Sea surface temperatures and winds

I’ve been keeping score. Here on the lower Puna coast, it’s rained two times in three weeks. The last time could hardly be counted but I did hear the sound of rain briefly running into the catchment tank. Why the drought? El Niño is to blame.

Recent storms in the SoCal area and southwest mainland U.S is also a result of El Niño which brings extra moisture in those parts and denies us the same here in Hawaii. El Niño is warming of the Pacific Ocean.

“Kona Winds”, from a westerly to easterly direction, are expected to return overnight and remain for a couple of days. The weekend may hopefully bring a change.

The bottom line is that it’s a dicey mixed bag of weather patterns moving in and out north of the islands. It’s wreaking havoc in the states and leaving us high and dry.

Here are some tips on saving water:

If you have a double kitchen sink, make a sink full of hot soapy water and another of hot rinse water. This will save you a lot of water vs. running the dishwasher. If you don’t have company, wait and flush the toilet after a few uses. Each flush uses an average of 5 gallons of water. Take short showers. Buy low pressure shower heads. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. Use hand gel rather than washing hands every time.

Needless to say, the vog will return – again. *sigh* Remember, don’t overexert yourself if vog is in your area.

Here are some links for your review.

Hawaii Drought Monitor

http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/drought/forecast.htm

El Nino Information

http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/nino-home.html

Real-time data of sea surface temperatures and winds

http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/jsdisplay/

Bear in mind that predictions for the level of expected severity of Hawaii’s hurricane season will not be announced until May. At that time, NOAA will post an article based upon a variety of factors to decide if it will be a below normal, normal or above normal season.

Hang in there, we’ll find out soon enough. Meanwhile, enjoy!

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc/

The seismic activity on Hawaii’s Big Island is at a low point. There are now 21 earthquakes showing on the USGS two-week earthquake map. The majority of the 21 earthquakes on the map are concentrated in the Kilauea area, one on Mauna Kea, four on the north/northeast side and two on the west side, one of which is out in the ocean area off Kauaihae.

Activity can pick up at any time, however. During the time, for example, of the beginning of activity at the Halema’uma’u crater and increase of activity within the Pu’u'O’o vent there was upwards of 125-140 earthquakes showing on the map. That has gradually decreased over a nearly two-year period and we are seeing an “ebb” of quakes.

Currently, there is no flow into the ocean from the Pu’u'O’o vent and no steam plume has been observed for several days now. As we know, it will not stay that way for long and it’s just a matter of time before the lava finds another outlet.

The beauty of the volcanic activity on Hawaii’s Big Island is its consistent flow releasing pressure and not creating a build-up for dramatic release. I will stress again that it is just a matter of time before the ebb surrenders to the flow and it begins its active upward climb.

Hawaii USGS Earthquake Map

http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

I just wrote a blog about earthquakes last week. The piece was more focused on Hawaii but the information applied on a global level. Earthquakes are nearly impossible to predict and the results can be devastating.

I’m calling for my readers to join me in sending Love and Light via your favorite means; prayer, meditation, etc. The people within the poorest nation in the western hemisphere are likely ill equipped to handle this disaster especially since their hospital and red cross facilities are damaged.

There are times on this earth when we, as an interconnected body of people, must assist others. If we can’t donate funds, we can send a bit of our energy and good will and focused positive thoughts their way.

After having been hit with four hurricanes last year, this has basically leveled their towns, villages and cities. May God bless the people in this nation and assist them in finding the strength to survive.

Mahalo nui loa

Donate at this link to help the Haitians with their rescue and recovery effort:

http://www.yele.org/

Live blog Haiti

http://www.truthout.org/haiti-earthquake-live-blog-hatian-prime-minister-says-hundreds-thousands-dead56040

A welcome rain returned to the east side overnight and continues this morning. According to the synoptic discussion posted on the UH Meteorology website, winward Big Island locations including the Puna district will experience a bit of a cold front which will move through tomorrow and bring light trades through the weekend with more possible showers.

Even though vog still remains due to alternate wind patterns, it looks to shift over the next day.

I’m personally glad our two week drought has come to an end and our water catchment tanks should fill nicely!

To read more, go to the website below and click on Hawaii Weather on the left column. Then select the Synoptic Discussion and Guidance from the drop down box.

University of Hawaii Meteorology website:

http://weather.hawaii.edu

A performer at S.P.A.C.E. balances on a unicycle

SPACE Performing Arts Center Newsletter January 2010

Seeking Silent Auction Donations We’re seeking donations for our annual Silent Auction that will be held in conjunction with our Le Chic show on Feb. 5th and 6th. If you have any items or services that you are willing to donate, please contact Jenna at 965-8756.

Upcoming Events Second Saturday Swap Meet Day @ SPACE Farmers Market January 9th 8:00am-12:00pm. Sell your used household goods, clothing, tools, etc. on the SPACE lawn during the Farmers Market. Fee $5. Set up begins at 7am, bring a table and/or tent. Swap Meet Day is all about reuse, reducing waste, keeping good stuff out of landfills and is part of SPACE’s commitment to sustainability.

Twist of Fate Friday and Saturday, January 22 and 23, 7:00pm. A true story about overcoming obstacles told through aerial dance and theatre. This is Angola Murdoch’s true story beginning with her diagnosis of scoliosis, surgery, and recovery. At the age of nine, Angola began competing in gymnastics and at twelve, she was diagnosed with scoliosis. Due to the severity of her condition, it was decided that she should undergo spinal surgery. The surgery consisted of fusing her spine and the installation of two metal rods to support the fusion. The show continues with her story up to the present day and her life as a professional circus aerialist. Told through a fusion of disciplines including theatre, dance, and aerial circus, this unique story and Angola’s solo performance will motivate and capture the audience. Tickets $10.

Le Chic III Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, 7:00pm, seating at 6:30pm. Our 3rd annual international, world-class circus variety show. This year, the show will be an ADULT BURLESQUE show, containing adult humor and possible nudity. Tickets on sale now, limited to SPACE annual members only through Tues. Jan. 12th. Additionally, for each performance, we are offering 38 Premier tickets for SPACE annual members which include early entrance and preferred seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Saturday SPACE Farmers Market, Wednesday Night Bazaar or contact Jenna at 965-8756. Tickets: $12.99. Both shows sold-out the past two years and we are expecting to do so again this year. Get your tickets now!

Night Bazaar New Weekly Event – We’ve started something new at SPACE – Night Bazaar every Wednesday evening from 6pm – 9pm. The focus of the Night Bazaar is on food, entertainment, and shopping. Come for dinner and stay for fun! We have musical entertainment and games such as chess, scrabble and go. Shop the wonderful wares of the Big Island’s artists. This is a community event for the whole family. If you’re interested in being a vendor at the Night Bazaar, please contact Jenna at 965-8756 or info@hawaiispace.com. Also, we’re seeking musicians and other performers to share their talents at the Bazaar. Please contact Tristan at the bazaar or call the SPACE office.

Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8:00am – 12:00pm. All local products. Fresh vegetables, food, crafts, clothing, plants, massage, and more. Come for shopping and socializing! Spaces for vendors are available. Contact Jenna for details (info@hawaiispace.com). Free wireless internet access is available during the Farmers Market. Bring your laptops and web-surf at SPACE! Also, we’re seeking musicians and other performers to share their talents at the Market. Please contact Tristan at the market or call the SPACE office at 965-8756.

SPACE is available to rent for your family parties or group events. Call 965-8756 for details!

Looking Ahead

It’s a New Year, and all sorts of exciting trash can be found now. Recyclarella want to remind you that March 27 will be the debut of S.P.A.C.E. Trash Episode II. She’ll have the first meeting in January for interested people. We can talk trash, trade trash, and go over ideas and music for the show. Anyone wanting to be a designer or model or just help out can call 938-0539 to sign up, find out more, and let her know you are interested. Start saving your trash now if you haven’t already. Also looking for trash art to display and trash vendors.

Classes The #1 Cure for HICCUPs… Embrace them. Starting Monday, January 11th, the youth of Hawaii can become one with the HICCUP Circus at S.P.A.C.E. Two 55-minute circus classes will be offered on Mondays and Thursdays, starting at 2:45 and 3:50. The classes are designed for all skill levels, but are geared toward producing a youth circus group of dedicated performers. That’s right… we will put on shows. Professional instructors Annetta Lucero, Noah Moore, and Joe Hoffman, will cover a full spectrum of circus skills aided by the decades of performance experience in the surrounding community. The monthly cost is $40 for one class a week, and $75 for both days. Discounts are available for multiple siblings. For more information, call Noah at 965-8301.

Class Schedule: Monday 2:45 – 3:40 Hiccup Circus for kids (ages 7+) with Noah, Joe and Annetta 965-8301 Monday 3:50 – 4:45 Hiccup Circus for kids (ages 7+) with Noah, Joe and Annetta 965-8301

Tuesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm Music Exploration for kids with David 965-8756.

Thursday 2:45 – 3:40 Hiccup Circus for kids (ages 7+) with Noah, Joe and Annetta 965-8301

Thursday 3:50 – 4:45 Hiccup Circus for kids (ages 7+) with Noah, Joe and Annetta 965-8301

If you are an instructor and would like to hold classes at SPACE, please contact Jenna to discuss scheduling and rental agreements (info@hawaiispace.com). We would love to work with you.

Van for Sale

We’re selling our 15-passenger, 2001 Ford Econoline Van (automatic, A/C) It’s a E350, V10, has 105k miles and is in good condition. We’re asking $6500. If you’re interested, contact Jenna at 965-8756 or info@hawaiispace.com.

Wish List

Anyone looking to make a tax-deductible donation? We’d love to receive any of the following items (new or used): – washing machine – folding tables – chairs – picnic tables We gladly accept cash or checks, too! You may also donate on-line via paypal at our website www.hawaiispace.com. Mahalo!

Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education 12-247 West Pohakupele Loop Kalapana Seaview Estates Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-8756 www.hawaiispace.com

Kalapana Seaview Estates

Late this morning a man working on the roof of a home under construction in the Seaview subdivision slipped and fell over two stories to the ground below.

I observed a large fire/emergency truck come down the road, stay for several minutes, then leave. The truck then transported the man to meet a helicopter on the grassy area at the entrance to the subdivision. It is unknown as to which medical facility he was taken.

Out of respect to the man and his family as well as the homeowner, I am not providing names at this time.

I will update as possible. Please feel free to post if you have any further information.

USGS "Tux" Hawaii Earthquake map

It’s no secret that the Big Island is a major earthquake zone. The island itself is vulnerable to earthquakes due to its volcanic activity and its fault lines.

What does this mean and how does this affect those of us that call this home?

Earthquakes can happen at anytime. The land beneath us shifts due to moving magma and at anytime we can feel it. Most of the earthquakes on the Big Island take place underneath the Kilauea volcano. Of those, the majority take place on the “pali” down below the Pu’u'O’o vent in lower Puna. However, the last strong earthquake we felt in October of 2006 took place on the west side of the island, and as far as experts can tell, because part of the mountain on that side fell away.

What can we do and how can we be prepared? 85% of the earthquakes that take place on the Big Island will not be felt or will be minimal. For the other 15%, all we can do is know what to do when it happens. First, stay calm (easy for me to say!) When the earth shakes, the doors in our home can shift and become jammed. Therefore, a first consideration is to open the front door. Most information will tell you to stand under a doorway. The reason for this is to protect yourself from objects flying/shaking off the walls. Photos, pictures/paintings, decorative objects placed on high shelves, books on bookshelves, etc. are all prone to dislodging during an earthquake. Protect your head.

Be mindful that items held and stored within cabinets can shift during an earthquake. Simply opening a kitchen cabinet to retrieve a glass can be dangerous if they’ve shifted. Items can fall out and hit you in the head so open them with caution. The same applies to your refrigerator. If anyone has opened the freezer door only to have a frozen piece of chicken fall out onto the floor can attest to the pain that can be incurred if it falls on your foot.

Pipes, including gas lines, can become  damaged during an earthquake which can cause a fire. Be mindful of your surroundings and listen for any noises that aren’t normal. Water or gas could be leaking from a pipe. If you are driving, pull off to the side of the road and be mindful of power poles and lines.

Remember, aftershocks are possible. If it’s a strong earthquake lasting more than 5 seconds, there may be another coming. What do you do? Stay calm and stay safe; under a doorway is best. Stay away from windows, mirrors and objects that could fall on you.

Again, most earthquakes aren’t seriously damaging on the Big Island but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen in the future. Educate your family and drill them to know what to do in the event of a serious one. Below are some links that could be informative or helpful to be prepared. In addition, there are some local and global links to keep tabs on earthquakes in your area.

FEMA Earthquake preparedness website

http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/earthquakes.shtm

USGS Hawaii earthquake website

http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

Global earthquake website

http://www.iris.edu/seismon/

The newest black sand beach on Earth at Kaimu

Whale watching can be a fun and relaxing past time whether you are a resident or visitor to Hawaii’s Big Island. And, in lower Puna, whale watching is special for a very specific reason; the depth of the water. Merely 60 feet off the coast, ocean depth drops to between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. This enables whales to swim very close to the shoreline.

The view is great to whale watch all over Big Island, but it’s special to be able to view them close up. All along Rt. 137, fondly referred to as the Red Road, there are pull off points where you can set up folding chairs or loungers and settle in for a nice afternoon picnic. Last evening, I ventured out to the newest black sand beach on earth at Kaimu (where Rt. 130 and Rt. 137 intersect) and spent about an hour sitting on the black sand. I saw a couple of whales spouting and making their way toward the lava entry point. Visitors, locals and a couple of surfers joined in on the fun.

Whales make their way down to Hawaii from Alaska to breed and arrive in November. They usually stay until April. The whales can put on quite the show breaching (jumping out of the water) and slapping their tails above water. Look for spouts off shore and they will likely come up for a bit of play or at least their backs will emerge as they swim along. Sometimes they’ll have a “conversation” and it will echo off the cliffs of the coastline. There is not much quite as beautiful as listening to “whale song”.

There are boat tours available to see the lava flow and participants are likely to spot a few whales on their ride, as well.

Below are links to areas where you may wish to visit to whale watch.

Map of Big Island. Puna district lower right of map. Lower Puna is considered the area all along the coast and up around the very eastern tip.

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/images/body_images/Map_of_Big_Island_of_Hawaii_Detailed.jpg

New Kaimu Black Sand Beach

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/image_full/498/

Looking from Kaimu Black Sand Beach inland toward the Pu’u'O’o vent at Kilauea. The steam coming off the hill to the left is the lava flow coming down toward the ocean.

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/image_full/497/

Puna coast along Red Road (Rt. 137)

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/image_full/501/

Red Road drive

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/image_full/492/

Ahalanui Beach Park (known as warm ponds)

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/image_full/489/

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/image_full/488

Sulphur plume at Halema'uma'u Crater

Children can be particularly sensitive to vog and it’s important to keep an eye on them during periods of heavy vog. The most common symptoms are wheezing, asthma attacks, sore throat, headache and eye/nose irritation. Sometimes an allergy medication can help. Cough medicine (expectorant) can keep their cough loose. Make sure children get plenty of water and rest. However, it may be necessary to seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

Current emissions from Halema'uma'u Crater

Bear in mind that in Lower Puna, there are no vog devices in place to monitor vog  levels, therefore, there will be no warnings issued, even in the event of dangerous levels. You must use your own judgement as to when you need to take your child out of the vog area. One suggestion is taking a trip to the grocery, hardware or variety store. This is a good way to get out of the vog and into an air conditioned environment for a period of time to provide some temporary relief.

The current surface ridge is supposed to adversely affect Big Island weather and keep vog on the east side through Wednesday. Unfortunately, it’s predicted to return again on Friday.

Here’s a 2008 article worth reading about Hawaii Vog and studies about vog triggered asthma attacks.

http://www.physorg.com/news141878394.html

Comments are welcomed and any vog symptom relief tips worth sharing with others are appreciated.