This week marks the second anniversary of the appearance of water in Kilauea’s Halema‘uma‘u crater, so it seems timely to discuss the water lake’s demise last Dec. 20, or rather, its transformation into a volcanic plume and how we use weather radar to investigate how that happened.

Summer is a great time to enjoy Hawaii’s flowering trees like the Royal Poinciana, Tabebuia species, Cassia Shower trees, Narra and many more. Speaking of Narra, this beautiful yellow flowering tree from tropical Asia is rare but should be planted more. There is a beautiful specimen at Hale Anuhea in South Kona and another in the Lanihau shopping center by the old Bank of Hawaii site. The Royal Poinciana, Delonix regia usually has flowers of crimson red to burnt orange. A rare form with yellow flowers is also available at some nurseries.

For his outstanding investigative skills, exceptional information sharing, and commitment to providing the highest quality of police service, Officer Robert Sakata was recognized by the Hawaii Island Security and Safety Professionals Association as HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q2 2021 during a ceremony on July 9 in Kona.

Iwas reading “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” to my soon-to-be 3-year-old granddaughter, Artemis, and she started to tell me the moose got a cupcake, not a muffin. How can she tell that it is a cupcake and not a muffin when most adults can’t tell the difference?

Many people living in the Hawaiian Islands are accustomed to feeling occasional earthquakes since the State of Hawaii is one of the most seismically active locations in the United States. Unlike some other earthquake-prone places in the U.S., for example California, where the earthquakes are related to tectonic plates sliding past each other, our earthquakes are related to volcanoes.

Foundation plantings are like spandex garments. They smooth out bumpy features and add a dressy look. When properly used, a foundation planting serves definite purposes. It connects the structure with the grounds and adjacent ornamentals so that the building and grounds appear to have grown together into an eye appealing design. Shrubs and vines also tend to soften and blend architectural lines. Such plants give the home a finished look.

In my pantry, evaporated milk is essential. But what is it anyway? It is the concentrated version of regular milk. It has been cooked down to remove 60% of the water, which makes it richer yet about 80% less fat than heavy cream.

With the heat, summer salads are wonderful and healthy for lunch and dinner. It is also a great way to clean out the refrigerator.

Mauna Loa erupted 46 years ago this week, from July 5-6, 1975, in a 20-hour event with vents confined to the summit region (the area above 3,660 m/12,000 ft) and lava flows descending to just below 3,170 m (10,400 ft). This was the first eruption in 25 years. At the time, it was the longest quiet stretch since 1843 (we are currently in the longest stretch at 37 years and counting).

Summer means many fragrant flowers blooming in abundance. Most noticeable is the family of gingers.

Hilo Community Players will be performing “Romeo and Juliet” for the 44th annual Shakespeare in the Park event beginning tonight in the parking lot outside Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

We can find fresh corn at the markets now as it is the season for them. When choosing ears, choose them with pliant, greenish husks and stems that are not cracked or dried out. Look for lots of moist silk, and feel for plump, not skinny ears.

Happy late Canada Day/Bonne Fête du Canada! While some past “Volcano Watch” articles have had a July 4 theme for the U.S., this year we’re taking the opportunity to ensure readers know that our neighbors to the north have volcanoes, too — including potentially active ones.

The journey from volcanic repose to a climactic eruption is like a mystery movie that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The story is filled with twists and turns that often lead to dead ends.

Hawaii’s garden recently became home to a new Anole. The one we have seen for years is called the American Chameleon because of its ability to change colors. The new guy is the Bahamian Anole that is dark brown with diamond markings on the back and a bright red dewlap of the male. There are others as well like the Cuban Anole on Oahu. We also have iguanas, at least eight species of gecko, skinks and at least two species of true Chameleon. We have one species of snake called the Island Blind Snake. However, none are native to Hawaii. In fact there are no native land lizards, snakes, frogs, toads or turtles. Some came as hitchhikers, stowaways and in the days when there were few laws, in the pet trade. Now it is illegal to bring in most of these types of animals. Most aforementioned are harmless or even beneficial, but can be a nuisance depending on ones attitude toward the environment. Local folks often think of geckos in the home are good luck, and almost everyone has a warm spot in their heart for the Geico Gecko!

Want something different and yet quite simple to make? Keema is a popular Indian dish. In India, it is a stew prepared as a curry with minced lamb, goat, or mutton meat, green peas, potatoes, ginger, chili, onions, ghee, garlic and garam masala spices. Keema matar, translated, means “peas and minced meat” and was created by the royal cooks of Mughal India. It was served at special occasions and events like weddings and other celebrations and in Mughal families, it is part of their weekly meal.