Ka`u News Briefs March 7, 2011

Fountains of lava along new fissures near Napau Crater between Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o Craters.

CURTAINS OF LAVA extended along a 1.5-mile line of fissures yesterday following the collapse of Pu`u `O`o Crater and the vent inside Halema`uma`u Crater. The level of lava dropped deep inside the craters but burst out along the side of Kilauea volcano near Napau Crater. Alerts issued by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are code red for aircraft and a warning for people on the ground. The outbreak of lava with fountains and spectacular flows is similar to an event in 1997. There have been only ten eruptions around Napau Crater in the last 200 years.
     Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s new Visitor Emergency Operations Center is in full operational mode, shutting down some roads, trails and campgrounds while managing an onslaught of visitors looking to see new lava activity. In the meantime scientists are in the air and on the ground to study the active volcano.

Lowest prices were in Ocean View
this morning.

THE PRICE OF GAS is soaring in Ka`u, just as it is across the country. The price has risen above $4 at three of the five stations in Ka`u. The lowest priced gas this morning was $3.95 at Kahuku Country Mart, followed by $3.96 at Ocean View Market and $4.01 at Kahala Gas in Ocean View. The 76 station in Na`alehu and Ka`u Gas in Pahala were both charging $4.03 for regular. Nationwide, according to the American Automobile Association, the average price is $3.51 a gallon - 78 cents higher than a year ago. 

     Joanne Kosinski said that her Flying K gasoline station at Kahuku Country Market is attempting to keep the price down. For more than 20 years, Flying K has traditionally offered the lowest gas prices in the district. Until a week ago, Flying K was able to offer prices lower than Costco, she said. Kosinski said, however, there have been three four-cent increases in what she pays for gas during the last ten days. Oil is now over $105 a barrel.

HELCO repaired a transformer in Ocean View and handled a
power outage in Puna during the strike over the weekend.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY WORKERS across the state are on strike for the fourth day today, though mediators, management and the union met late into Sunday night and were expected to meet again today. The International Brotherhood of Electric Workers and HECO are negotiating over retirement and other benefits and wages. HECO president Richard Rosenbaum said that a federal mediator who has been brought on board can help take the emotion out of the issue. The last strike was in 1973. 

IN KA`U, HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES responded to a lightning strike that knocked out a transformer in Ocean View. They replaced the transformer Saturday evening, and power was restored to the handful of customers who were affected. They also responded to a power outage in Puna. 

     The HELCO production department also brought a power generator on-line that had been shut down for scheduled maintenance. HELCO president Jay Ignacio said, “I am very proud of the way our employees responded this weekend. Employee and public safety are our first and foremost priority, especially when we have employees working in non-traditional roles.”

One Journey, at the high school band's CD release party and
fundraiser yesterday at KAHU Radio in Pahala.

ONE JOURNEY sold many dozens of their new CD yesterday at their fundraiser for money for their trip to O`ahu for the statewide high school talent contest called Brown Bags to Stardom. The band, comprised of some members of the Ka`u High School Ensemble led by Laura Saijo, were supported in their efforts by KAHU Radio, which hosted the event. Many musical groups played during the daylong event on Maile Street. 

MAYOR BILLY KENOI AND MEMBERS of his cabinet will hold a talk story tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Elementary School Cafeteria. Mayor Kenoi released the proposed budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 on March 1, and copies of the Mayor's budget message will be available at the meeting. Questions from residents on any subject dealing with county services and issues are welcome.

Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate
Alina Jerilong

THE FIRST MARSHALLESE candidate for Miss Ka`u Coffee during the pageant’s three-year history is Alina Jerilong. The Marshallese community plays an important role in the growing and harvesting of Ka`u Coffee as well as the culture of the community, with many Marshallese students now attending school in Ka`u. The event is Saturday, April 23 at Ka`u High School Gym.