Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports a gas explosion with energy equal to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Halemaumau Crater at 2:17 AM. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to be very active and is feeding a lava channel to the ocean at Kapoho. The flow is producing a broad ocean entry along the shoreline, and is also oozing fresh lava at Kapoho Beach Lots. Fissure 22 is […]
A one-quarter percent surcharge will be added to the general excise tax in Hawaii County starting Jan. 1, following action Friday by the County Council. After teetering on the winning and losing side of a 5-4 vote for months, the bill passed 7-2 just one day before the state-imposed deadline. Voting no were Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha and Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles. Almost all the council members were unhappy with […]
Lava destroyed three more houses in Kapoho Beach Lots this week, according to Hawaii County. Two were destroyed Thursday and one was lost Friday. The county confirmed 668 homes have been destroyed by the eruption since May 3. That number does not include the three most recent homes lost. A few homes remain near the edge of the flow. The lava flow from fissure 8 in Leilani Estates continues to […]
Knowing state law as it pertains to fireworks can save you from more than just criminal charges and hefty fines — it might well aid in keeping all your appendages in tact over this Fourth of July celebration. It’s against the law for residents to import fireworks to Hawaii Island without a license from the Hawaii Fire Department. The only fireworks approved by HFD and legally sold in West Hawaii […]
While federal individual assistance programs were approved for Kilauea victims last Thursday, North Hawaii residents began pitching in more than a month ago. Dozens of individuals in Kawaihae, Waimea, Waikoloa Village and Hawi have led grassroots efforts beginning in early May to raise money and gather nonperishable foods, toiletries, tarps and other basic items for displaced families. Rhonda Bell, who spearheads The Big Island Giving Tree — a nonprofit organization […]
This is a Civil Defense Message for Friday, June 15 at 6 in the morning. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption continues with little change in the lower East Rift Zone. Fissure 8 continues to produce a large channelized flow that is entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay and producing a large laze plume. Expect heavier vog to blanket the interior and southern parts of the island, wrapping around […]
The lava flow field from the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea volcano is now 11-plus square miles in area, according to Janet Snyder, spokeswoman for Mayor Harry Kim. “We may be looking at the new normal here,” Snyder said this morning, referring to Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno’s note that the Pu‘u O‘o eruption has been ongoing for 35 years. According to Snyder, Magno said, “We have a few […]
The National Weather Service reports high levels of vog and sulfur dioxide from the fissure system are moving north and wedging in the Saddle area, creating poor visibility on the roads. Drive with caution. The Big Island interior and south are expected to have increased levels of vog until tonight. Due to volcanic emissions and changing wind conditions, the following guidance is given: • The Department of Health recommends limiting […]
Monty Richards, a fifth-generation kamaaina and guiding force of Kahua Ranch who was known for his leadership in the community, died Monday in San Francisco. He was 88. Herbert “Monty” Montague Richards Jr. succumbed to complications from a stroke, his wife, Eleanore “Elly” Atherton Chong said Thursday. The pair, who had resided in Honolulu and at the ranch, had been on the mainland visiting family when Monty suffered the stroke […]
