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| A USGS HVO geologist measures the height of the growing tephra cone around fissure 8 during Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. See Volcano Watch below. USGS photo by A. Klesh |
A WATER BOTTLING PLANT NEAR WAILOA RIVER in Hilo received a "No go" for the second time from the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday. The plan came back before the commission after the developers went to court with new findings and the court sent the proposal back for reconsideration. The water bottling plant would have been located near the Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
Another water bottling plant was proposed for the old sugar mill site in Pāhala but the property purchasers have yet to move on their tentative approval from the Planning Commission.
Leading the charge against the Hilo bottling plant is Kaʻū's Planning Commissioner John Replogle. During the earlier proceedings, Replogle joined public opposition and moved that the Windward Planning Commission kill the request for a Special Management Area permit for the developers, Piʻilani Partners. Commissioners voted five to one to deny the SMA. The developers appealed the decision to the courts, providing what they called new, supportive information for their plan.
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| John Replogle, Kaʻū's Planning Commissioner, expresses his opinions on water bottling plant. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Replogle said, "Giving private business access to our water, so they can enrich themselves, is not reasonable or beneficial use to our natural resource or to our people. I see nothing in the application that is in the public trust or interest." Replogle contended that drilling into the aquifer would introduce risks to the water supply. He also noted that worldwide there is "a scrambling by corporate business and wealthy individuals to grab up and control all remaining natural resources at the expensive of people who live in the region."
See more on the Hilo and Kaʻū bottling plant plans at kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/search?q=water+bottling.
PROTECTING COMMUNITY TELEVISION is the goal of legislation supported by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono. The Protecting Community Television Act, S. 3218, would preseve funding for community television stations, "which educate and inform viewers across Hawaiʻi," according to a statement from Hirono's office.
In Hawaiʻi, community television stations Nā Leo, Hōʻike, Akakū, and ʻŌlelo broadcast across Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, In August 2019, the Federal Communications Commission changed long-standing rules to allow cable companies to subtract the value of certain "in-kind" contributions from the total amount the cable operator pays in franchise fees to the local community—fees used to support community television stations.
Hirono contends: "This change will force local governments to choose between funding these community television stations and other vital community resources like libraries or schools, a result that will almost certainly decrease the funding available to community television stations. S. 3218 reverses this harmful FCC decision by reaffirming that franchise fees that cable companies pay to local governments can only be collected in monetary form, and cannot include in-kind contributions.
"Local programming allows everyone from students to seniors to broadcast their stories. Olelo has certified over 19,000 community members as local producers, ensuring that community members can tell their own stories in their own way."
Last month, ʻŌlelo organized the 14th annual Youth Capitol Commentary during the State Legislature's opening day. This year, 60 students from 14 Oʻahu schools conducted 131 interviews of lawmakers, the public, the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor. The student interviews will air for five hours across ʻŌlelo platforms.
Jaylee Canoy, a junior leader at ʻŌlelo's Nanakuli Media Center
J Robertson, Hōʻke: Kauaʻi Community Television Managing Director, said, "Hōʻike provides our island residents with classes, equipment, and educational programs with expert advice so that everyone has the ability and the right to share and tell their stories on the cable system. These are the intimate stories – featuring arts and entertainment, spiritual guidance, health and wellness, sports, public affairs, environmental issues, and, most importantly, as a spotlight on the showcase of cultural activities and entities on our island. Protection and support for community television is critical."
The Protecting Community Television Act has received endorsements from numerous national organizations, including the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Alliance for Community Media, TeleCommUnity, and others.
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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| Kathleen Ho |
KATHLEEN HO IS APPOINTED DIRECTOR of the Office of Environmental Quality Control in the state Department of Health by Gov. David Ige.
Ho has extensive experience as deputy attorney general in environmental law and served as deputy attorney general in the Health Division from 1992. In addition, Ho was adjunct professor at William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi County of Honolulu Honolulu , and served as advisor to OEQC and the Environmental Council.
Ho is a graduate of the University of San Francisco San Francisco and her LLM in Environmental Law from Lewis and Clark Law School Portland , Oregon
Ige said, "Kathleen has years of experience working in environmental law alongside a wide range of stakeholders. She is highly qualified and will serve the state well in leading and managing the OEQC."
Ho said, "I am honored and grateful that Governor Ige has nominated me to serve as the Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Hawaiʻi."
Ho's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Her start date has not yet been determined. If confirmed, Ho replaces Scott Glenn who has been appointed as chief executive officer of the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office.
LOVE THE ARTS FUNDRAISER GALA for Volcano Art Center 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The theme of the 12th annual event is The Roaring 2020s, highlighted by unique decorations, decadent food, fine wines and beer, and dancing. The evening also features appearances by members of Harmony on Tap and opera singer D'Andrea Pelletier. Live and silent auctions will provide attendees an opportunity to bid on artwork, jewelry, hotel stays, restaurants, local products, services, and gift certificates to businesses and attractions.
Tickets are $70, $65 for VAC Members, and can be purchased at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus in the village or Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 10 p.m. Learn the Charleston , the Lindy Hop, and more.
See volcanoartcenter.org.
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.
Geologists also try to understand the past to better anticipate the future. As liquid lava turns to solid volcanic rock, it records the processes that formed the rock. Through field observations and petrologic and petrographic analyses, physical and chemical information can be found in the rock at various scales, from micro-sized crystals to lava flows that are kilometers (miles) long. Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain.
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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UPCOMING
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TUESDAY, FEB. 11
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FRIDAY, FEB. 14 – Valentine's Day
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 808-938-1088.
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GEOLOGISTS are the focus of this week's Volcano Watch written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta. This is a fifth installment of the People and Jobs at HVOseries from Volcano Awareness Month:
Geologists rock!
Continuing with the Volcano Awareness Month theme of people and their work at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, we move on to another role at HVO – that of "geologist."
A geologist studies the Earth. This includes the study of rocks and the ways in which they form. Specifically, HVO geologists specialize in the numerous forms of volcanic rocks – liquid and solid lava flows and explosive deposits, such as ash.
As lava cools and solidifies, it can take the form of ʻaʻā or pāhoehoe – Hawaiian words used worldwide by volcanologists. Solid volcanic rock can also occur as particles, ranging from fine ash and Pele's hair to vehicle-sized lava bombs and blocks. In between, there are Pele's tears (droplets of volcanic glass), scoria and reticulite (forms of basaltic pumice), and spatter (clots of molten lava).
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| Instruments on the edge of Puʻu ʻŌʻō gather important information for monitoring volcanic activity but "feet on the ground" geologists are also required. USGS photo |
The HVO geology team studies how volcanic rocks form, how lava erupts and solidifies, and how explosions are triggered. We study how and when the surface of a volcano is created and how and why disturbances such as faulting and collapses happen. We also assess the hazards of eruptions and rock breakage.
The general approach to using geologic data on a volcano is to reconstruct how the volcano formed. We then use this information to model or forecast how the volcano could behave in the future.
The general approach to using geologic data on a volcano is to reconstruct how the volcano formed. We then use this information to model or forecast how the volcano could behave in the future.
Maintaining HVO's camera network is one of the geology team's critical jobs. HVO's current network consists of 22 live web cameras and 1 time-lapse camera covering 45 percent of the Kīlauea lava-flow hazard zone 1 area and 36 percent of the Mauna Loa lava-flow hazard zone 1 area. The camera network provides real-time monitoring of areas that cannot be staffed 24/7. This allows us to track changes in critical areas so that we always know what the volcano is doing.
HVO's geology group is responsible for the camera network, but it takes many others to keep the network running. HVO engineers help build the camera systems and provide the power systems that keep them running. HVO IT staff ensure that our cameras can transmit images to the website.
HVO's geology group is responsible for the camera network, but it takes many others to keep the network running. HVO engineers help build the camera systems and provide the power systems that keep them running. HVO IT staff ensure that our cameras can transmit images to the website.
Cameras cannot, however, replace "boots on the ground" observations by geologists in the field. How much time we spend in the field depends on volcanic activity. During this relatively quiet time on Kīlauea , we're in the field 1-2 days per month. During the 2018 eruption, HVO geologists were in the field 7 days per week.
During an active eruption, our field work tasks include collecting lava samples, tracking a lava flow's growth and advance rate, and assessing if hazards in the affected area have increased or decreased. In both eruptive and non-eruptive times, we also examine older deposits in a continuing study of the island’s volcanic history.
There is no "typical" field day for HVO geologists – our work is determined by what information is needed. For instance, prior to 2018, we tracked Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava flows, as well as the growth of lava deltas, looking for signs of impending collapses or potential explosions. During the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption, we measured how fast lava flowed through the fissure 8 channel and checked the boundaries of the lava channel to assess their stability.
Our field work produces many detailed measurements, enabling us to accurately assess volcanic hazards. Examples include monitoring how heat is progressing away from the 2018 dike in lower Puna and measuring the rise of water in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater lake with a laser rangefinder.
HVO geologists also spend time in the office. That's when we analyze and interpret data collected in the field and write reports that are ultimately published. To help interpret geologic data, we use several computer programs, some of which help us create the maps posted on HVO's public website. Other programs help us create 3-dimensional models of volcanic features, or help us calculate and model lava flow behavior, explosion behavior, and collapse processes.
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| Working on the edge as a geologist or other HVO scientist. USGS photo |
There's rarely a dull moment for HVO's geology team, which is why we enjoy our work. The job of a geologist definitely rocks!
This is the final article about HVO people and jobs in the Volcano Awareness Month 2020 series, but additional HVO teams may write about their work in future Volcano Watch articles.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL . Monitoring data over the past month showed no significant changes. Rates of seismicity were variable but within long-term values. Sulfur dioxide emission rates were low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continued to slowly expand and deepen.
Areas of elevated ground temperatures and minor gas release are still found in the vicinity of the 2018 lower East Rift Zone fissures. Gases include steam (water) and small amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. These conditions are expected to be long-term. Similar conditions after the 1955 eruption continued for years to decades.
Four earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in the Hawaiian Islands this past week: a magnitude-3.3 quake 3 km (2 mi) southeast of Fern Acres at 39 km (24 mi) depth on Feb. 5 at 8:32 p.m., a magnitude-2.8 quake 8 km (5 mi) northeast of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on Feb. 4 at 8:37 p.m., a magnitude-4.2 quake 7 km (4 mi) south of Volcano at 8 km (5 mi) depth on Feb. 2 at 8:37 p.m., and a magnitude-3.0 quake 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Volcano at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Jan. 30 at 1:51 a.m.
Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvofor past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.
Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Boys Basketball
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 HHSAA on Oʻahu
Wrestling
Fri., Feb. 21 HHSAA
Swimming
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 14 and 15 on Maui
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. , JV Jamboree at Konawaena
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. , JV Jamboree at Konawaena
Boys Baseball
Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m. , host HPA
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. . @Waiakea
Boys Volleyball
Friday, Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m. , Preseason at Christian Liberty
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. , host Christian Liberty
Judo
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. . @Kealakehe
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
16th Annual Love the Arts Volcano Arts Center Fundraiser Gala, Saturday, Feb. 8, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Theme is The Roaring 2020s, highlighted by unique decorations, decadent food, fine wines and beer, and dancing. Features appearances by members of Harmony on Tap and opera singer D'Andrea Pelletier. Live and silent auctions: bid on artwork, jewelry, hotel stays, restaurants, local products, services, and gift certificates to businesses and attractions. Tickets $70, $65 VAC Members. Purchase at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus in the village or Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
SUNDAY, FEB. 9
Kaʻū Clean-Up with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, Sunday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, March 21. Volunteer spaces limited. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
Music in the American Wild, Tuesday, Feb. 11; seating begins at 6:30 p.m. , concert starts at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The American Wild Ensemble was formed to celebrate and tour America 's national parks. They've performed in unconventional venues, from caves to mountaintops, commissioning new works and performing them in site-inspired and site-specific locations. Attend an evening concert with ensemble directors Emlyn Johnson (flute) and Daniel Ketter (cello) as they present a contemporary classical program featuring new works by Hawai‘i resident and Hawai‘i-born composers. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12
O Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Market, Wednesdays,8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.
O Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Market, Wednesdays,
Ki‘i Carving Demonstration, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Valentine's Day Buffet, Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. , Crater Rim Café at Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees are Prime Rib Au Jus, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake. Adults $35.95, $17.95 children 6 to 11 years old. Military ID card holders and in-house guests: Adults $28.76, $14.36 children 6 to 11 years old. No reservations required. Located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.
ONGOING
Beginning Improv for Adults, Thursday, through Feb. 13, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. "Learn to live more in the moment, think on your feet, let go of self-judgment, bring more joy in your life, and recapture your playful spirit in the 6-week workshop series with improv legend Keli Semelsberger." Attendance to all 6 classes is not required – classes may be attended individually. No prior experience is necessary. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Fill Out the Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020, from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , through Feb. 16. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū, Thursday afternoons, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. , through Feb 20, Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. See alohakidney.com. Call (808) 585-8404 to enroll.
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Register for a Free CERT Basic Training Course, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center
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Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, through Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. 8-week morning or afternoon pottery series with Erik Wold. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org
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T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511
RSVP for the Bicentennial Celebration of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church, Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Henry ‘Opukahaʻia Memorial Chapel, Hokuloa Church 11:30 a.m. in the large pavilion at Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach Park. For more information and to RSVP With the number of people attending, contact Debbie Wong Yuen, Kahu at Kauahaʻao Church, at 808-928-8039.
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily,
Register for a Free CERT Basic Training Course, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from Register for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's 12th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive through Wednesday, Feb. 19 at noon . Event takes place Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Poles, gear, and bait, and lunch for all, provided. Each child receives a prize, chosen during registration, in the order they register; register early. Keiki one to 14 years old register online at okaukakou.org, or pick up form at Nāʻālehu Elementary School, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School
Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, through Feb. 23, Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m. , Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū.
Performers will include: Maya Hoover , Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org
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 808-938-1088.
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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