(AP). A sloshing, surging lava pond deep within the summit of Kilauea volcano is creating a bright glow and lighting up the nighttime sky. It’s a result of an interruption in the volcano’s flow since early January. Magma returning to the volcano follwing the interruption has caused the pond to rise within 400 feet of the crater floor.
Jim Kauahikaua, the scientist in charge of Hawaii Volcano Observatory, told an audience at Kealakehe High School cafeteria last Thursday that everyone should keep an eye on Hualalai which could erupt in the future. According to HVO, Hualala has erupted three times during the past 1,000 years, while Mauna Loa and Kilauea have erupted more than 150 times during the same period. Hualalai’s last eruption in the late 1700s and in 1801 sent flows into areas now occupied by the Kona International Airport.
Hawaii’s newly appointed interim superintendent of schools tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that her ties to Hilo and the lessons she learned here will affect her decisions as she tries to guide the public school system through difficult economoic times. Kathy Matayoshi, the daughter of former mayor Herbert Matayoshi, says her experience of being born here and attending Hilo High School has forged a strong bond with the Big Island community. Matayoshi says the challenges to public school teachers are formidable, but she believes creativity and efficient use of time can result in good teaching that will help students ride out this stressful period.
The county commission responsible for recommending land purchases has selected eight properties it believes should be bought this year with money from the county’s 2 percent land fund. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, the Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission names the 551 acre Kawa property along the Ka’u coastline as its top priority. County land manager Kenneth VanBergen says the commission is making good progress and is contacting property owners in the area, which includes a prized surfing beach and a nesting ground for endangered turtles.
Notice to motorists: The Department of Public Works will complete the resurfacing of the Mamalahoa Highway in North Kona starting Monday evening with completion due by Friday morning. The night roadwork schedule is 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Motorists are advised of one-lane closures and delays. Weather conditions could alter the schedule.
Notice to motorists: Mamalahoa Highway Bypass is closed to southbound travel, Monday, January 18th, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and February 15th, Presidents’ Day. Closing the Bypass on holidays is a condition of the easement between Oceanside 1250 Partners and the County of Hawaii for southbound travel from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. For road information, call the County Hotline at 334-9559.
(AP). The University of Hawaii professors’ union has reached a tentative labor agreement with the school. Both sides announced the agreement on Saturday, but said no details would be released until members were briefed on the terms. The union said an electronic ratification vote is set to begin on January 21st. On Friday, professors recieved paychecks that were reduced by almost 7 percent.
(AP). When Hawaii legislators reconvene on Wednesday, all eyes will be focused on a bil lthat would allow same-sex couples to form civil unions. Supporters are guardedly optimistic of passage but opponents note this is an election year and cast doublt on claims that the measure will pass.