12-25-2014, 01:35 PM
Christmas 2015
Life in lower Puna is slowly recovering, after an influx of Hilo residents earlier in the summer. A massive eruption from Mauna Loa, with dual fissures opening simultaneously on both east and west flanks covered Hilo, Kona and everything inbetween with 20-50 feet of a'a lava. Fortunately residents had 24 hours notice to evacuate so there was no loss of life. However all highways and airports remain closed. The Big Island was effectively cut in two, with the Hamakua-Kohala District to the north, and Puna-Ka'u District to the south.
It was completely unexpected, said every politician and scientist who was interviewed for this story.
Due to the massive amount of magma released, volcanologists determined Kilauea was effectively emptied, right to the bottom, and can now be considered dormant. Massive state and federal funding have come to the aid of the new South District capital, Pahoa, including completion of the Pahoa Park, a retrofit of the old $4 million Lava Viewing Site into a transfer station, and enough money to install a stop light where a roundabout had been planned. Also a new Post Office, and State and Federal Building are under construction, as well as expansion of the old Long's Drug Store, and the transformation of Malama Market into a full service Foodland, soon to be the largest in the state.
An airport is planned near Na'alehu at the proposed site of the canceled Ka'u Space Port project. Not a single objection was made this time to the roar of loud engines, since it will create thousands of long term local jobs. Pardon our noise, it's the sound of employment.
Because Island Naturals was the only source of food in Puna for several months after the eruption, Russell Ruderman was elected District Mayor with almost no opposition. Residents are now in almost complete agreement that non-GMO foods are really delicious, and much better tasting than no food at all.
Temporary zoning restrictions have been eased to allow multiple ohanas on properties to provide long term temporary housing to the influx of Hilo refugees. The first new housing development will open soon, Kalapana Royal Garden Estates, complete with county water and high speed fiber-optic internet.
Life in lower Puna is slowly recovering, after an influx of Hilo residents earlier in the summer. A massive eruption from Mauna Loa, with dual fissures opening simultaneously on both east and west flanks covered Hilo, Kona and everything inbetween with 20-50 feet of a'a lava. Fortunately residents had 24 hours notice to evacuate so there was no loss of life. However all highways and airports remain closed. The Big Island was effectively cut in two, with the Hamakua-Kohala District to the north, and Puna-Ka'u District to the south.
It was completely unexpected, said every politician and scientist who was interviewed for this story.
Due to the massive amount of magma released, volcanologists determined Kilauea was effectively emptied, right to the bottom, and can now be considered dormant. Massive state and federal funding have come to the aid of the new South District capital, Pahoa, including completion of the Pahoa Park, a retrofit of the old $4 million Lava Viewing Site into a transfer station, and enough money to install a stop light where a roundabout had been planned. Also a new Post Office, and State and Federal Building are under construction, as well as expansion of the old Long's Drug Store, and the transformation of Malama Market into a full service Foodland, soon to be the largest in the state.
An airport is planned near Na'alehu at the proposed site of the canceled Ka'u Space Port project. Not a single objection was made this time to the roar of loud engines, since it will create thousands of long term local jobs. Pardon our noise, it's the sound of employment.
Because Island Naturals was the only source of food in Puna for several months after the eruption, Russell Ruderman was elected District Mayor with almost no opposition. Residents are now in almost complete agreement that non-GMO foods are really delicious, and much better tasting than no food at all.
Temporary zoning restrictions have been eased to allow multiple ohanas on properties to provide long term temporary housing to the influx of Hilo refugees. The first new housing development will open soon, Kalapana Royal Garden Estates, complete with county water and high speed fiber-optic internet.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves