LAVA IS FLOWING IN HAWAII

Follow this link to see the Live shot from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park   LAVA FOUNTAINS

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

Earthquakes in Puna

Last two days we have had nearly non-stop seismic activity, and by that I do mean "non-stop" as the attached Hawaii Volcano Observatory map shows. But Phil has a very accurate earthquake monitoring system that registers AUDIBLE earthquake activity!

Phil's marble collection registers every small quake

The reason for all this activity is that there has been a collapse of part of the structure of the Pu'u O'o vent where lava has been flowing from Kilauea for over 30 years. All of a sudden, because of this collapse, lava has stopped flowing from this location....which means it is going somewhere new!! And, at this point, no one is able to predict just where all that molten lava will be coming out next -- but it will eventually.

So, living on the edge of this living land means that rather than watching the latest ridiculous T-Tweet, all of us Punatics are following reports by HVO, and fly-overs of the area. We have a very active Civil Defense network that keeps us all advised of changes in the situation like the message below.

In the meantime, life goes on -- Phil is making sawdust and I am headed out to the garden for a little weeding.

 This is a Civil Defense message for Tuesday afternoon, May 1, 2018 at 4.

The Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports increased shallow earthquake activity for Kilauea Volcano below Pu’u O’o in Puna District.
This means an outbreak of lava in a new location could occur. While it is not possible to predict where an outbreak could occur, the area east of Pu’u O’o is a possible location.
Due to the increased seismic activity, the following are issued:

• Department of Parks and Recreation has shut down the lava viewing area in Kalapana due to the proximity to the increased hazardous activity.
• Lower Puna area residents are advised to stay informed by listening to the radio, Civil Defense text alerts and social media sites.
• For up to date scientific information, go to active links on our Civil Defense website and the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory website.

Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatories and your Hawaii County Civil Defense will continuing to monitor the situation throughout the night. You will be informed as conditions change. Thank you for listening.
This is your Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency. 

Lava Hike

Lunel - nose into the trade winds, ready for hike

Shortly after Hurricane Iselle hit us, in the summer of 2014, lava from nearby Pu'u O'o vent began to flow directly toward our subdivision just south of Pahoa Village. At that time our focus was survival and safety and everyone was hugely relieved when, just a few yards before dividing Pahoa in half, the flow stopped, and began to flow toward the ocean again, to the south of Kalapana. Whew! (click any photo for bigger view)

Huge section of lava shelf fell off in December, and continues to crumble

Here is the newly revised four-mile trail out to view

After Lunel's knee injury in 2015, surgery and following recovery, we were not much interested in a dangerous hike out to where lava was flowing into the ocean. We heard wonderful stories about it from friends and neighbors. Finally, this week, at the invitation of a friend, and because shuttles are available for part of the trek, it seemed the right time.

Photo by Leigh Hilbert -- looking up the pali -- toward the Pu'u O'o vent -- flowing from Kilauea Volcano

Since the flow path returned to the ocean, several large lava "shelves" have broken off and fallen into the ocean, creating danger for hikers resulting in re-routing for site seers. It is a job the park services and county take very seriously. While bikes are available, it seemed smart to take a shuttle out to the drop off point where the hike began. From there it was over four miles out (one-way) to see the flow.
Most people had already been out during the day and now were returning -- wearing headlamps or riding well lit bicycles. Very few people were going out, maybe because it was dark, but we wanted to take full advantage of the dusk-to-dark ambiance for full impact.

Once there, we had the option of turning right to follow the glowing river up the pali (cliffs) or left toward the ocean. We joined small groups of people clustered around, quietly humbled at the raw power as we watched streams of lava pour into the sea. Knowing we faced the return four-mile hike, we did not linger long and were surprised by a gentle rain shower as we began the trek back. We have to give a shout out to Kalapana Cultural Tours who provide a variety of safe, informative services. Mahalo especially to Dwayne!

Pele Greets Sister Namaka

Things are really flowing here on the Big Island of Hawaii!  Down here in Puna, where lava has been flowing continuously for over 30 years, "Punatics" are living on the edge -- literally.  A couple years ago, as you may know, the lava flow from Kilauea's Pu'u O'o vent rather suddenly changed directions and headed straight toward our little Village of Pahoa.  Stopping only a few hundred feet from splitting the town in half, thankfully the flow returned to a path taking it toward the ocean.

"Moon Rise at Mokuna" by Lunel Haysmer (c)

"Sunset at Mokuna" by Lunel Haysmer (c)

Once again Pele has made national news as lava is now flowing into the ocean. Or, as Hawaiian traditions tell, Pele has returned to embrace her sister, Namaka, Goddess of the Sea.

Like many local artists, I have been inspired to created two versions of one of my "lava drawings" -- to feature a MOON RISE in one, and a SUNSET in the other.

Please do not use these images without asking.  As with my other images, they are copyrighted, and available as 5x7 note cards ($3 each..)  They are available as gallery-wrapped 18x24" canvases.

For Christmas I will be offering them as quilted soft sculpture fabric art for wall hangings. You may contact me through this blog site for more information.   MAHALO


 

Big Island Lava!

Thanks to "Hawaiian Sailing Adventures" - Mahalo!!

Lunel's "Lava Moon"

Everyone here in Puna is pretty excited about the lava flow on the Big Island right now -- especially because it is NOT headed our way (this time) but flowing into the ocean. The national news has pick up some of the images. There are so many we are just posting our favorite (for this week.)

Our thanks to those people who are able to get up close and personal -- by taking the 4 mile hike....and trekking over some pretty treacherous terrain. *** Some are also taking lava tour boats for some amazing photos like the one shown here.

Helicopter tours are also available. Another image that got national attention this week was when "Tropical Visions Video" (Paradise Helicopters) flew over the Pu'u O'o crater and found....what?!  A "Smiley Face!"  If you click on this link you will have your own personal 5-minute tour of what can be seen from an aerial perspective --  Pu'u O'o "Smiley Face"

The power and energy of this is awe inspiring, and Lunel wanted to create her own interpretation with this image from her new "Moku Moe'uhane" Island Dreams collection.  (Available as a 18x24" stretched canvas print for $150, or in boxed note cards (8 for $22 variety includes images from July29th post.)

*** Visitors and locals can easily get injured on these treks -- "skim" lava that looks solid can still break through to molten hot spots below.  Use caution.

Lava Meets Ocean!

Once upon a time....

On a beautiful moonlit night (July 26th) in the wee hours of the morning (1:15am) the lava flowed down the pali and into the ocean -- once again.

Like our post mentioned a few days ago (7/15) lava in the Puna District of the Big Island of Hawaii has been flowing for decades -- NON STOP!! However it has changed directions a few times.

Local residents have been waiting for this night for many months as Kilauea lava, flowing through the Pu'u O'o fissure has been making its way to the ocean. On more level land, it moves slower and spreads, but when it approaches the pali (cliffs) it moves rapidly.   Here are some stunning photographs taken by our neighbor Kris Burmeister.  There is also a link to more information on the flow.  CLICK on any photo for bigger view! Enjoy!

LINK to Lava News

Pu'u O'o at Kilauea Volcano

Penny took thiese photo just two nights ago

Flow activity in 2014 vs 2016

Revised 7/26:  UPDATE!  In the wee hours of the morning around 1:15am, lava has once again returned to the sea...

People who don't live on an active volcanic island cannot entirely comprehend the awareness we live with on a daily basis. It gives new meaning to "life on the edge" because here, the "edge" (ka'e) is always changing quite literally.  Lava flows and destroys, but from it grows new land and new life.

Here in the Puna Disrict, lava continues to flow from the Pu'u O'o vent of Kilauea and has been for 30 years!

All of us "Punatics" on the Big Island of Hawaii were grateful that two years ago the flow stopped within a few yards of our Pahoa Village! The lava has since changed directions and has returned to the previous area of flow, more directly south toward the ocean.

Penny -- up close and personal!

The flow has picked up recently and is now only about 1/2 mile from the ocean. When it hits the water, the spectacular show will only intensify as molten lava hit the cold water.

These photos were taken by our neighbor, Penny Overbeck showing how close you can get. It is traditional to make and leave ho'okupa (offerings/gifts) to Pele, being aware of both the destructive and creative forces at work. (remember you can 'click' on images for a close-up view)

Lava "Burps" and Archaeology

Our first view --- long overgrown driveway

For the last couple of weeks I have been working (in between other projects) on a lava feature that materialized only last fall, when we had a bobcat operator clear back wide spaces on each side of our long driveway that were thick with invasive species, brittle junk trees, and mats of various vines and small shrubs. 

Me - poser/dozer for my Birthday!

(Here's a photo we took in 2012 when the front ½ acre was totally overgrown.)

As the bobcat work cleared the debris, we discovered we had a large, tall, intact flow of pahoehoe that at one time had flowed diagonally across the property.

Carefully cleaning dirt out of the cracks

Since the initial clearing took place a few months ago, this “high ground” has tempted me to uncover its secret face. For a solid week my first task was removing small bushes, debris and vines… down to dirt.  As I removed buckets and buckets of dirt, I began to see the ‘face’ of the pahoehoe that had flowed across the driveway – long before there was one. 

It was clear to me that using the pick ax would damage the beautiful unbroken lava flow, so I had to switch tools!  I got out a small triangle hand trowel and stiff brush and began the “lava archaeology” that eventually revealed beautiful swirls, folds and features all across the width of this 5 x 20’ outcropping.  As I patiently cleaned and brushed away the dirt it seemed very personal -- like a wrinkled face; the more I looked the more I saw.  (to SEE more - click on each photo)

Our house is way in the back

Heavy black shows 1955 "burps" and flows

Because this feature is 10-12 feet higher than the rest of the property, I began to wonder when this outcropping happened.  I found a USGS map that features more recent lava flows along Kilauea’s East Rift Zone in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii.  There were some very late outbreaks (burps) that happened  as recently 1955.  We doubt our outcropping is that old, but it is still a reminder of how very young this island really is. 

It's STILL All Right Here!!

Art by Donna Seller - "Arts Alive in Old Town"

...now, though, the "here" is in PUNA Hawaii!

We spent 22 years living in the heart of Northern California’s redwoods where we also owned a successful gallery in the historic Old Town section of Eureka.  The slogan for this Victorian area was “It’s All Right Here.”  We enjoyed being able to say that everything we needed was on “our street” which was F Street. We lived in a charming old home on F Street that was built in the 1860’s.  Our business, Many Hands Gallery Many Hands Eureka  (pictured above left) was on F Street, as was our bookkeeper, hairdresser, bank, favorite restaurants and other amenities.  It was one of the real charms of living in a small community.

Lava approaching Pahoa Village Road

When we bought our retirement house in the Puna District on Hawaii’s Big Island, we soon discovered that we had delightedly moved to a similar situation in Pahoa.  We are retired so we no longer own a business.  However it is STILL “All Right Here” – on Pahoa Village Road where we find our bank, CPA, market, video shop, auto repair, drugstore, health food store, post office, senior center, library, chiropractor, swimming pool and numerous small novelty shops, museum and used bookstore. 

Because of Kilauea's serious lava flow from the Pu'u O'o vent that threatened to go right through the middle of Pahoa, we now have many aerial images of Pahoa Village that did not exist prior to that distressing year-long event.  (In case you didn’t know, the flow stopped just before Pahoa Village Road.)

For a couple local tours visit this U-Tube video. Photo Tour of Pahoa  OR Another Puna Tour -- Look see!

Another Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving   Thanks to the local reporting by Big Island News, we can watch the newest outbreak of lava from the safety of our house.  Last year we all had a vivid reminder of the power of Pele as we watched lava head directly for our little village of Pahoa.  The map here reminds us of just how close that lava flow came.  We remain thankful that the lava flow shifted dramatically . Thursday, there was another massive flow, but on the north flank.  (I drew on the map to help show both old flow, that reached Pahoa, and where the new outbreak is.)

PUNA, Hawaii – A huge breakout on the north flank of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea volcano is sending waves of molten lava cascading downslope. Video of the event was recorded on Thanksgiving by Mick Kalber, filming from a Paradise Helicopters overflight.  If you would like to watch the video by Mick -- just click on this link: NEW Pu'u O'o outbreak

Kalber says the tube opening begins about 150 yards below the vent and over the past two days has sent hot liquid rock more than a quarter mile down the north flank.

The breakout was noted in today’s USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption update. “A breakout close to Puʻu ʻŌʻō was prominently visible on a nearby webcam beginning yesterday afternoon and continuing through the night,” scientists wrote. “The lava flow is not currently threatening any communities.”

...a very special reason to be THANKFUL!  Mahalo!

Lava Lake Nearly Full!

Friends who have visited us on the Big Island, also visited Kilauea volcano, but they did NOT get this view!  The lava in the small inner crater has been rising this week -- and now, you can actually see the lava from the Jagger Overlook.

The top photo was from 4/23, thanks to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.  Two days ago the lava lake, within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea's summit, reached the highest point yet measured for the current summit eruption-- only 66 feet below the Overlook crater rim.


Just yesterday, the level rise to just 46 feet below the Overlook crater rim.  At this rate, lava will soon reach the top and overflow into the larger crater of Kilauea.  The second photograph (also USGS) was taken from the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, in an area closed to the public due to volcanic hazards.

Down here in Pahoa, we are not affected by this directly.  But, remember, that Kilauea remains the source for the lava still coming out of Pu'u O'o Crater; lava that was threatening Pahoa Village, appears to have stalled only yards from the town and highway.  Interestingly however, it appears that the same volume of lava is still coming out -- just much higher up the slopes.


From our house at 800 ft. elevation, it takes about 45 minutes to get up to Kilauea's elevation of just over 4,000 ft.  It has been the site of 61 separate eruptions since 1823, easily making it one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.  This map will give you some perspective as to the size of both craters.  The inner crater is about 1/2 mile wide and last overflowed April 1982, so this is a pretty spectacular occasion.

PS - Sunday 4/26 the lava is now 20 ft from top!

PPS -- Monday 4/27 "Burnin' Lake of Fire"

For more photos and details please check this link below:  http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov

Going With the Flow

NY Times Article on PAHOA

Wow, little Pahoa Village in the NY Times!  This is a good article (click on above link) on what life is like here in the Puna District of the Big Island of Hawaii.  The video helps with maps, aerial photography and interviews.  The Pahoa Village population is under 700, but the residents whose lives will be affected when the lava crosses Highway 130 numbers between 7-9000 residents.
(UPDATE: at the bottom)

Phil -- wearing his new LAVA T-shirt

It is difficult to explain to people who don't live here how lava has been flowing from the Pu'u O'o vent (off of Kilauea Crater) for over 30 years -- the longest flow in recorded history.  For 28 years, the unbroken lava flow was due south -- straight to the ocean -- until June two years ago when it began to change course, flowing northeast.

The video is only three minutes, but offers some good perspectives on the phrases "living on the edge" and "going with the flow;" here it is a literal reality.  The land is alive here in a way that invades your consciousness; it is also a source of inspiration and awe.   (UPDATE:  It appears, as of the end of March, the alert status will be down-graded, and we will not hear radio lava-related Civil Defense messages several times daily.  Life will go on, but the awareness of  the forces we live with remain ever present)

Color du Jour - RED!

Ever since we moved to Puna on the Big Island, I've wanted a pair a cute mud boots.  While I could have bought a pair of plain old black ones, I held out.  I wouldn't pay the price they wanted for a pair of the designer brands, but I found these --- taDAH!!! at a little thrift shop that carries off brands of merchandise!  Cute huh?!!


We harvested another small crop of tomatoes and bell peppers....with the admission that "small" is the optimum word, since none of these is over 3".  We are very proud of our PUNA non-GMO fruits and vegies that can sometimes be smaller and bit ugly.


Finally, LAVA REPORT:  Well there are confusing (but not conflicting) reports about the what the lava is "doing."  "Stalled at the front" is a common phrase...which means that 95% of it is not moving closer to Highway 130 (yet.)  However, it sounds like the same VOLUME of lava is still flowing from the source -- the Pu'u O'o vent off of Kilauea.  The lava IS still flowing down through the 9+ mile tube and is "inflating" the tube (light pink) which is getting higher.  Also, it is still "blooping out" (non-technical term) in a few northerly branches.  Just for Fun, WATCH the "Raviloi-heated lava HERE --  LINK TO Lava Heated Ravioli

Matters of the Heart

In talking with friends and neighbors about this lava event, I find we are all experiencing the same thing -- days when we function rather normally, running errands, working the garden, going to work, etc.  Then, there are days when there is an identifiable withdrawal and a sort of hollowness.  I suspect this comes from the need to balance out all the thoughts and emotions in the face of such powerful uncertainty.

On one hand we are provided facts and figures about lava flow and its day-by-day progression like the factual but frightening chart that suggests (based on science and measurements) that Pele's flow will reach the ocean by ? Thanksgiving YIKES! or Christmas.  (At the same time two of our neighbors are supposed to be moving into their brand new beautiful houses.)

The facts then take on a more personal perspective -- echoed in the second photo of lava creeping through the Buddhist Cemetery in Pahoa.  As lava travels through this local landmark, please take a few moments to read the tender article by Molly Solomon with Hawaii Public Radio as she takes a tour and talks about the Pahoa Japanese Cemetery's 250 graves dating back to 1905. 

http://hpr2.org/post/searching-family-roots-pahoa

Seeing this picture reminds us there are lives at stake -- homes, people and pets. Sometimes it is hard to wrap our heads around the facts and figures, when our hearts are trying to take in the loss.

Be kind to yourself; be kind to others.  
We are all doing the best we can.

Rethinking Reality

We have been re-thinking a few things lately, particularly in view of our recent hurricane and current Lava Event.  Seems like disasters of any kind, no matter their “package” force us to rethink our reality  For many years the residents of Puna have had the common sense to realize that having only ONE road into and out of lower Puna was not enough – especially in a disaster; there are simply too many lives at risk.  Another example is the infrastructure of our power grid including the geothermal plant (less than 5 miles from our home) that could be providing power more directly to its immediate neighbors.

It seems that for decades these issues have not been seriously addressed at a governmental level.  As frequently happens, the common sense ideas seem to get lost in the bureaucratic process of government.  In the wake of hurricane Iselle and the new lava flow from Pu’u O’o, many of these issues are being readdressed.  Roads are being created where there were none; power grids are being viewed anew so that thousands of people would not be stranded without power. 

Similarly, many people are being presented with opportunities to examine their own participation and responsibility.  In an area often faced with power outages, investing in a generator becomes a higher priority.  Planting gardens, rather than a pleasant pastime becomes a viable source of food in an emergency.  And neighbors reaching out to neighbors are building better communities. 

Any challenge can be viewed from a variety of perspective that we choose. No one likes a disaster, but being new to this island way of life, we have been very impressed with the aloha spirit as demonstrated on our block, in our neighborhood – and in the pro-active responses by our county leaders, civil defense teams and many volunteer agencies and groups  ALOHA is alive and well in PUNA on the Big Island.  MAHALO

Smoke In the Air

USGS webcam looking east (our subdivision is far left)

Since all the windows are open in the house, it is pretty easy to notice the smoke in the air.  Yesterday as we left Pahoa and drove into Hilo (to drop off Lunel's art at Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art for the "Trash Show") there was a plume of smoke visible rising from the new flow area.  Today, the trade winds are minimal and the sun coming up through the trees is casting long feathery rays of light in a eerie elongated fan shapes across the yard.  The photo above was posted this morning by USGS and is a remote view of the lava as it inches its way through the forest.  (** See Update at bottom.)  It is not always visible when it submerges down into cracks and fissures.  Don't let that "tiny" spot of orange fool you.  There's over 16 acres of "visible" lava, and the rest is moving slowing either on the surface or down fissures as this next photo illustrates.

Aerial shot from opposite direction.

Yesterday morning, it was clear and crisp, however, and we found this delightful couple of lovey dove sitting on the rusted wheelbarrow out in the back orchard area.  In the foreground you can see pineapple and behind you can see the edge of the avocado tree.  Behind is typical forest/jungle.

For a while, Phil was tossing out a handful of seed in the morning, but within a few weeks, we were inundated with about three dozen doves who were crowding out many of the other frequent visitors, so we decided to stop the feeding.  The dove population is now back down to less than a dozen.

Sadly, during the hurricane crises, we missed harvesting a few pineapples that got overripe on their stems.  We did, however, save the tops and have them rooting in pots for replanting.  You can see some of the pineapple plants in the foreground with avocado and woods behind.

What an interesting juxtaposition -- the real threat of "what could happen" mixed with today's coffee, dismal world events, and making brownies for tomorrow's Labor Day Party with friends.

(P.S.  By the time I finish this entry and push "Publish Blog" -- the smoke has dissipated some, the dogs are stirring; I leave the unknown and unknowable behind; shall we have pancakes?) 

** Email report in from our terrific Civil Defense Warrior, Darryl, about the ground-level smoke)
"I just got back in from this morning’s over flight. There was s prominent inversion this morning holding the smoke conditions down near the surface and not allowing it to dissipate. The conditions should as was starting to improve with the heating up of the morning sun and the pickup of winds.  As for the flow, it is a very slow moving surface flow and is fairly narrow in width. The burning of vegetation remains limited to only what is being touched by the flow and there is no brush fire or wildland fire threat. The leading edge of the flow is approx. 1.3 miles from the Wao Kele Puna Forest Reserve and no immediate or imminent threat."