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Honu'apo was one of the first coastal lands in Kaʻū that was preserved with financial assistance from the late Ed Olson, here showing a Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa double-hull sailing canoe. Photo by William Neal |
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND, which has done much work preserving land in Kaʻū, including thousands of acres along the coast, gave a big Mahalo for the contributions of the late Ed Olson, who purchased
thousands of acres inland in Kaʻū for his own Kaʻū Coffee and macadamia businesses and also for conservation.
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| Lea Hong of TPL, with Ed Olson in 2016. He provided an endowment for TPL to continue its land conservation work. Photo from TPL |
In its current newsletter for Hawai'i, TPL states:
"With tremendous gratitude and a heavy heart, we bid a fond aloha to Edmund C. Olson. Ed was a conservationist, philanthropist, and business leader who strongly supported TPL's work protecting ʻāina in Hawaiʻi.
"Ed made significant contributions to land conservation by donating conservation easements that dedicated thousands of acres of his land on Hawai'i Island and O'ahu to agriculture or conservation. He invested in successful campaigns to establish open space land conservation funds across the State that have generated tens of millions of dollars to safeguard Hawai'i's special places for future generations. We are forever grateful for his generosity, kind spirit, and foresight in establishing the Edmund C. Olson Trust Fellow endowment at TPL, which supports our state director position and ensures TPL can continue to connect people to the outdoors in Hawaiʻi. Mahalo nui e Ed!"
If new lava flows cover and burn vegetation and soil, they can ignite natural gas pockets in the subsurface, which can cause methane explosions. These explosions can blast lava fragments up to several meters (yards) away and can be hazardous to observers.
Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from lava fountains and spattering will fall downwind, dusting the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles and transport them greater distances downwind. Exposure to these volcanic particles can cause skin and eye irritation.
Hazards also remain around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of the rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since early 2008.
For discussion of Kīlauea hazards, see: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/hazards.
Daily updates on all volcanic activity at Kīlauea are issued each morning and posted at: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/status.html To receive these messages automatically visit https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
"With tremendous gratitude and a heavy heart, we bid a fond aloha to Edmund C. Olson. Ed was a conservationist, philanthropist, and business leader who strongly supported TPL's work protecting ʻāina in Hawaiʻi.
"Ed made significant contributions to land conservation by donating conservation easements that dedicated thousands of acres of his land on Hawai'i Island and O'ahu to agriculture or conservation. He invested in successful campaigns to establish open space land conservation funds across the State that have generated tens of millions of dollars to safeguard Hawai'i's special places for future generations. We are forever grateful for his generosity, kind spirit, and foresight in establishing the Edmund C. Olson Trust Fellow endowment at TPL, which supports our state director position and ensures TPL can continue to connect people to the outdoors in Hawaiʻi. Mahalo nui e Ed!"
See more on Trust for Public Land's Hawai'i efforts at https://www.tpl.org/state/hawaii
"The eruption does not currently pose an immediate threat to human life or infrastructure," says the Monday evening announcement. "Chain of Craters Road, which is closed, is located downslope and downwind of the erupting fissures. Residents of nearby subdivisions may experience volcanic gas emissions (see hazards section below) related to this activity, which may wax and wane over the coming days."
Activity is restricted to Kīlaueaʻs middle East Rift Zone. Rates of seismicity and ground deformation beneath the lower East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone remain low.
A magmatic intrusion has been ongoing in the area near Makaopuhi Crater on the middle East Rift Zone since Sept. 14. A very small eruption occurred west of Nāpau Crater the evening of Sept. 15 and has resumed this evening. The activity is visible in the PWcam: Live Panorama of Pu‘u‘ō‘ō West Flank from Pu‘u‘ō‘ō [PWcam].
HVO is continuing to closely monitor the middle East Rift Zone and in contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. Temporary closures have been implemented as a result of this elevated activity; see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.
Numerous eruptions took place in Kīlauea's middle East Rift Zone during the 1960s–1970s. Most of these eruptions occurred between Hiʻiaka crater and Puʻuʻōʻō and lasted from less than one day to about two weeks, although there were long-lived eruptions at Maunaulu (1969–1971 and 1972–1974) and Puʻuʻōʻō (1983–2018). A map of past eruptive activity in the upper-to-middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea is available here: https://www.usgs.gov/maps/kilauea-middle-east-rift-zone-reference-map.
For more information about the meaning of volcano alert levels and aviation color codes, see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
USGS Hazard Analysis: High level of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are emitted during eruptions and can have far-reaching effects downwind. As SO2 is released from, it reacts in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic smog) that has been observed downwind of eruptive vents. Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.
KĪLAUEA VOLCANO ERUPTION RESUMED Monday evening on the middle East Rift Zone at approximately 6 p.m. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The Volcano Alert Level for ground-based hazards remains at WATCH and the Aviation Color Code remains at ORANGE."The eruption does not currently pose an immediate threat to human life or infrastructure," says the Monday evening announcement. "Chain of Craters Road, which is closed, is located downslope and downwind of the erupting fissures. Residents of nearby subdivisions may experience volcanic gas emissions (see hazards section below) related to this activity, which may wax and wane over the coming days."
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| A USGS webcam shows the glow of the new eruption Monday night. |
A magmatic intrusion has been ongoing in the area near Makaopuhi Crater on the middle East Rift Zone since Sept. 14. A very small eruption occurred west of Nāpau Crater the evening of Sept. 15 and has resumed this evening. The activity is visible in the PWcam: Live Panorama of Pu‘u‘ō‘ō West Flank from Pu‘u‘ō‘ō [PWcam].
HVO is continuing to closely monitor the middle East Rift Zone and in contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. Temporary closures have been implemented as a result of this elevated activity; see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.
Numerous eruptions took place in Kīlauea's middle East Rift Zone during the 1960s–1970s. Most of these eruptions occurred between Hiʻiaka crater and Puʻuʻōʻō and lasted from less than one day to about two weeks, although there were long-lived eruptions at Maunaulu (1969–1971 and 1972–1974) and Puʻuʻōʻō (1983–2018). A map of past eruptive activity in the upper-to-middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea is available here: https://www.usgs.gov/maps/kilauea-middle-east-rift-zone-reference-map.
For more information about the meaning of volcano alert levels and aviation color codes, see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
USGS Hazard Analysis: High level of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are emitted during eruptions and can have far-reaching effects downwind. As SO2 is released from, it reacts in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic smog) that has been observed downwind of eruptive vents. Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock.
For more information on gas hazards at the summit of Kīlauea, see: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20173017. Vog information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org.
Shallow magma movement and eruptions can produce minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features, which can affect the landscape, human activity, and infrastructure. These ground cracks can continue to widen and offset as magma migration continues, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided.
Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava around the active fissures are possible at any time, or, existing fissures can be reactivated. Hawaiian lava flows generally advance slowly downslope and can be avoided by people. They can destroy everything in their paths including vegetation and infrastructure—which can cut off road access and utilities. Hazards associated with active or recent lava flows include hot and glassy (sharp) surfaces that can cause serious burns, abrasions, and lacerations upon contact with unprotected or exposed skin; uneven and rough terrain can lead to falls and other injuries; hot temperatures that can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration, or in heavy rain can produce steamy ground-fog that can be acidic, severely limiting visibility and sometimes causing difficulty breathing.
Shallow magma movement and eruptions can produce minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features, which can affect the landscape, human activity, and infrastructure. These ground cracks can continue to widen and offset as magma migration continues, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided.
Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava around the active fissures are possible at any time, or, existing fissures can be reactivated. Hawaiian lava flows generally advance slowly downslope and can be avoided by people. They can destroy everything in their paths including vegetation and infrastructure—which can cut off road access and utilities. Hazards associated with active or recent lava flows include hot and glassy (sharp) surfaces that can cause serious burns, abrasions, and lacerations upon contact with unprotected or exposed skin; uneven and rough terrain can lead to falls and other injuries; hot temperatures that can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration, or in heavy rain can produce steamy ground-fog that can be acidic, severely limiting visibility and sometimes causing difficulty breathing.
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USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory photo: Smoke, steam rise from burned area of new eruption site surrounded by forest. |
Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from lava fountains and spattering will fall downwind, dusting the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles and transport them greater distances downwind. Exposure to these volcanic particles can cause skin and eye irritation.
Hazards also remain around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of the rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since early 2008.
For discussion of Kīlauea hazards, see: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/hazards.
Daily updates on all volcanic activity at Kīlauea are issued each morning and posted at: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/status.html To receive these messages automatically visit https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.
Upon arrival, Officer Walters discovered that the scene spanned about one-tenth of a mile with vehicle wreckage strewn across the roadway and disabled vehicles scattered along the highway. He located a full-size pickup truck and determined that it was the cause of the collision. After examining the scene, the positioning of the wreckage, combined with paint transfer on the vehicles and the roadway, the series of events was learned.
It was determined that the pickup truck was traveling south on Highway 11, approaching the 108-mile marker when it struck a compact sedan also traveling south on Highway 11. The force of the impact caused the compact sedan to strike three parked vehicles, two of which were occupied by a total of nine people.
The pickup truck then overturned, careened south on Highway 11, and smashed into two other vehicles that were parked on the west side of the roadway. The force from the pickup truck’s impact pushed one of the parked cars into another vehicle, causing damages. The pickup truck skidded down a 10-foot embankment. In all, it caused an eight-vehicle collision. Five people were transported to the hospital, one of whom suffered serious bodily injuries. Officer Walters located the driver of the pickup truck and arrested him without incident.
Officer Walters worked diligently interviewing witnesses who observed the pickup truck driving recklessly prior to the collision. He also canvassed establishments in the area and obtained video surveillance of the pickup truck driving south on Highway 11. Officer Walters later tracked down another witness who presented him with crucial evidence that proved the suspect intentionally caused the collision.
While in police custody, the suspect attempted to escape from the facility but was thwarted by Officer Walters’ quick response. The officer worked tirelessly drafting two search warrants to further the investigation and provide the County Prosecutors’ Office with a thorough and complete investigation. The suspect was charged with numerous offenses and ultimately charged with:
Reckless driving
No motor vehicle insurance policy![]()
First-degree negligent injury
First-degree assault
Two counts of second-degree assault
Two counts of second-degree reckless endangering
First-degree terroristic threatening
Two counts of first-degree criminal property damage
Second-degree criminal property damage
Second-degree attempted escape
"Without Officer Walters’ persistence, attention to detail, hard work, and dedication, this investigation would not have had such a positive outcome and the suspect would not be held responsible for his egregious actions," says the HPD statement.
The award came Kona Crime Prevention Committee and is for the month of August this year.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.![]()
AN EIGHT-CAR CRASH ON HIGHWAY 11 north of Ka'u led to an investigation that drew an Officer of the Month Award for Patrol Officer Andrew Walters. Hawai'i Police Department praised Walters for his "dogged persistence and attention to detail investigating an eight-car traffic collision in South Kona that injured five people." The crash occurred on Feb. 23, 2024 at the 108 mile marker. HPD reports: Officer Walters responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving an undetermined number of vehicles, on Māmalahoa Highway, (Highway 11). Prior to officers arriving on scene, Central Dispatch relayed three reckless driver calls prior to the collision. Description of the vehicle driving recklessly matched the description of one of the vehicles involved in the collision. The HPD report details the mission:
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| Patrol Officer Andrew Walters earned Officer of the Month for investigation and handling of eight-car accident involving reckless driving. Photo from HPD |
It was determined that the pickup truck was traveling south on Highway 11, approaching the 108-mile marker when it struck a compact sedan also traveling south on Highway 11. The force of the impact caused the compact sedan to strike three parked vehicles, two of which were occupied by a total of nine people.
The pickup truck then overturned, careened south on Highway 11, and smashed into two other vehicles that were parked on the west side of the roadway. The force from the pickup truck’s impact pushed one of the parked cars into another vehicle, causing damages. The pickup truck skidded down a 10-foot embankment. In all, it caused an eight-vehicle collision. Five people were transported to the hospital, one of whom suffered serious bodily injuries. Officer Walters located the driver of the pickup truck and arrested him without incident.
Officer Walters worked diligently interviewing witnesses who observed the pickup truck driving recklessly prior to the collision. He also canvassed establishments in the area and obtained video surveillance of the pickup truck driving south on Highway 11. Officer Walters later tracked down another witness who presented him with crucial evidence that proved the suspect intentionally caused the collision.
While in police custody, the suspect attempted to escape from the facility but was thwarted by Officer Walters’ quick response. The officer worked tirelessly drafting two search warrants to further the investigation and provide the County Prosecutors’ Office with a thorough and complete investigation. The suspect was charged with numerous offenses and ultimately charged with:
Reckless driving
No motor vehicle insurance policy
First-degree assault
Two counts of second-degree assault
Two counts of second-degree reckless endangering
First-degree terroristic threatening
Two counts of first-degree criminal property damage
Second-degree criminal property damage
Second-degree attempted escape
"Without Officer Walters’ persistence, attention to detail, hard work, and dedication, this investigation would not have had such a positive outcome and the suspect would not be held responsible for his egregious actions," says the HPD statement.
The award came Kona Crime Prevention Committee and is for the month of August this year.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.
WITH WORLD TEACHERS DAY around the corner and teachers making an average of 5% less per year than they did 10 years ago after adjusting for inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the Best & Worst States for Teachers in 2024, as well as expert commentary, in order to help educators find places to work with good teaching environments and above-average compensation.
WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key metrics, ranging from teachers' income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to public-school spending per student.
The study ranked Hawai'i 50th overall, second to last. The others in the bottom ten were Maine, which was worst, New Hampshire, Nevada, Tennessee, District of Columbia, South Dakota, Alasks, Oklahoma and Louisiana.![]()
The top ten were New. York, Washington, Virginia, Utah, Maryland, Illiniois, Georgia, Florida, California and Indiana.
By category Hawai'i ranked:
50th in Avg. Starting Salary(Adjusted for Cost of Living)
51st – Avg. Salary for Teachers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
40th – Quality of School System
27th – Pupil-Teacher Ratio
38th – Teachers' Income Growth Potential
For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159
WITH WORLD TEACHERS DAY around the corner and teachers making an average of 5% less per year than they did 10 years ago after adjusting for inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the Best & Worst States for Teachers in 2024, as well as expert commentary, in order to help educators find places to work with good teaching environments and above-average compensation.
WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key metrics, ranging from teachers' income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to public-school spending per student.
The study ranked Hawai'i 50th overall, second to last. The others in the bottom ten were Maine, which was worst, New Hampshire, Nevada, Tennessee, District of Columbia, South Dakota, Alasks, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
By category Hawai'i ranked:
50th in Avg. Starting Salary(Adjusted for Cost of Living)
51st – Avg. Salary for Teachers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
40th – Quality of School System
27th – Pupil-Teacher Ratio
38th – Teachers' Income Growth Potential
For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.
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| September 2024, 5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the streets. |
