Kaho'olawe

Aloha no: It was a clear and crisp day in Volcano when we left this morning, but it is raining in Hilo. Most residents of the Big Island do not realize that Hilo gets more rain than Volcano. I think the reason for this is that Glenwood, between Hilo and Volcano, is one of the wettest communities in the state.

The volcano update from the HVO website is next. Today I think I will print it in orange. Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Weak winds yesterday morning produced some spectacularly bad air quality before moderate trade winds resumed in early afternoon. Overnight, faint glow from a source beneath the north vent rim was recorded by a webcam near the Halema`uma`u Overlook. This morning, a white plume is moving low and southwest over the Ka`u Desert. Small amounts of ash were collected downwind of the source this morning, most of which was glassy spatter including a lot of fresh Pele's hair. Near the vent, waxing and waning gas-rushing noises could be heard. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable. The most recent average measurement was 1,100 tonnes/day on January 30 compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Seismic tremor levels remain elevated despite abruptly decreasing by a few percent around 9:20 am yesterday morning and again at about 8:30 pm. One earthquake was strong enough to be located beneath the south summit caldera; 7 were located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes remain within background values. Somebody asked about the two 3+ earthquakes. There were actually three quakes. When I checked the website nobody had reported feeling them so I did not report on them. Today I see that the latest two have reports of being felt.

Today Anakam starts at 'Imiloa. She will put in two hours today, same on Tuesday, and four on Friday. The internship is for eight hours a week.

I dropped my wife and her brother at the airport this morning. I mentioned that she was going to Kaho'olawe to clear Keawe trees this week. The people who go have to bring their own lunch for today. Last year everybody that took PB&J sandwiches had them taken away by the TSA because the jelly is a gel, even when spread on bread. When will the very rare thing known as common sense kick in? Auwe!!!

God bless everyone and take care. Do not forget that American ends with "I can".