2012-06-12 Interagency Vog Task force Minutes

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contacted Mr. Ron Ebert. Mr. Aaron Ueno DOH stated that the DOH office on Oahu had informed him that they will be reducing the number of monitoring sites around the island. Rep. Robert Herkes questioned the Ka’u Gym project citing the need validity of having to meet hurricane building standards. Mr. Ben Fuata responded that the reason for the building meeting hurricane standards is so that it is FEMA certified, not subject to hurricanes under structural limitation meets all the FEMA sheltering criteria. Rep. Herkes stated that he would rather have the gym earthquake resistant rather than hurricane resistant. Motion to approve the minutes by Rep. Robert Herkes was second by Ms. Brittany Smart. Motion passed and approval of February 29, 2012 minutes was granted. Reports: Rep. Robert Herkes requested that he would like an up-to-date of report on the Vog to include the emission source. Mr. Aaron Ueno stated that a recent report indicates that the Kilauea Volcano is emitting approximately 1,000 tons of SO2 a day, (600 tons from Halema'uma'u crater and 400 tons from Pu’u O’o vent respectively). He also stated that it down from the month of May which recorded approximately 2,000 tons of SO2 a day. Current mapping of the SO2 is already being done by the University of Hawaii who is funded for modeling the SO2 path to include satellite imaging. Rep. Herkes questioned if the current mapping can differentiate the emission source of the SO2 from Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), Halema'uma'u crater or Pu'u O’o vent. Rep. Smart also asked it the mapping/monitoring could determine the different particulates emitting out of PGV, Halema'uma'u crater or Pu'u O’o vent? They both suggested that it would be beneficial to have a central location to refer the public to for this information. Ms. Brittany Smart further suggested that she would like to see the mapping information show the history of patterns in order to see changes and wind patterns and its effect on Vog migration. Ms. Merlyn Harris stated that similar to Pahala and Ka’u, the wind patterns could inform the people in the affected areas, when the bad hours are for Vog so that they can avoid exposure. Mr. Robert Herkes reiterated that he would like to see the mapping show the emission source of SO2, whether Halema'uma'u or Pu'u O’o. Mr. Ueno stated that the Subject Matter Expert Dr. Jim Kauahikaua who may be able to provide information on the emission source. In response to Mr. Herkes request, Mr. Ben Fuata review the past Interagency Task Force on Vog dated December 22, 2011, in which Dr. Kauahikaua gave a presentation on Vog. The bottom-line is that according to his presentation, they already have the mapping of the Vog, which includes the measurements, track from the source, predictions and daily emission updates. This information can be obtained at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazard/FAQSO2-Vog-Ash/P1.htm#gases or http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/ or http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php If anyone has any further questions, please contact Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) or go to their website for more information. Unfinished Business: Statements from the Public: No public statement was taken due to only one person showing up at the meeting and no one from the public registered to provide any statement at the meeting. 2