Kilauea’s current lava lake formed on Dec. 20th and rose rapidly within Halema‘uma‘u crater during the dynamic first week of the ongoing summit eruption. Near the end of December, the eruption stabilized and the lava lake has been slowly changing since then.

Phenax hirtus is a tropical shrub that will grow rapidly to fifteen feet in height and can spread rapidly. It is originally from Central America. At first glance it looks like a small leafed version of mamake to which it is related. It is a pioneer specie that quickly invades areas sprayed with herbicide like along the forest reserve trails and in areas along roadsides where soil is exposed. Since Phenax is closely related to mamake, it may have some medicinal value.

A Kealakekua preschool is doing its small part to complete a 100-mile “Kindness Paperchain” made by children around the world.

The next USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge has been named, and it’s a name that Island of Hawaii residents may be familiar with — Dr. Ken Hon! Ken will be the 21st Scientist-in-Charge filling a position originally created by Thomas A. Jaggar, who founded HVO in 1912 and directed it until 1940.

Valentine’s Day is just upon us so it is important to tell your loved ones how much you care. Shopping for gifts during the pandemic is limiting our options. On the high end, some consider diamonds and on the low end, a cheap box of candy. Here in the islands, we have a living option that can be enjoyed for years without destroying our bank accounts or adding more pounds on what we weighed before the lockdown. Shopping at our local garden stores gives us plenty of room for fresh air and limited exposure to COVID-19. There are many plants that are perfect gifts at this time. The first ones that come to mind are anthuriums and orchids, but you may want to consider succulents and bromeliads for loved ones who may have slightly brown thumbs. However, don’t give a cactus or it might be misinterpreted as a negative. For those who have some room in the garden, consider fruit trees that can supply food for years to come, or a beautiful clumping bamboo. There are over 100 bamboos species grown in Hawaii from which to choose. If you use your imagination, the sky is the limit.

Watch how to make mouthwatering recipes using local meats and vegetables during three new educational videos produced by Taste of the Hawaiian Range in partnership with Hawaii Community College.

This story begins after Kilauea’s May 4, 2018, M6.9 earthquake and lower East Rift Zone eruption. The M6.9 earthquake resulted in seaward motion at the surface of Kilauea’s south flank of up to approximately 0.5 m (1.5 ft) as measured by Global Positioning System monitoring stations operated by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Wailoa Center and the Hawaii Island Art Alliance welcome 41 artists from throughout the state invited to be part of the second annual Hawaii Statewide Juried Plein Aire Painting Exhibit, which opens today and runs through Feb. 25.

Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network was able to perform two radio plays in December.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, it has become difficult for Big Island Drug Court participants to find opportunities to perform community service.

Just one week after Hawaii Police Department received tourniquets as part of a grant from the Spirit of the Blue Foundation, Sgt. Ryan Pagan saved the life of a man who was stabbed in Puna last fall.