A "Mountain" of Lava - Revisited

 

Five Years Later

 

ENDINGS and BEGINNINGS

 

Fissure 8 - Official Hawaiian Naming

We are happy to report that Fissue 8 (that opened in our front property) has now received its official Hawaiian name. Ahu 'Aila'au. This has been a long process since May of 2018 when lava first broke out in Leilani Estates in the Puna District of the Big Island of Hawaii. Names were considered from the public including input from long-time residents, elders and kupuna many of whom could trace their family (ohana) lineage back many generations. AHU means shrine/mound/altar/cairn. 'AILA'AU eater of forests.

In the summer of 2019 Hilo's Wailoa Gallery had a powerful exhibition featuring artists work inspired by the lava flow. While some people were talking about Pele, as an artist, Phil felt more connected to the legendary, former resident of Kilauea -- a personage named 'Aila'au....the forest eater. At that time he entered his artistic interpretation which was recently purchased by a neighbor.

The above photos show where our home was in relation to the remaining cone of cinder and lava. The photo below simply provides another perspective of size. 

If you are interested you can listen to some testimony explaining the Hawaiian name:  Ai La'au 'Olelo (Naming Story)

Remembering With Gratitude

May 2, 2018 is a day we'll long remember. The day Lunel ended up in an unexplained coma and was rushed to the emergency room. During the next 36 hours, lava began to flow in our subdivision, Civil Defense was going door to door with emergency evacuation orders, and Phil was watching his world dissolve around him.

Yes, Ganesh is seated on a large chunk of pahoehoe lava

In that same period, a fire broke out in the forest near our home and it was burned to the ground. Shortly thereafter lava broke out at Fissure 8 and initially began to flow to the east, away from our house. The rest is history as lava built up and eventually covered not only our home but 700 others on it's speedy way to the ocean.
May also happens to be our anniversary month when we celebrate our meeting on May 18, 1986...and our wedding three years later on May 25, 1989. AND, it is TUDOR'S third birthday.

To commemorate this auspicious month, Lunel decorated a cement statue of Ganesh, the Hindu elephant god most widely known for his ability to overcome obstacles. The most immediate connection to that philosophical principle would be a 200 foot high mountain of lava that covered our home, but there is another, less widely known concept that Lunel adopted for herself many years ago.

Elephants are assumed to be terrified of mice. Ganesh, however, decided to overcome his fear -- by  'making friends' with his fear, adopting the mouse as his side kick. In many images of Ganesh you will find him accompanied by his mouse/friend/teacher. Lunel had an image of Ganesh-with-mouse tattooed on her arm for her 70th birthday.

May 2018 brought a package of unbelievable fear, loss, anger and depression for both of us and a two-year journey of ups and downs. We chose to adopt the philosophy that would allow us to look at those emotions squarely and recognize the profound teachings they might offer. We were graced with an outpouring of gifts, support and aloha during that time. Today, on this significant anniversary, we pause to give thanks for each and every blessing.

Aloha and Mahalo

Hale Le'a - House of Gladness

Joe -- who lives around the corner!

Nona Lunel and Joe -- chanting

It's been a month since our last blog, but we have been super busy getting ready for our house blessing and helping to finish up all the building projects that have occupied the last 7-8 months thanks to some wonderful local builders.

A dear friend was conscripted to take photos so we could enjoy our 40+ guests, and two other friends took charge of the vast array of potluck foods and directing people to the self-guided tours of the house, yard and studio.

Mixing rain water and
 salt for blessing

There he is! Happy Guy

Joe Camacho conducted the blessing assisated by Nona Wilson, both of Hawaiian heritage. Much of Joe's blessing was done in the Hawaiian language and during the occasion, we were blessed with a short burst of rain that Joe used, with salt to bless the house and studio, as well as ourselves and guests. Joe and Nona helped Lunel struggle through a chant of thanksgiving Oli Mahalo

We encourage you to -- .listen to this beautiful chant!

These are just a FEW of the cutting we received

Photos above are of the blessing; it was a gathering where old friends and neighbors from Leilani Estates chatted with our new neighbors from our street and elsewhere in Volcano Village.

Not only were four tables full of food, of course people remember that our new yard would need cuttings!

This is an east facing window

Next week is Thanksgiving, and this week last year was when we received word that insurance was going to be paid AND that we had (through other dear friends) secured a place we would eventually call home. In fact, just this week, escrow has closed on our new home.

No, we don't "dive" in -- there are inside steps for us

Finally, we are including a couple photos of the beautiful new lanai, complete with deep cedar hot tub -- just in time for winter at 3500 -- which can be chilly. Although you might think this stained glass window is of Fissure 8 that ultimately destroy our house after it burned, this beautiful window was crafted by local Volcano artists over 20 years ago. We were fortunate to be able to purchase it from the previous owner of a local B&B. (The morning light makes rainbows on the hot tub.)

May Day - Lei Day!

We are coming up on some significant anniversaries in May, as most of our friends and blog readers realize. (coma, fire, Leilani lava, homeless, legal fight and slow recovery, AND our 33rd anniversary!)

However TODAY is  Lei Day in Hawaii - Lei Day is a statewide celebration in all of Hawaii. The celebration begins in the morning of May first every year and continues throughout the entire day and even continues onto the next day. Lei day was established as a holiday in the year of 1929 and continues to this day.

This past week we attended a premier showing of a 1-hour documentary created by Hawaii News Now that featured interviews with local Puna residents about their experience. Our story was included and Lunel's interview came up early in the film. 

This LINK will take you to a very short recorded segment and a longer written description. Hawaii News Now - Haysmer Interview

(And, here's a LINK to the FULL version of the film:
  "Pele's Path" - full length story

The room was filled with hundreds of people who, like we, were looking back at last May, but also supporting each other in the present as we move into the future.

Close-up of the Leis we received

After the viewing, we decided to go out for a little lunch. While we were eating, two women we did not know, came over to our table and presented us with gorgeous leis -- saying that they recognized us from the film and wanted to show their aloha and support by presenting us with their own leis! We were a little surprised, but also find that our story has reached a pretty wide audience here in Hawaii.

Phil's latest --  a carving of Pele

"Remember then: there is only one time that is important - NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time we have any power."  Leo Tolstoy

A year later we both feel we have "aged" -- we are both hoping that like good cheese or fine wine,  we will get better over time. We are also keenly aware that during the whole year, we have been loved and supported along the way by friends, neighbors and even strangers!

Blessed LEI DAY!!

Spring Into Spring

Today, standing near where our home was

This week celestial events gave us the drama of a SUPER MOON and the first day of SPRING. Also this week we were invited to do a TV interview about the devastating experience of losing our home last year, the trauma of evacuation, the anxiety of dealing with the insurance claim, the stress of living in four places in less than nine months, and our focus on recovery and starting over -- from scratch.

Given this conjunction of events, we decided to mark our "spring" as a personal "new beginning" by visiting Fissure #8, now a prominent and permanent 200 foot landmark in Leilani Estates.. Of the many lessons we have learned throughout this past year perhaps the most important is to look fear directly in the face, or as Pema Chodron reminds us -- to invite in what scares us.

Lunel placing our offering

Art by Jessica Taruni
Originally created for The Volcano Inn 1999

Standing at the base of the cone, we offered ho'okupu (offering) with a flower lei Lunel had made with orchids from our home. She sang an oli (chant) of gratitude for all we have learned and received. It was our first time visiting the place where our home stood, but we both felt ready.

After the loss of our home, many people asked whether we were going to leave Hawaii -- but honestly that thought never occurred to us as we both feel deeply connected to the 'aina - a Hawaiian word that means not only "the land" itself, but a relationship with the whole island-environment, itself a symbol of destruction and creation. Recently we even bought a beautiful, large stained glass window to place in our new home.

Please listen to this talk by Auntie Pua. It is short but packed with power -- about the changing of seasons, a celebration of the SUN, and our place in this world of reciprocal cycles.

 Auntie Pua --

 The Intense Breath of  the Sun

SLOW DOWN

OUCH!

This past year we didn't just slow down, we came to an abrupt and rude STOP! For eight months, we lived in two temporary situations for which we remain grateful. Our attorneys Attorney won a case against Lloyd's of London and we got a settlement. And, a lot of other home owners got paid too! Luckily we found a lovely furnished lease to own rental Volcano town.More about Volcano Town

Then, on the last day of our move-in the stairs and Lunel's left knee got into a disagreement with the stairs, at the end of which she was unable to walk at all (torn meniscus being the likely result.) The next day neighbors converged with crutches, walker and a wheelchair!!  What an odd way to meet neighbors, but again, we were grateful they ambled up the driveway to meet us.

After such a traumatic 2018, we're excited to begin necessary improvements on our new home:  Phil needs a wood working shop so temporary plans are to enclose the carport where he can continue to make sawdust and keep his three galleries supplied with his popular Hawaiian reef fish made from koa wood. See Phil's ART

Lunel is at home in her hammock

It is all connected!

Lunel is due to begin physical therapy soon but for her this "slow down" runs against the grain -- she's is a hard person to follow that advice when there is a new undeveloped yard begging to be beautified -- flower beds to be created, and a greenhouse to be built!

For a distraction we took a short ride to Volcano National Park. (Despite the stupidity of a government shut down by this president, parts of the park are still open and accessible to visitors.)  Learn more about Volcano National Park

Visiting helped us make the emotional connection between the lava that WAS in Kilauea and the lava chamber below and where that lava actually came out -- down in lower Puna -- with Fissure 8 being across our front yard.

A wise friend sent us a quote last year Lunel incorporated into her art journal. Now we both just have to follow that good advice! (especially at 70 and 77)

"Who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far."

Rainbows and Flags Over Leilani

For those of you who have been following our blog, you already know the story. Newcomers to our blog are welcome to browse back weeks or months -- especially to know more about the fire and then Kilauea lava flow that went through Puna's Leilani Subdivision in May.

First is a photo that appeared on our local blog forum and with permission, we are including it. The "hill" you see is the cone of Fissure 8. The other day we got an email that someone had placed a Hawaiian flag on top of #8 near our property in Leilani Estates (on Luana.)


We found it interesting that this event coincided with Hawaiian Independence Day, November 28th, about which you can read below. Like many issues, there are multiple points of view, but we found this well written short article instructive -- especially if you didn't know that Hawaii HAD an Independence Day -  or WHY!

Photo taken by Aerial Visions (our friend Clive Cardozo -  Mauna Loa in background).
Everything we owned is under that mountain of lava!! 200 feet high

 Hawaiian Independence Day!!

WATCH CLIVE VIDEO BELOW!!

The flag is there with our respect for the original people of this area who called it Keahialaka.

Aerial Visions LLC VIDEO of FISSURE 8

Phil and Lunel Haysmer (former residents of Luana)

Life After Flow

No photo credit was given on Google-Share.  We believe these photos were taken from the street next to ours.

While the lava flow appears to have stopped, and there is evidence of life returning (especially after the huge dump of rain from recent hurricane) lives are still in turmoil.

Over 700 homes were destroyed, of course many of them were our friends and neighbors. Many are in evacuation zones and cannot return, many are still living in Leilani, and there are those who want to return because their homes are still there. Those living there face an uncertain future, partially due to the possibility of future lava flows, unsafe air quality, etc. Many others simply cannot return as lava flows have block streets, or because the toxic fumes have penetrated the structures making them unsafe to live in. There are many variations for each resident, and it seems that the confusion is compounded by lack of clear communication between Civil Defense and both County and State governments.  LOTS of unknowns lie ahead.  Here are some photos posted on Google-Share.

As most of our dedicated blog followers already realize, a few days after our house burned, this cinder cone began to pile up and eventually reached about 200' in height completely covering our home and neighbors close by.  Yet, life returns -- and we are nestling into our new temporary home in Volcano.  Click on link below to see more ---


To see more about Volcano Village

Lava Update and Economic Re-Building Needs of the District of Puna

At our corner of Luana and Leilani

Aloha blog followers! We belong to a local forum of neightbors on NextDoor where we can access information being posted by our friends and neighbors. In the last week or so, people still living in either the voluntary evacuation or even the involuntary zones are providing some encouraging news -- that, of course, must be taken with a grain (or three) of salt. The main source of flowing lava from Fissure #8 appears to be slowing, but this historic and unprecedented volcanic event remains unpredictable.

Lava fissures slice across the land

From earlier posts there are fissures that slice cross the entire subdivision from the southwest corner to the northeast. There are gas emissions coming up through many of those fissures in many places. We understand that some people want to move back into their still-standing homes.  However, many of the still-standing homes have extensive and permanent damage making them uninhabitable. This video shows the extent of the damage to homes, lives and local farms.

VIDEO:  Fissure 8 reduced flow

Of particular interest to us is at 50 (seconds in) where the 200+ foot cinder cone covers what was our property, also at 1.0. At 1.41 you can see Luana street, and because we know all our neighbors, it is painfully personal. Aloha to Erik and Amber, Helena, Roni and John, Eileen, Harry and Patti, and others whose houses are still standing on our street, but uninhabitable There are other neighbors who like us, where fire burned their homes days before the lava reach them..

Also, at 2.34 you can see a graphic image of a home totally surrounded and inaccessible. At 2.45 you can see the result of lava tubes feeding into the ocean. At 2.58, 3.07 and 3.30 what remains of the local favorites -- Isaac Hale Boat ramp, where the pilot gives a "thumbs up" it is still there. Lastly, perhaps just as an abstract image, 3.03.

Using some of the same footage Hawaii Volcano Observatory provides explanation:

HVO extensive explanation of slow-down

Most people traumatized by this event are worried about where to live, what to eat, how to survive, businesses and farms frantic over loss of income -- while the state and county "discuss" appropriation of money to help this crisis. Frankly, many people don't have the energy or time to devote -- that's what we expect from our government and elected officials..WELL JUST LISTEN to the BLAH BLAH BLAH response to the desperate needs and requests for financial assistance. For example - listen to the fact of the State appropriation of $100 MILLION dollars to Kauai -- when they asked for it through a Special Session and got it in ONE WEEK!-- and NOTHING yet for Puna on the Big Island --- over three months later.

Senator Ruderman and Mayor Kim asking COUNTY AND STATE to help

Ka ‘Aina Keahialaka

When we began this intimate dance of creation,

You hid, shyly behind a verdant veil

Of forest, fern and vine.

I felt your presence, your breath on my skin,

Your heart beat in my bones

As you wooed me with low tones and tender sighs.

I was seduced and fell hopelessly in love.

I nuzzled into your embrace, and

In the joy of creation

We imagined an exquisitely woven tapestry

Rich in color and texture.

I brushed back long tresses,

Sculpted carefully around roots,

Cleaned debris from your body,

Brushed dust from your face.

And as you hummed softly,

I felt nurtured, warm in the sun.

This amazing fountain of lava is flowing from
 what was  our front yard! (I guess technically 
GPS it still IS our front yard.)

We labored together

Birthing crescent shapes in

Multi-dimensional schematics,

Molded always by sun, rain and time.

Slowly you slipped off your

Layers of heavy coats

Revealing graceful limbs laden with orchids,

Releasing fragrant blooms

Falling soft on pale damp mosses.

I adorned you lavishly; You anointed my skin,

We danced our own rhythm into Beingness

And a splendid radiance, carried on sea breezes

Washed over Everything.

All as if in ritual preparation

To honor your re-awakening

Oh Destroyer and Creatrix!

Pu’uwai  'O Tutu Pele.

And so, we burn, again,

Somewhat befuddled, again,

And we bow, again

In awe.

Lunel Haysmer

© July 6, 2018

(Hoping my use of Hawaiian language
is not disrespectful or inappropriate.)

"Fire Works"

Well, tonight, instead of looking at the glow of Leilani Estate's Fissure #8 in Puna, taking up a quarter of the sky even from 15 miles a way, we watched a few local groups from upstairs at our hanai home. However, if you want to really see some explosive wonder -- you must watch this amazing U-tube video, sent to me by a sister artist: Explosive Genius - Cai Gui-Qiang

Unprecedented Geological Lava Event

Tropicbird - Koa'E'kea flying at Kilauea by Kietrich Varez 

Aloha to all you faithful blog followers! So much is happening in our lives right now, it is hard to keep on track with all the various "fronts," many of which may take weeks yet to resolve: Health, Insurance, SBA low interest loans, FEMA grants, reality check of monthly budget, living expenses, possible rent expenses, trying to creatively approach back-up plans, and secondary back-up plans in worst-case scenarios.

Perhaps the most difficult issue for us is NOT hearing from our insurance company it has been weeks and by law they are supposed to respond within 15 days. Not even knowing whether we are covered or not is creating highly stressful anxiety. Lunel is on various anti-seizure meds and some for anxiety and depression. Driving is out, so Phil is doing a lot of the driving and leg work with FEMA etc., while Lunel works on-line and phone negotiating appointments and meetings

AND, in the meantime, staying focused on NOW and living with gratitude that we are staying in a comfortable place, we have the comfort of our three corgi dogs, and we are eating well, staying in touch with friends near and scattered, and that we both have some minimal artistic distractions for ourselves.

All lava from Kilauea and Pu'u O'o now flowing at Fissure #8

Additionally, we are so thankful for the many kinds of contributions we have received from people we know, and many we don't. With them, we have been able to replace Phil's tools, replace toothbrushes, clothes, prescriptions, extra emergency cell phone, file folders to keep paperwork, and just the simplest things of every-day life.

Here's an interesting graphic that simplifies how the collapse of Halema'um'u inside caldera is pushing lava out through tunnels and up in --- yep, our front yard through Fissure #8. (You can scroll down to May 25th blog entry for close up photo of our property and lava.)




Health: We are dealing with medical issues for Lunel of course. Meeting with neurologist this last week has resulted in more tests like EEG (which for some reason was not done at the hospital before this!) Also, she's being referred to a cardiologist as hospital tests did show a small "thing" on one of her heart valves. Until those tests are done, she continues to take the seizure medications as prescribed. While the neurologist didn't particularly link the stress associated with 100 earthquakes the hours before to her seizure/stroke/coma event -- it is possible that the autonomic nervous system did kick in with a "shut down' of some kind. We are hoping the additional tests will provide more definitive answers.

Phil's Koa wood sculpture of Koa'E'kea bird

If you are interested in the "lava news" related to Kilauea and Halema'uma'u -- the following video, while long, provides an excellent overview of what is currently happening.  Excellent explanation of current Lava event

If you watch it, you might miss something really MAGICAL because it happens so fast. That is the video of the Tropicbird -- Koa'E'kea flying over their home -- nesting around the inside rim of the volcano! We've also included a photo of one of Phil's most recent Koa wood sculptures of this graceful bird now available for sale at One Gallery in Hilo.

If you want to watch a shorter version of the birds in flight, here is another link: Short Video of Birds Flying over Lava

Phil's Birthday -- Juxtaposition

Photo by our fellow evacuee, The Great Clive Cardozo, Hawaii Aerial Visions LLC, Licensed Drone Pilot

What a strange life we are living!

It's Phil's Birthday this week and while he's glad to have some tools to begin making some art, the reality of this New Life is continuing to shake us to the core.

On the one hand we have an amazing geological Lava Event -- a process of destruction and creation. And in the other hand, we are attempting to re-create our own lives after the mind-blowing obliteration of our retirement/investment dream.

Phil with his new purchases (with generous donations)

First stage: Rough Cut new fish

The photo above shows where we are living. We are living about 15 miles from Luana street in Leilani Estates, where Fissure #8 (current source of all the flowing lave) is spewing huge fountains out of  what was formerly our front yard. This is the view from where we live -- taken by our friend and fellow evacuee, Clive Cardozo with his high-tech drone. The plume on the far left is from lava (flowing at 15-25 mph) into a wide swath of ocean front. The inland plume is from Fissure #8. Watch for the "Night shot" coming soon...."

Just a sample of over 25 finished Hawaiian Reef Fish  ($30 + shipping)

More on the creative side of this equation, Phil was able to buy some necessary tools through a fellow artist from One Gallery in Hilo (where Phil's art is being sold.) He is moving back to California and was selling his good quality used tools.

See Phil's Art - Click HERE

Phil has now managed to gather enough pieces of equipment and tools (also through generous gifts) to continue making his beautiful Hawaiian reef fish again -- sawdust being in his veins from  his Grandpa Dorr Scott, who was a builder and worked with wood.

(PS - Phil is not overly sure about turning 77, but since he is now living here with a 96 year old WW2 decorated bomber pilot named Walter who is teaching him TiChi, he is a bit more encouraged.)

Pretty "Biblical" huh!?! We won't be following this pillar of fire to the promised land -- that's for sure!
(Clive Cardozo, Hawaii Aerial Visions LLC, Licensed Drone Pilot)