HVERI Newsletter – May 2025 Bridging Seasons, Building Strength
Aloha HVERI ʻOhana,
As we move from spring into summer, the land continues to speak—through shifting ground, rising plumes, and the steady rhythm of eruptions at Kīlauea. Each new episode reminds us of the dynamic environment we call home, and of our shared responsibility to stay informed and prepared.
USGS photo by M. Zoeller
This month, we focus on connection: between people and place, between science and story, and between generations learning together. Whether it’s students exploring future careers through AI, or neighbors tuning in to our weekly volcano updates, we’re seeing resilience in action—rooted in curiosity, culture, and care.
At HVERI, our mission is to turn information into understanding, and understanding into action. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to build a safer, more connected Hawaiʻi.
We’d also love to hear from you.
Help us improve how we serve the community by sharing how you engage with volcano updates and social media.
👉 Take our quick survey
Mahalo nui loa,
Lou Ettore
Executive Manager, HVERI
Stay Updated on Kīlauea – Join Us Thursdays at 5 p.m.
Kīlauea’s summit eruption is now in its 22nd eruptive phase since December 2024. Several short but intense episodes have reshaped the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountains reaching heights up to 1,000 feet and new flows covering nearly 40% of the crater floor.
While eruptive activity remains confined to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, vog and tephra have occasionally impacted nearby areas. HVERI continues to track activity closely and share insights to help communities stay aware, informed, and resilient.
🕔 Join us live every Thursday at 5 p.m. HST for our Volcano Tracker update, where we break down the latest data, answer community questions, and provide real-time context from USGS reports and summit webcams.
📊 We also want to hear from you!
Help our community organization learn more about how you engage with volcano updates and social media, especially regarding Kīlauea and Maunaloa.
Your input makes a difference.
👉 Take our short survey
Community Spotlight: Inspiring Futures in Kaʻū
In early May, HVERI joined nearly 300 students at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary for a vibrant Career Day event—a gathering that served as more than just an introduction to job paths. It became a moment to connect education, culture, and technology right where the next generation is rooted.
Lou Ettore, our Youth Program Director, represented HVERI with an interactive AI storytelling booth. Students were invited to visualize their dream careers using an AI image generation tool, learning the basics of prompting and creative iteration. What began as simple inputs like “firefighter” or “marine biologist” evolved into richer discussions—where would this career take place? What tools would they need? How could they change the world in that role?
This activity wasn’t just about tech—it was about seeing place and possibility together. Students explored what their futures might look like on Hawaiʻi Island, through roles shaped by local needs, global knowledge, and cultural values.
These moments of hands-on learning help ground resilience in identity, imagination, and community. As we continue our youth outreach, we remain committed to bringing tools of the future to the places that shape us.
Youth & Innovation: Storytelling With AI & Aloha – Student Launch Coming Soon
HVERI’s exciting collaboration with Pōhaku Pelemaka is moving into its next phase, as we prepare to bring our new program—Youth Resilience Through Place-Based Visual Storytelling—directly into classrooms and community spaces.
Already in motion behind the scenes, this initiative combines traditional Hawaiian storytelling with modern AI technology, empowering youth to visually express moʻolelo, mele, and personal reflections through custom-generated imagery. Our teams have been working closely to fine-tune the curriculum, develop cultural-aligned prompting guides, and ensure that the tech tools serve the deeper purpose: amplifying local voices through the lens of resilience and identity.
In upcoming sessions, students will learn how to craft and refine AI prompts that generate images of their stories—building technical confidence while staying grounded in the values of ʻāina, kūpuna, and kuleana. It's a hands-on way to explore how tradition and innovation can coexist—and how youth can shape their future narratives with intention.
Collaboration in Action: Preparing Puna for What Comes Next
This May, HVERI proudly joined forces with HAKA (Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance) and local partners for a two-part Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Speaker Series in Pāhoa. Held at the Makuʻu Farmers Market, the series brought together experts, community leaders, and organizations dedicated to building resilience in Puna communities most impacted by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
The second session on May 18 will feature HVERI’s own Dane DuPont alongside presenters from the U.S. Geological Survey, University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, ʻO Makuʻu Ke Kahua, and animal response experts. Together, speakers will address how to prepare homes, families, and even pets for future hazards, with live demonstrations, checklists, and culturally grounded strategies.
HVERI’s contribution centers on volcano education and community resilience, helping residents understand how to interpret signs of unrest and stay informed through trusted, real-time sources. We're also sharing tools and knowledge to support self-reliant decision-making during emergencies, especially when seconds count.
🎁 Attendees can enter to win preparedness kits, participate in keiki-friendly activities, and explore live resources from a wide range of local partners.
📺 Can’t make it in person? Watch the livestream at 808haka.org or follow on social media. Check our previous event and watch talks from Hawai'i County Civil Defense & The Pacific Tsunami Museum
These gatherings are part of a larger effort, funded by Puna Strong and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, to invest in community-led preparedness—because in Hawaiʻi, resilience begins with each of us.
Science Night at Keonepoko – Loud, Clear, and Full of Wonder
Earlier this month, HVERI joined families and faculty at Keonepoko Elementary School’s Science Night in the town of Pāhoa, sharing our Volcano Education Tool Kit with curious keiki eager to explore the forces that shape our island. From bubbling lava lamps to eruption models, students got hands-on with the science of volcanoes in fun, visual ways.
As always, our elephant toothpaste demo stole the show—drawing wide eyes and big laughs as the foamy reaction spilled over with energy and excitement.
This event also marked the first use of our new hands-free mic and portable speaker system, made possible through your continued support. In a bustling school setting, being clearly heard can make all the difference. With this new setup, our educators and presenters can connect more effectively with students in large or noisy environments, ensuring every voice—and every question—is welcomed into the conversation.
Mahalo for helping us grow, adapt, and inspire the next generation of resilience leaders—one school night at a time.
Support the Work. Fuel the Future.
At HVERI, we believe that real resilience starts with relationships: between people and place, between generations, and between knowledge and action. Whether it’s educating youth through storytelling and AI, guiding families through volcanic updates, or preparing communities for future challenges, our work is made possible by your support.
Every dollar you give helps us:
Bring hands-on volcano and AI education to schools across Hawaiʻi Island
Produce weekly volcano education update livestreams and articles to keep communities informed and engaged
Expand community outreach efforts through livestreams and preparedness events
Provide trusted resources and clear communication during times of uncertainty
Collaborate with cultural leaders to strengthen preparedness through place-based knowledge
We are already seeing the impact. Classrooms are engaged, communities are informed, and voices are being uplifted. But to continue this momentum and grow our reach, we need your help.
🌺 Your donation is more than a gift. It is an investment in Hawaiʻi’s future.
📣 Donate today at hveri.org/donate
🎁 Every contribution, large or small, helps keep our island communities connected, prepared, and resilient.
