Categorized | Sci-Tech, Volcano

Community Forum features volcano scientists (March 11)

MEDIA RELEASE

Community Enterprises resumes its 2014 Community Forums at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Makaeo Pavilion, Old Kona Airport State Park with a special presentation by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists Jim Kauahikaua and Janet Babb.

They will lead a virtual road trip from Ka‘u to North Kona, recounting the volcanic history and stories of lava flows along Highways 11 and 190. The lava flows and volcanic landscapes along Queen Kaahumanu and Mamalahoa Highways from Ka‘u to Kona will be the focus of the evening.

The virtual road trip presented by Kauahikaua and Babb includes photographs and sketches of Mauna Loa and Hualalai lava flows from the 1800s and 1900s, film clips from the Mauna Loa 1950 eruption and images of how the flows and volcanic landscape appear today.

“The rugged and seemingly barren lava flows of Ka‘u and Kona are often described as a volcanic wasteland, but these flows tell an important part of the history of each area,” said Kauahikaua. “As a record of the past, they should be respected for the messages they provide us today.”

Kauahikaua and Babb are offering these talks to remind people that Mauna Loa and Hualālai are active volcanoes that will erupt again.

“Because past volcanic activity is an indication of what could happen in the future, it’s important for Hawaii residents to be aware of the potential hazards of these volcanoes,” Kauahikaua added.

According to Babb, she and Kauahikaua will share in a fun and interesting way, stories of the volcanic landscape that Hawaii residents and visitors see each time they drive between Ka‘u and North Kona.

“Through our virtual road trip, you’ll discover the origin of the lava flows — when and where they were erupted — and their impacts on the island.”

Also, Community Enterprises is adding a new feature at the February forum. Each forum will honor a young person or group of young people from West Hawaii who are making a difference in the community or who merit recognition for their accomplishments.

The first honor will be awarded to Leahi Camacho who at 17 years old, became the youngest person to swim the Kaiwi Channel between Molokai and Oahu last summer.

Pupus and beverages will be served.

For further information, call John Buckstead at 326-9779 or email jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.

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