In late April, 2018, the long time lava flow from Kilauea, viewed by millions of visitors from a distance, suddenly dried up. Then, the lava lake in the crater summit began to drop. The lava was on the move, but where to?
Seismic monitors began to detect her path: hundreds of tiny quakes appeared in clusters along the East Rift zone of Kilauea, in our neighborhood of lower Puna. On May 2nd, fissures began to appear in a subdivision called Leilani Estates, down the hill from us. Larger quakes followed. We had a 6.9 quake centered b elow us at New Earth that cause minor damage. Then, lava flows, eruptions, fireworks of all kinds, in Leilani and acr oss the Pohoiki Road area. 1,700 residents are displaced. Many have lost their homes, including our close friends and allies. When the lava in the crater dropped below the water table, water rushed onto the hot rocks and caused several steam eruptions, blowing 30,000 foot clouds of ash to the sea.
As dramatic as that sounds, volcanic activity is localized. One can be in Hilo, or even up on our land, and not know a thing was happening. This week was gorgeous, no sulfur dioxide smell, civil defense gave us access passes to get to the land the short way. There was strong sulfur and smoke between us and town, lots of vegetation browned out, but up on the land, the breeze is blowing cool and sweet over a midday gathering of superb people sharing stories and dreams. A few people from the evac neighborhoods are moving in here for while, trying to do business as usual and keep the mood positive.
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The last time Kilauea erupted, the paper carried the story of how elders in the path of the lava responded by getting busy preparing their homes- cleaning and sweeping and mowing the lawn even- to make sure it was ready to receive Tutu Pele if she chose to pay a visit. Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, dance and wind. Madame Pele, the creator and the destroyer.
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You know, volcanoes are primarily a generative force, not a destructive one. Unless, of course, you happen to be a creature, especially a creature with comforts, in the path of one that’s erupting. Then you face all of a creature’s uncertainties in varying degrees of calm curiosity and freaking out according to your constitution.
When a volcano erupts, it injects vast amounts of minerals into the atmosphere, the oceans and the soils, which are then carried around the planet. There would be no life on earth as we know it without these eruptions. If you’re close to a volcano, you’ll note the intense fertility of the soil. Some of these: “carbon dioxide (CO²), sulfur dioxide (SO²), hydrogen sulfide (H²S), and hydrogen chloride (HCl)…. and other rock and mineral fragments….potolivine, pyroxene, amphibole, and feldspar, which are in turn rich in iron, magnesium, and potassium.”
And of course, they create land forms, too- Islands and archipelagos worldwide- and they may protect the entire earth by deflecting the sun’s rays, and be a counterforce to global warming.
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As an artist, I’m on my knees at the power and beauty of molten earth, at the spectacle, as if the fountains of the Bellagio were dancing with Dale Chihuly glass flowers, but all in orange and still being formed. Passion and fire and power drawn up from the core, to nurture all of life.
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Whether to you or me it’s science or Pele Ma or just the natural expression of the volcano being volcano, there is no answer other than reverence.
As there is no access to the land without a residence pass, we are closed with the exception of residents, staff and workers until further notice.
Check out this amazing video shot yesterday by our friend Noah: