Lava Flow Documentation

[timmhenry]

My wife and I live in Juneau, Alaska and have, for some time, been planning on moving to Puna. We visited a number of times over the last two years. We are hoping to make the move in the next year or two. The last few weeks have confirmed for us that Puna is the place we would like to be with the outpouring of Aloha.

In addition to being a High School English teacher, I am a freelance photographer and writer. I suddenly have a desire to document, not only the lava flow and the corresponding geological and ecological ramifications but, also how the people are preparing for and how they will respond when the flow finally reaches Pahoa proper. I am looking to fly out Sunday the 28th. I'll have about a week. I am hoping to document the events as they lead up to and during any inundation that might occur. Timing is critical, which is why I don't know exactly when I will arrive.

Here is where you, if you are willing, come in. I am hoping to interview residents before, during and after the lava arrives. Furthermore, I am hoping to photograph (with your permission) properties and peoples in the midst of loss and evacuation.

I hope that my idea doesn't sound overly pessimistic or morbid, but I have a feeling that when this is over, people are going to want a record of an event that will be so far reaching for those it will impact. My hope is to create a photo-journal that will capture the beauty of Puna, confer respect to Pele and pay homage to the residents of Puna and the place they clearly love.

I would be excited and grateful to any residents willing to share their story upon my arrival. I don't know if I am allowed to leave my phone number or email in this forum. Is there a way to message me from within the PunaWeb environment? Any suggestions, Rob?

Also, the place I have stayed at the last couple of trips no longer appears in the VRBO website, so I am soliciting suggestions for a place to rent while I am there. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Timm

[Andrew]

I suspect as the lava starts to set the town on fire the paparazzi will swarm like ants to a picnic.

edit to add: making our soon to be detour out of lower Puna even worse...
___________________________

Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times".

[timmhenry]

Thanks for the feedback Andrew. I am conscious of your concern. This is why I am approaching this the way I am instead of just charging into town as a member of the "paparazzi", as you said. Frankly, if the PunaWeb community's feedback suggests they would be better served if I stayed away, that is what I will do. I am not a member of the press and would prefer not to be viewed as an opportunist. I am viewing myself, in this instance, as someone who is available and willing to document something that local residents, by choice or circumstance are not.

Thanks again,

Timm

[Rob Tucker]

Your request is respected and fine on Punaweb. Good approach. You may email within our member system if someone responds to your request here. Please do not send unsolicited emails.

Good luck. I see nothing wrong with what you are proposing... however, if and when the lava hits Pahoa the CD and police will not be letting random people in. Residents will be evacuated. CD has said they will, if possible, allow a property owner to witness and video his/her home going up in flames both for closure and for insurance purposes.

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[csgray]

As a history teacher I think this sort of documentation is invaluable, just think how important the visual records of Kapoho and Kalapana being over run have become to those who have followed. Perhaps you will also be able to help people by documenting their losses for insurance purposes.

Carol

Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb

[timmhenry]

Thanks Carol. To that end, I will make myself available to anyone who requests it. I hope no one hesitates to contact me.

Cheers,
Timm

[terracore]

We moved here from Juneau. I wonder if you taught our daughter? Which school do you teach at?

[timmhenry]

I teach at Thunder Mountain. My wife has mentioned you before as someone she learned (through PunaWeb) had moved to Puna from Juneau. Thus, I have always been interested in reading your posts as a former SE Alaskan.

Cheers,
Timm

[terracore]

The wife and I were just talking yesterday how much we love it here. No regrets, and no plans to return to JNU even to visit. Puna has a pioneering spirit similar to rural Alaska, but here we have a 4,000 square mile island to explore instead of having to turn around at Echo Cove.

[timmhenry]

My wife is looking forward to the same. We live-aboard in Statter Harbor and also tire of the limits of the Echo-Cove to Thane Road limitation. At least we have the boat. One thing I look forward to is seeing the same whales in Hawaii in the winter as we see here in the summer. There is something special about that.