MEDIA RELEASE 

Speaker for the next Puana Ka Ike Lecture is ‘Volcano Jim’ – Dr. James P. Kauahikaua, scientist-in-charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Kauahikaua will speak on volcanology, geology, and moolelo:

James Kauahikaua

* KONA: 5:30-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, Keauhou Beach Resort, Ballroom III 

* HILO: noon-1:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28, UH-Hilo (Eia Hawaii), University Classroom Building #127

Kauahikaua will present his research about Hawaiian moolelo (stories) found in the “Kupuna Journals.” These moolelo offer clues or indicators that can predict when a volcanic eruption is about to occur. 

Prior to assuming the post of scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 2004, Kauahikaua served as the staff geophysicist from 1988.

Although Kauahikaua was born and raised on Oahu, the Big Island has had the pleasure of his company for the last 25 years. He studied geology and geophysics at Pomona, and continued his graduate studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he received his doctorate degree. 

Kauahikaua authored the text of the book “Volcano, Creation in Motion,” which features pictures taken by his friend, the accomplished photographer G. Brad Lewis. 

Kauahikaua lives on an old part of Mauna Loa. His love of all things volcanic is exceeded only by his love for his wife Jeri, and for their dogs, cats, and wonderful life in Hilo.

The Puana Ka Ike (Imparting Knowledge) Lecture Series aims to provide an educational forum for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture, history, and tradition.

The series is sponsored by Kamehameha Investment Corporation/Kamehameha Schools, The Kohala Center, University of Hawaii at Hilo Kipuka Native Hawaiian Student Center and their Eia Hawaii Lecture Series, and Keauhou Beach Resort.

— Find out more:

Natalie Deisroth at 808-322-0088 ext. 100, e-mail info@kohalacenter.org, or http://kohalacenter.org/puanakaike/about.html