Mo'opuna

Aloha no: We will start with the Volcano update from the HVO website. Again the update will be in red.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Continuing weak winds produced poor air quality in the surrounding communities yesterday. Overnight, intermittent faint glow from the vent was recorded by a webcam directly above it. This morning, a slightly wispy plume is ascending 300 m (1,000 ft) before being blown to the west. Very small amounts of ash were collected this morning; the collection consisted of fine rock dust that included several strands of very delicate, yet fresh, Pele's hair. Gas rushing and rockfall sounds were heard. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable. The most recent average measurement was 900 tonnes/day on January 23, still elevated above the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Seismic tremor levels remains elevated and is slowly increasing in amplitude. Six earthquakes were strong enough to be located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes was within background values. The network of tiltmeters within the caldera recorded weak deflation. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 2 cm of contraction across the caldera over the previous 3 months; there has been little contraction or extension over the past two weeks.

For the benefit of my sister in Kansas and my other readers I will explain just what a "mo'opuna" is. One's "mo'opuna" is a beloved grandchild. The Hawaiian language has many words that can not be broken down. "Mo'o" is lizard or gecko, "puna" is a fresh water spring. "Lei" is a garland of flowers, "aloha" is, well, aloha. "Leialoha" is a beloved child.

It was a clear, crisp day in God"s country this morning. temperature of 47 and the stars were all out. It is a clear day in Hilo and will be hot this afternoon. Anakam has a meet and greet with the people at Imiloa this afternoon when she finishes her classes.

Tomorrow I will be going to Na'alehu to pick up my wife's "tank". The "Hele-On" gets to Volcano at 3:45p and gets to Na'alehu at nearly 5p. The repair shop closes at 5 so I just might have Anakam drive me out. It is an inconvenience as Na'alehu is 72 miles from Hilo. I will have to call after 9a tomorrow to find out if it is ready.

God bless and take care of yourselves.