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Former Kamsack district resident offers perspective on Hawaiian volcano

A former district resident who now lives in Hawaii recently responded to an enquiry regarding her situation in light of the erupting volcano, saying that although she is three islands away from the volcano, she and other residents must deal with the
Hawaii Helen and Kamsakani
Former area resident Helen Kahunanui (nee Offenburger) with her husband Kamsakani live three islands away from the the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island, and have to deal with VOG (volcanic ash and fog) some days.

A former district resident who now lives in Hawaii recently responded to an enquiry regarding her situation in light of the erupting volcano, saying that although she is three islands away from the volcano, she and other residents must deal with the volcanic ash and haze of deadly gas.

Helen Kahunanui (nee Offenburger) is a former Pelly resident and teacher at Kamsack Comprehensive Institute and talked to the Times earlier this year following a false incoming missile bomb threat, responded to a query regarding the volcano.

"The Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island is not only historical but also a real eye-opener for readers to realize that those people were living on the most volcanic plate on planet earth," said Kahunanui last week in an email. "Even though nothing happened in the past 30 years doesn't mean the lava tubes were dormant.

“The Hawaiians have a belief that ‘Madam Pele’, goddess of the volcano is very unhappy with what's happening to Mother Earth. An example is the geothermal plant, with 9 to 11 active wells that has been consumed by the lava and perhaps drilling the holes/lines have disrupted her sacred energy.

“Every night, the first thing on the evening news is the update of the active volcanic pathways of destruction of the lava. As of last night, June 5, 350 Homes were consumed and an entirely new delta of volcanic rock is being created at this moment. Social media covers this happening extensively so readers may wish to take a look at some of the websites.

 “On this island of Oahu, I live in the tourism city of Honolulu and we are three islands south of the Big Island. (Kaho'olawe, Lana'i, Moloka'i) but we do get VOG (volcanic ash and fog) on some days but nothing as serious as the Big Island. Those people deal with LAZE (volcanic ash and a haze of a deadly gas) that is constantly present. The Trade Winds are a blessing when they blow in the right direction.

“The Hawaiian Islands are now in hurricane season which began early June and continues on until November.  The reason I mention this is because the island of Kaua'i was devastated with a historical rainstorm in May. As of last night, our Mayor Kirk Caldwell, issued a statement for residents to make preparations and stock emergency supplies incase Oahu gets hit by a hurricane. This is a normal occurrence here so locals know what to do; we even get letters in the mail providing sample lists. I equate all of this action comparable to the Canadian blizzards, except in this case, we don't freeze to death.”

Kahunanui ended her Hawaiian volcanic update with “Aloha and Mahalo nui loa” (goodbye, and thank you very much), and a wish for a happy retirement for Bill Koreluik, now-retired Times editor.

“I am sure Bill will stop in the office periodically to see how everyone is doing. He was a most passionate editor for the Kamsack Times and the surrounding areas; he will be missed,” she said.