HVERI Newsletter - October 2024
Aloha HVERI community,
Here we are in October, and the ʻāina is speaking to us again. The ground trembles, the air thickens, and we are reminded of how fragile, yet resilient, this island we call home truly is. Kīlauea has stirred once more, but we’ve learned by now that we cannot simply watch and wait. We have to prepare, we have to act, and we have to stand together.
At HVERI, our work has always been about more than just watching. It’s about doing. This month, we’re pushing forward—expanding our Digital Resilience Hub network and bringing AI training directly to the people who need it most.
We do this because we know our strength is found in how we face what’s in front of us—together. We prepare because we know the future demands it and endure because we know we must.
Stay strong, stay ready. We’re with you every step of the way.
E.B. deSilva Elementary Science Night
HVERI had the pleasure of attending the E.B. deSilva Elementary Science Night, where we showcased our Volcano Education Tool Kit. The highlight of the night was our interactive demonstration on volcanic viscosity, where we showed how the thickness of lava can drastically influence its flow.
We used a DIY "lava lamp" experiment to demonstrate how less viscous, fast-moving lava behaves during an eruption like those from Kīlauea. Students watched in fascination as colorful blobs in the lamp rose and fell, simulating the movement of fluid lava across large areas.
In contrast, we demonstrated how more viscous lava moves by blowing air through corn syrup. This simple yet effective experiment illustrated the sluggish, dome-shaped flow of thicker lava, helping participants understand how viscosity influences the formation of volcanic features.
Our Volcano Education Tool Kit also includes models of volcanic structures and other interactive tools that help students explore how volcanic eruptions shape landscapes. Seeing the excitement and curiosity on the student’s faces as they engaged with these demonstrations was a rewarding reminder of the importance of hands-on learning in sparking interest in science and understanding the natural forces that define our island home.
Native Hawaiian Cultural Convention in Waikoloa
HVERI proudly participated in the 2024 Native Hawaiian Cultural Convention, held at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Organized by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, this year’s convention was the largest yet, with over 2,000 attendees from across the islands. The event was a powerful gathering of voices committed to preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian culture, with lively discussions on land use, sustainability, and integrating cultural practices into public policy.
Throughout the convention, HVERI joined the conversations by highlighting the importance of resilience—culturally, environmentally, and socially. In breakout sessions, we shared insights on how traditional Hawaiian practices can play a pivotal role in disaster preparedness and environmental stewardship. Our presence reinforced the belief that Hawaiʻi’s future lies in respecting its past and that cultural knowledge, when woven into policy decisions, can create stronger, more resilient communities.
The support from our fellow Puna nonprofits was nothing short of inspiring. Side by side, we stood as a united front, showing just how powerful community-driven initiatives can be when rooted in our shared cultural values. Together, we didn’t just talk about resilience—we embodied it. The collaborations, the exchange of ideas, the shared commitment to our island and its future—it all reminded us of the incredible strength that exists within our local networks. It wasn’t just about being there, it was about making sure our voices, and the voices of the Puna community, were heard and felt in every room, in every conversation.
We are especially grateful to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, whose support made our attendance possible. Their backing allowed us to engage in these important conversations and continue our mission to strengthen the resilience of Hawaiʻi’s communities.
Four Corners Blessing Ceremony (Kumukahi Lighthouse)
We were honored to attend the Four Corners Blessing Ceremony at Kumukahi, near the site of the Kumukahi Lighthouse. This event marked the beginning of a major reconstruction project that will restore vital access to the area through the repair of Highway 137, spanning from Highway 132 to Pohoiki Road. The project is not just about rebuilding a road—it represents the reconnection of communities that were cut off by the 2018 lava flows and the reopening of pathways that hold deep cultural and historical significance.
According to the Department of Public Works, the reconstruction will involve grading the existing lava rock, installing a new asphalt concrete pavement structure, and replacing asphalt in areas unaffected by the lava. A new 6-inch waterline will also be installed, along with roadway signs, striping, and pavement markers to ensure the roadway is safe and accessible. On-site construction is set to begin at the end of September 2024, with completion anticipated by March 2026.
What made the ceremony even more profound was the presence of the children from Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School. Their voices rose in song as they shared their mele, weaving their connection to the land into the fabric of the moment. It wasn’t just a performance—it was an offering, a testament to the resilience and unity of the community. Their heartfelt contribution underscored the power of cultural preservation, reminding us all of the responsibility we carry to safeguard both the stories of the past and the lives of future generations.
Standing there, surrounded by ʻohana and community leaders, we felt the importance of this moment. It was more than just a ceremony—it was a gathering of shared history, strength, and purpose, rooted in the understanding that what we rebuild is not just the physical roads and structures, but the cultural pillars that sustain us.
Protecting Yourself in a Digital World Debute
We've successfully concluded our first "Protecting Yourself in a Digital World" session, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This presentation equipped participants with essential tools and strategies to navigate the complex landscape of digital threats.
The session began with an overview of social media's history and evolution, highlighting the security challenges that have emerged. We discussed threats such as fake profiles, social engineering, and scams and outlined comprehensive strategies to address these issues. We also emphasized practical tools for enhancing online security, including AdBlockers and antivirus software.
Additionally, we explored the challenges posed by AI technologies, including how they can be used to create misleading images. We provided tips for recognizing fake images online, enhancing participants' ability to discern truth from deception.
Due to the positive response, we are pleased to announce that we will offer at least two additional sessions of the "Protecting Yourself in a Digital World" workshop. Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming newsletter.
Kīlauea Volcano Education
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a reconnaissance overflight of the eruption near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed lava cascading over the rim of the crater from a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide. Lava is contained within Nāpau Crater and now covers about two thirds of the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Zoeller
This month, we had an eruption in Kīlauea’s Middle East Rift Zone, the first activity there since 2018. After progressing through 5 days and 4 different phases, Kīlauea’s eruption at Nāpau Crater ended on September 20 after covering 156 acres within the backcountry of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Monitoring signals have quieted as the volcano recharges following the eruption.
For those familiar with our weekly 5:00 PM HST live streams, the pattern of this eruption will sound pretty familiar. Over the course of September, we looked back at the historical events of the early 1960s, covering Kīlauea's multiple East Rift Zone eruptions between 1961 and the beginning of Maunaulu in 1969, drawing parallels to the recent activity in Nāpau Crater. This comparison helps illustrate the continuity and evolution of volcanic behavior over time and provides historical parallels to act as guides on what to expect in the future.
Throughout the eruption, we released 23 pieces of content, from time-lapses of the eruption to the latest updates from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. That content was viewed by over 300,000 people over the course of the eruption across our Facebook (Hawai'i Tracker), YouTube, Instagram, and X.
Our goal is simple: to keep the people of Hawaiʻi informed, safe, and resilient. The return of lava to the Middle East Rift Zone has been a point of anxiety for many in the Lower East Rift Zone who lived through the 2018 eruption. Still, as activity in the 1960s demonstrates, eruptions near where this latest took place are quite common and can stay in the MERZ for potentially years.
Fundraising: Support HVERI’s Mission
At HVERI, we’re all about action—action that keeps our communities safe, informed, and prepared for whatever comes next. But none of this happens without you. Everything we do, from disaster preparedness to volcanic education and digital resilience, is fueled by the support of people like you. Every dollar counts, and every donation helps us extend our reach to more people across Hawaiʻi, giving them the tools and knowledge they need to face the future with confidence.
Think about it: your support today directly impacts the safety and preparedness of families and communities tomorrow. With your help, we can keep sharing critical resources, educating residents about volcanic activity, and providing cutting-edge digital training that protects against modern threats. When you give to HVERI, you’re not just donating—you’re investing in the future of Hawaiʻi.
So, here’s the ask: Be a part of something that truly matters. Support us today by donating to HVERI using our website Donations Page. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more resilient future for Hawaiʻi.
Click this link now to make a donation
