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| Geologist and GIS analyst Mike Zoeller of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Photo from University of Hawai'i |
A NEW ERUPTION MAP IS THE PRODUCT OF HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY. This week's Volcano Watch from U.S. Geological Survey's HVO is written by geologist and GIS analyst Mike Zoeller. He writes:
The production of maps to track the progress of ongoing eruptions has long been part of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory mission to inform the public about volcanic hazards in Hawai'i. The methods used to collect, interpret, and disseminate map data have been evolving ever since HVO’s founding in 1912, and a digital tool newly available to the public continues that legacy of innovation.
View the new HVO eruption response web map
The new digital tool is an interactive, browser-based display of map data that can be updated in near-real-time with eruption features, such as lava flows. During the Island of Hawai‘i’s most dramatic eruptions in recent years—in 2018, at Kīlauea, and in 2022, at Mauna Loa—static eruption maps have been released semi-daily as image files posted to HVO’s website. However, there was always a desire to provide a more dynamic, near-real-time digital representation of the data, hence the creation of the web map.
During the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption, HVO was preparing to release a web map very similar to the present one, but the eruption ended before it could be rolled out. Still, map data were provided to the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA) for inclusion in their web map, so it was available to the public during the eruption.
A screenshot of HVO’s new ArcGIS Online web map for eruption map data, displaying FlowPolys features that depict lava flow boundaries from the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption. USGS image
After 2022, USGS geographic information systems (GIS) specialists worked to optimize HVO’s web map and prepare it for use during future eruptions. A system was developed for data to flow from its collection at the eruption site to the web map via the cloud, with filters applied to vet the map for accuracy and release.
It should also be noted that the USGS normally does not allow unpublished data, we only release web maps that have been formally published, which is not possible during a fast-paced eruption response. However, the USGS Fundamental Science Practices allow groups—like HVO—to rapidly distribute critical data when responding to hazardous situations. Permission for a public web map was granted based on eruptions like those in 2018 and 2022 providing clear evidence for the need of such a product in advance of the next event.The advantage of a public ArcGIS Online web map is that it can be opened by anyone in a web browser. The included dataset—known as an ArcGIS web layer—can also be loaded into users’ custom web maps, or into specialized GIS software like ArcGIS Pro. Map features in the dataset are only viewable to the public, not editable.
Within the web map and web layer, there are five sub-layers of map features: FlowPolys (polygon shapes depicting lava flow boundaries), EruptiveFissureLines (lines depicting the traces of eruptive fissures), EruptiveVentPoints (points depicting more localized eruptive vents), FlowFrontPoints (points marking lava flow fronts, in the absence of more complete polygon mapping), and FlowChannelLines (lines depicting the traces of lava flow channels). Users can toggle each of these sub-layers on and off to aid in different displays of the map features.
The web map went online back in March to be ready for the next eruption, but most of the sub-layers are currently empty, with the intention that map features will be populated when a new eruption starts at any of Hawaii’s volcanoes. One exception is the FlowPolys sub-layer, which includes polygon features for lava flows from the 2020–2023 Kīlauea summit and 2022 Mauna Loa eruptions. These are provided as placeholders and to help users contextualize future lava flows on the map.
In addition to providing a more interactive display of map features than the static maps posted to HVO’s website—which will still be produced regularly during eruptions—the new web map is intended to accelerate the distribution of critical data to key stakeholders. That of course includes the public, as well as partner agencies during eruption responses: HCCDA, the state-level Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
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To access the new ArcGIS Online web map, please visit the HVO website at www.usgs.gov/hvo, where it is linked as the "Eruption Response Web Map" under "Quick Links." Stay tuned for further developments, because there are plans to add the data to the interactive map on the HVO website homepage in the near future.
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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES FROM USGS: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Rates of seismic activity decreased beneath the summit this past week compared to the previous week. However, activity remains elevated, with nearly 300 events detected beneath the summit over the past week. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna bluff continued to record inflationary trends. Ongoing ground deformation patterns in the Southwest Rift Zone indicate that magma continues to migrate down rift in this region. No unusual activity has been noted along the East Rift Zone.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES FROM USGS: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Rates of seismic activity decreased beneath the summit this past week compared to the previous week. However, activity remains elevated, with nearly 300 events detected beneath the summit over the past week. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna bluff continued to record inflationary trends. Ongoing ground deformation patterns in the Southwest Rift Zone indicate that magma continues to migrate down rift in this region. No unusual activity has been noted along the East Rift Zone.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
A 44-YEAR OLD VOLCANO PEDESTRIAN DIED ON HWY 11 on Thursday, when struck by a pickup at Ali'i Koa intersection. Hwy 11 was closed for several hours near the transfer station and mile marker 24, diverting traffic to Old Volcano Road.
Officers responding to the 12:25 p.m. call, learned that a 2012 Chevy pickup truck was traveling north on Highway 11 and being operated by a 52-year-old male, when it struck the pedestrian at the Alii Koa intersection. Multiple witnesses confirmed the pedestrian was standing by the stop sign prior to running into the road in front of the pickup truck.
The pedestrian was unresponsive at the scene and was transported ot Hilo Medical Center and pronounced![]()
dead at 4:17 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determne exact cause of death.Identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of the family. Operator of the 2012 Chevy pickup truck was not injured as a result of the collision. East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that speed and inattention are not factors in this collision.
Officers responding to the 12:25 p.m. call, learned that a 2012 Chevy pickup truck was traveling north on Highway 11 and being operated by a 52-year-old male, when it struck the pedestrian at the Alii Koa intersection. Multiple witnesses confirmed the pedestrian was standing by the stop sign prior to running into the road in front of the pickup truck.
The pedestrian was unresponsive at the scene and was transported ot Hilo Medical Center and pronounced
dead at 4:17 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determne exact cause of death.Identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of the family. Operator of the 2012 Chevy pickup truck was not injured as a result of the collision. East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that speed and inattention are not factors in this collision.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
HAWAI'I ISLAND POLICE report that 42-year-old Jordan Blevins of Ocean View, who had been previously wanted for an outstanding bench warrant and also for questioning in a separate criminal investigation, was arrested in the District of Kaʻū on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 8:00 A.M. The case involving Blevins is an ongoing investigation and the case will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney once it is completed. The Hawai’i Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Blevins.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
THE HUB AT NĀ'ĀLEHU CONTINUES ITS RUMMAGE SALE Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sales at the thrift shop supports the free meals program at the Hub on .... days and times of free meals.
COOKING WITH CANOE PLANTS 2 WORKSHOP is Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the uses of the first edible plants brought to Hawaiʻi by Polynesians and how to prepare them. Class fee is $60/$55 for VAC members plus a $20 supply fee. Register online at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.
SIGN WAVING PROTESTS AT PUNALU'U GOLF COURSE INTERSECTION with Malama Punalu'u is Saturday April 27 and Saturday May 4 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Malama Punalu'u has announced protest events and is encouraging those opposing the development at Punalu'u to make their voices heard before the extended public hearing on Monday May 6 at 9 a.m. in Hilo.
EPA RECYCLING EDUCATION & OUTREACH GRANT AWARD CEREMONY is Saturday April 27 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. Community members will have an opportunity to discuss the program with grant partners, elected leaders, and participants. With County Council Member Michelle Galimba, state Representative Jeanne Kapela, and county Department of Environmental Services Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses. For more information contact candice.robben@k12.hi.us or program@recyclehawaii.org.
COFFEE HOUR WITH JR. TUPAʻI is Saturday April 27 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at The Lili House Farm, 19-4535 Amaumau Rd, Volcano. Event hosted by Tupaʻi's campaign for Hawaiʻi County Mayor. Come together as a community to discuss matters of importance, share ideas and work toward collective solutions.
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN FOR NĀ'ĀLEHU is April 28. Proposed Project involves the construction of facilities which would allow the County to close the three LCCs in Nāʻālehu and thereby meet the compliance requirements of the Amended AOC and the applicable portions of the Clean Water Act. The Proposed Action would be achieved by any of the 4 alternatives set forth. The proposed Project Area includes approximately 204 discrete tax parcels (in whole or in part) and portions of multiple County of Hawai'i roadways in Nāʻālehu. See full plan details at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65cc2e5b21c82563eefd1dc2/t/6608d8f429ca3638a4b4bd34/1711855862795/Naalehu+EID-+EA+Consultation+Package.pdf. Submit comments via email to publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com, or written comments via mail to: Keola Cheng, Director-Planning, Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96826.
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KA'Ū COMMUNITY EASY ACCESS PRENATAL CLINIC on Sunday April 28 from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at 94-2166 South Point. All insurance plans accepted. No one turned away for lack of funds. Schedule an appointment at: 808.450.0498, https://shinesisterhoodinitiative.com/collective. Contact shinesisterhoodinitiative@gmail.com for more information.
SIGN UP FOR SPRING STUDENT SHOWCASE FOR KA'Ū HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY is by Monday April 29. The showcase is on Wednesday May 1st. The event takes attendees from door to door to classrooms where students present special projects. The schedule for the Student Showcase is: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check in at the District Gym MPR (open until 12pm for any later arrivals), 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Visit 7-12, Showcase Classrooms, 11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: Visit K-6, Showcase Classrooms. RSVP at Google Form.
SPRING STUDENT SHOWCASE FOR KA'Ū HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY is Wednesday May 1st from 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. The event takes attendees from door to door to classrooms where students present special projects. The schedule for the Student Showcase is: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check in at the District Gym MPR (open until 12pm for any later arrivals), 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Visit 7-12, Showcase Classrooms, 11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: Visit K-6, Showcase Classrooms. RSVP at Google Form.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
COFFEE HOUR WITH JR. TUPAʻI is Saturday April 27 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at The Lili House Farm, 19-4535 Amaumau Rd, Volcano. Event hosted by Tupaʻi's campaign for Hawaiʻi County Mayor. Come together as a community to discuss matters of importance, share ideas and work toward collective solutions.
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN FOR NĀ'ĀLEHU is April 28. Proposed Project involves the construction of facilities which would allow the County to close the three LCCs in Nāʻālehu and thereby meet the compliance requirements of the Amended AOC and the applicable portions of the Clean Water Act. The Proposed Action would be achieved by any of the 4 alternatives set forth. The proposed Project Area includes approximately 204 discrete tax parcels (in whole or in part) and portions of multiple County of Hawai'i roadways in Nāʻālehu. See full plan details at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65cc2e5b21c82563eefd1dc2/t/6608d8f429ca3638a4b4bd34/1711855862795/Naalehu+EID-+EA+Consultation+Package.pdf. Submit comments via email to publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com, or written comments via mail to: Keola Cheng, Director-Planning, Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96826.
SIGN UP FOR SPRING STUDENT SHOWCASE FOR KA'Ū HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY is by Monday April 29. The showcase is on Wednesday May 1st. The event takes attendees from door to door to classrooms where students present special projects. The schedule for the Student Showcase is: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check in at the District Gym MPR (open until 12pm for any later arrivals), 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Visit 7-12, Showcase Classrooms, 11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: Visit K-6, Showcase Classrooms. RSVP at Google Form.
SPRING STUDENT SHOWCASE FOR KA'Ū HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY is Wednesday May 1st from 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. The event takes attendees from door to door to classrooms where students present special projects. The schedule for the Student Showcase is: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check in at the District Gym MPR (open until 12pm for any later arrivals), 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Visit 7-12, Showcase Classrooms, 11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: Visit K-6, Showcase Classrooms. RSVP at Google Form.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.
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