MAUNA LOA IS ERUPTING, USGS REPORTS: At approximately 11:30 p.m. HST Sunday, Nov. 27, an eruption began in Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera of Mauna Loa, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. "At this time, lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities. Winds may carry volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s hair downwind," reported USGS.
"Residents at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows should review preparedness and refer to Hawai‘i County Civil Defense information for further guidance.
"Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.
"If the eruption remains in Moku‘āweoweo, lava flows will most likely be confined within the caldera walls. However, if the eruptive vents migrate outside its walls, lava flows may move rapidly downslope.
"HVO is in close consultation with emergency management partners and will be monitoring the volcano closely to provide further updates on activity. As soon as possible, HVO will conduct aerial reconnaissance to better describe the eruption and assess hazards."
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Papahānaumokuākea, Live Wreath by Makanani, is created from palm, protea, orchid roots, ferns, succulents, ti, coral, and pine cone. It is one of many on wreaths on display at Volcano Art Gallery during its 23rd Annual Wreath Exhibit, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day. |
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY OPENED THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The 23rd annual celebration features the Annual Wreath Exhibit, which continues through Dec. 31. VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for closing on Christmas Day.
A VAC statement says, "This group exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles. This year artists may engage with the theme Under The Sea, inspired by our beloved ocean and sea life. Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by the local artistic community. Held at the VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the exhibit is free, however park entrance fees apply.
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Amakahi wreath by Claudia McCall, created from glass, lead and copper foil, on display at Christmas in the Country, Volcano Art Gallery |
Shop the exhibit at
https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-exhibit/ In addition to the wreath exhibit, VAC has created a "merry scene of art and aloha inside the1877 Volcano House Hotel historic building. In addition to the exquisite artwork Volcano Art Center has become known for showcasing year-round, unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawaiʻi Island artists can also be found."
This year Christmas in the Country has expanded to VAC's Niaulani Campus with handmade art and gifts by Hawai’i’s local artists as well as live poinsettias on display and available to purchase. VAC’s Niaulani Campus offers extended holiday hours, Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., also closing on Christmas Day.
THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS GEARING UP WITH PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM IMPROVEMENTS, which have helped the citizenry of Kaʻū and all rural Hawai'i to testify, create legislation and keep up with elected officials and bills as they are introduced and make their way through the process. PAR, a division of the Legislative Reference Bureau, is a base to work from when visiting the state Capitol Building in Honolulu and it provides online access for involvement that used to be relegated to flying to Honolulu or writing letters.
The 2023 Hawai'i Legislature starts up on Wednesday, Jan. 18 with the state Senator Sen. Dru Kanuha and House of Representatives member Jeanne Kapela representing all of Kaʻū.
The Legislature’s Public Access Room website,
capitol.hawaii.gov, has been redesigned to provide a simpler, more intuitive experience and a site that’s easy to work with on a cellphone. See the guide at
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/docs/HiLegSiteGuide2022.pdf The
capitol.hawaii.gov site includes a
Reports and Lists link, as well as a search box at the top to find bills by subject matter and key words or to find bills by bill number. Also available is searching the current Hawaii Revised Statutes and Session Laws of Hawaii. Registration for the site is free.
As the Thirty-Second Hawai'i Legislature organizes, the November elections completed, Public Access Room is updating its
Current Legislature with names of those statewide who will be serving House and Senate seats. Ongoing updates include leadership assignments, committee structure, room numbers and office managers, as the chambers organize and information becomes available. The info can be found at
lrb.hawaii.gov/par.
Public Access Room also offers Zoom workshops for groups who want to learn more about the legislative process and getting involved. PAR can also set up one-on-one tutorials. Workshops can cover using the new website, understanding the legislative process, and/or how to effectively advocate for or against legislation.
For students and the public headed from Kaʻū to Honolulu, visiting the Capitol is an option. The Capitol building is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individual office hours of House and Senate members vary. PAR recommends to contact them beforehand. An ID is required for entry into the Capitol building, and that COVID policies differ among entities that occupy the capitol building, and will most likely continue to evolve, notes PAR.
In its facilities within the Capitol, PAR asks that masks be worn and has some available. PAR is open during the interim from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Once session starts it will open from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to stop by to pick up some handouts, ask questions, and say hello or to contact by email and through the internet.
Public Access Room online is at
https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par. In person, or through mail, it is located at 415 S. Beretania St., #401, Honolulu, HI 96813. Email is par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Phone is 808-587-0478.Its YouTube is
Hawaii Public Access Room. Follow on Twitter
@Hawaii_PAR Follow on Facebook
@PublicAccessRoom
BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL WILL PLAY AT HOME. Ka'u Trojan Girls and Boys teams have been on the road and home games are set. In late November, Trojan Boys played at Kamehameha with the Warriors keeping the win on their home court. Score was Kamehameha 56, Ka'u 38.
Home games for the Boys, under coach Troy Gacayan, will see Hilo coming to Ka'u on Tuesday, Dec. 6, Kohala arriving on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and St. Josephs on Saturday, Jan. 7. Kau boys travel to Honoka'a on Saturday Dec. 10, Pahoa, Tuesday Jan, 3.
The Trojan girls, under Coach Chrysa Dacalio, will host Pahoa on Friday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha on Thursday, Dec. 22, Honoka'a on Saturday Jan. 14, and Kealakehe on Thursday, Jan. 19.