kanuha, and state senators Stanley Chang, Kurt Fevella, Jarrett Keohokalole, Clarence Nishihara, Gil Riviere, and Maile Shimabukuro. State representatives supporting Kahele include Stacelynn Eli, Cedric Gates, Joy San Buenaventura, Chris Todd, and Tina Wildberger.
Hawaiʻi County Councilmember Sue Lee Loy, Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, and formerVermont governor and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean also endorse Kahele.
Hawaiʻi County Councilmember Sue Lee Loy, Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, and former
Other community leaders endorsing Kahele are: Chief Master Sergeant Robert Lee (Ret.), Hawaiʻi National Guard; Hon. Steven Levinson (Ret.), Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice; Dr. Amy Agbayani, Civil Rights Activist; Dr. Patricia Nekoba, Educator; Toni Lee and Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, Native Hawaiian Community Leaders; and Sivan Leoni and Rick Tune, former University of Hawaiʻi Men's Volleyball Teammates.
These leaders join former Hawaiʻi governors John Waiheʻe, Ben Cayetano, and Neil Abercrombie, who serve as honorary co-chairs of the Kahele for Congress Campaign Committee.
 |
| Lei from the kumu of Hoʻemalaʻi. Photo by Julia Neal |
The Kahele for Congress Campaign Committee announced that it has raised $105,310 in online donations from over 5,000 donors, with an average contribution of $20.86 during the month of October. Kahele's campaign has raised over half a million dollars since Jan. 21.
Kahele serves as Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Water and Land in the Hawaiʻi State Senate where he represents his hometown of Hilo . He is an 18-year combat veteran aviator who was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard.
The second Congressional District encompasses Kaʻū, along with the entirety of Hawaiʻi Island, Maui , Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kaua'i, Niʻihau, and the rural parts of Oʻahu, including Waimānalo, Kailua , Kāneʻohe, the North Shore
 |
Two HVO geologists document road cutting activities on HWY 132 on Aug. 7. One geologist is taking visual photographs while another geologist is taking thermal photographs to make a tandem pair for comparison. The temperature of the solidified lava was measured to 425° C (800° F) at the digging site. USGS/geologist K. Mulliken photo |
As roads are recut into Kīlauea's 2018 lava flow field, many have been surprised at how hot the lava remains under the surface, even though it is solidified. Why is it still so hot? The short and simple answer is that lava insulates itself very well.
Since last writing about this topic in a February 28, 2019 , Volcano Watch article, we now have more accurate calculations of lava thickness, cooling times, and the relative proportions of the internal molten core to the exterior solid crust for Kīlauea 's 2018 lava flow field.
Previous work by HVO scientists published in 1994 measured the cooling rate of pāhoehoe lava at Kalapana. They found that the upper crust of a basalt lava flow grows thicker as a function of the square root of time. In other words, the lava flow crust grows more slowly with time. Therefore, thicker lava flows will take longer to become completely solid.
Lava erupts from Kīlauea at a temperature of 1150° C (2100° F). In 1917, Thomas Jaggar published results from the then-active Halema‘uma‘u lava lake that indicated basalt can remain molten at temperatures as low as 750–850° C (1380–1560° F). For the calculations here, crust is considered solid when it is below 850° C (1560° F) and crust is viscoelastic (semi-solid or malleable) at 850–1070° C (1560–1950° F).
 |
| Why are roads still hot, more than a year after the flow crossed the roads? Photo by Julia Neal |
Therefore, although the top surface of Kīlauea's 2018 lava flows are already solid and cool to the touch, just beneath the surface is still very hot.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) mapping in 2018 helped HVO create a lava flow thickness map. This map indicates that, at the intersection known as Four Corners , there is approximately 15 m (50 ft) of lava. Using this value and the equations from the 1994 study of the Kalapana lava flows, we can calculate how much of the 2018 flows have solidified.
Over the 14 months since the end of the eruption last year, the upper 7.8 m (24 ft) and lower 5.5 m (18 ft) at Four Corners should already be solidified crust, and the middle 1.7 m (5.5 ft ) should still be malleable.
It will take about 3 more years for the remaining 1.7 m (5.5 ft ) of malleable lava over the Four Corners intersection to reach 850° C (1560° F) and be completely solid.
When construction of new roads in the area expose hot temperatures just below the surface, the lava cooling profile is effectively reset. The newly-exposed surface will quickly lose heat, as if it were the original cooling surface.
This matches recent observations by road-construction crews, who noticed hot rocks being exposed at a road cut along HWY 132. HVO geologists confirmed this in August, when temperatures of 425° C (800° F) were measured at the newly-cut road site. Hot temperatures will remain several feet below the surface for now and will likely generate steam when there is rain.
Lava retains heat so well that thick flows take years to decades to completely solidify, and even longer to cool off. The UAS lava-flow thickness map indicates that over Kapoho Bay Four Corners , but the viscoelastic layer will be 4.7 m (15 ft). A thick molten inner core should exist within the ‘a‘ā flow delta and have a thickness of 32 m (105 ft) in the bay and an astonishing 232 m (761 ft) at the eastern area of maximum thickness.
Although Kīlauea 's 2018 eruption ended 14 months ago, it will be years before the lava flows emplaced on land are entirely solidified below 850° C (1560° F), and over a century before the 250-m (820 ft)-thick area offshore fully solidifies.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains atNORMAL . Kīlauea monitoring data have shown no significant changes in volcanic activity during September. Rates of earthquake activity or seismicity across the volcano remain largely steady with three periods of increased microseismic activity each lasting a couple of days. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and are below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone. The pond at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u, which began forming on July 25, 2019 , continues to slowly expand and deepen.
Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvofor past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at
 |
| Make a glass Christmas tree ornament at Volcano Art Center this Sunday. Photo from VAC |
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.
FUSED GLASS BASIC: ORNAMENTS CLASS with Claudia McCall will be held Sunday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village
Kilnforming is the process of shaping glass in a kiln with heat and gravity. When the glass is heated in a kiln, its consistency takes a liquid form. Once gravity takes hold of the molten glass, the glass fills the space in which it is contained and fuses with other pieces of compatible glass. Participants will create their own Christmas tree-shaped ornament using pre-cut molds by provided by McCall. As the kiln will need to cool for a couple of hours after running the project, a break will be held for lunch. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch for a picnic at Niʻaulani or break elsewhere.
The class fee is $30, $25 for VAC members, plus a $20 fee, inclusive of all supplies. All levels are welcome to enroll. Advance registration required; workshop limited to six adults.
"Claudia McCall started working in stained glass in 2006, when a friend gifted her with a piece. She loved the way the sunlight played through the different types of glass, and wanted to explore the possibilities of interpreting the natural world, and interest spurred by her mother's love of art and her grandmother's love of birding," stated the announcement. "Her goal is to interpret Hawaiʻi's unique environment through the stylized lens of stained glass."
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.
![]()
Cultural Understanding through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Nov. 4, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
![]()
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
![]()
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
![]()
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Nov. 9, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
![]()
Sounds at the Summit featuring Constant as the Moon, Saturday, Nov. 9, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Doors open 5p.m. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
![]()
ONGOING
![]()
West Hawai ‘i Master Gardeners Program Accepting Applications through Friday, Nov. 15, cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/whmgprogram/HOME/West-Hawaii. Classes take place Jan. 14 - April 17, 2020 , every Tuesday, 9a.m. -noon . $200/person.
![]()
Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
 |
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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
UPCOMING
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 3, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo
Fused Glass Basics: Ornaments Workshop with Claudia McCall, Sunday, Nov. 3, 11a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. One day kilnforming workshop introducing basic techniques of glass fusing. $25/VAC member, $30/non-member, plus $20 fee, includes supplies. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Nov. 3 – 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, NOV. 4
Fall Wreath Activity Registration, Nov. 4-12, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Nov. 4, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 6 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Empower Meeting, Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 19 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, Wednesday, Nov. 6 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. No December program. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Nov. 7 – 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, Nov. 7, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Nov. 8, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Community Dance, Friday, Nov. 8, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. No alcohol. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Nov. 9, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
5th Annual Lā ‘Ohana, Saturday, Nov. 9, 9a.m.-3p.m., Miloli‘i Park. Live local entertainment. Free event for health and Hawaiian culture "celebrating generational knowledge." UH-Hilo Pharmacy health screenings, open enrollment for health insurance with Big Island Kokua Services Partnerships, cultural demonstrations, Hawaiian medicine from Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, informational booths from marine conservation organization, arts and crafts from community vendors. Baked goods, drinks, shaved ice, ono grinds, and more. Kaimi Kaupiko, 937-1310, kkaupiko@gmail.com
Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Nov. 9, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo
Zentangle Introduction to Bitty BookZ with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, Nov. 9, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Art supplies provided (returning students encouraged to bring favorite supplies). Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring food to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Soul Town Band, Saturday, Nov. 9, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21 .
Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org
Paper Bag Pumpkin Activity Registration, through Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 6, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Read To Me Activity Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Thursdays, Nov. 7-21, 3:30-5p.m. , multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
P&R Track & Field Practice Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 20, Kahuku Park
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale Holy Rosary Church Heart Church 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.
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.
