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The Big Island Vog Index Blog



The Big Island Vog Index Blog: Useful links to real time monitoring of vog, helpful hints from people that have experienced the vog, Posts and Updates from residents, pictures and more.


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Residents and tourists please leave your comments about your experiences with the Vog.

Please leave any helpful ideas you might have for others in dealing with the Vog, or any questions you might have.

Also tell us about the Big Island Vog conditions you have seen. Please leave your name and area that you are talking about.

Here is a link to a page if you just want to know details about the Vog, like what it is, where it is the worst, and what hazards it poses. Also things you can do to counteract the vog when it gets thick.

I had a request to post useful links at the top of the page, so here they are:

SO2 Satellite Images

Halemaumau and Pu`u O`o conditions

Daily air quality readings from six stations on the Big Island. Requires downloading java plugins

Here is the link to the county's website, with info on Lava Viewing, Health Hazards, and more: lavainfo.us

To see the State Department of Health's SO2 Readings from their Pahala Station over the last six months.

Aloha, David

Comments for
The Big Island Vog Index Blog

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 01, 2010
 waikaloa village
by: lori mae

we lived on big island naalehu for 2 years and wanted to return Is the vog any less in Waikoloa Village Anyone out there like to save us an expensive trip to find out....thanks
Feb 16, 2010
 vog stinks bad
by: mattminda

just came back FBI (from big island) and on visit to volcano was blown away by the stink. wow is all i could say. my head hurt the minute the car door opened and whew!!!!!!! eggs rotting odor slammed into me like a truck. then i watched the constant billowing cloud like the furnaces of Mordor. if i lived there i would pack up and leave. but at least the trades were there for our stay at Hapuna beach which was clear, left some mainland money there, bought some indigenous peoples trinkets, drank, and left. good thing there are other islands to visit. GOOD LUCK
Feb 14, 2010
 wood valley
by: Anonymous

hi.... I heard wood valley somehow escapes the vog, etc does anybody know this to be true? or have any details about this area? any direct experience? thanks
Feb 12, 2010
 GOVERNMENT COVER-UP?!!!
by: JOE

I have lived on the Big Island now for 6 years and came from one of the cleanest air regions in the country. I immediately felt the vog effects and was sick constantly that first year. I live in Kona and feel totally different on those rare clear day's. When the vog is thick I feel like I'm outside my body and literally living in a haze. I'm sure that after 26+ years of erupting there must be some studies that have drawn conclusive results. The way the government works here I'm sure they would risk the citizens lives rather than have a massive exodus of residents and tourists. Any results are carefully screened and only small bits and pieces released. The "Air Now" Hawaii page is rarely available for Kona and it's one way that the governement (the Hawaii "health" dept.) keeps outsiders (E.P.A.)from having the 24 hour accumulated particulate count. I'm sure if it was going 24 hours with stored data that could be accessed by the E.P.A. Kona would regularly exceed the limits that were set by the E.P.A.! Unfortunately, our only options are to leave this beautiful place. Madame Pele does not want us here for some reason. She drew us here but now it's time to leave. So sad, what can we do? Living with a gas mask on all of the time is no option!!! To everyone that has written in, I feel your pain and suffering as I have experienced similar symptoms. Aloha!!
Feb 10, 2010
 Big Island areas
by: Prof James

I lived in Kealakekua, but when the volcano stopped for 3 weeks in 1996 and I saw how it looks without the vog I freaked out. I lived in Waimea(Kamuela) twice and never had any experiences with vog there in either 1996-8 or 2006-7. I lived in Hilo 2002-5 and when the vog is there, it is the worst of all. I think when the wind shifts from tradewind to Kona wind, there is a pocket of vog west of the vent that gets a 'double-dose' as it comes back over the volcano a second time. When it gets to Hilo, you can actually see and taste it really heavy. I got big headaches whenever I could taste it. I know it gets like that up in Volcano (city) periodically so you'd have to be crazy to live there IMHO. I want to live in Naalehu next, where it does seem the vog is blown away somehow, unlike Pahala and HOVE, but Mme Pele decides so anything can happen, even a mandatory evacuation is certainly possible. A much bigger worry would be the next eruption of Mouna Loa, which could easily bury HOVE, Kealakekua, Hilo or even the Hilton Waikoloa. All these areas have been buried before so they will probably be buried again in massive lava flows. The Hilton could be wiped off the map in three days time - Mauna Loa is BIG!!
Feb 06, 2010
 Vog in Puna?
by: Anonymous

How often does the Vog affect Puna, and how bad does it get? I'd like to live in the rainforest there but don't want to get sick!
Feb 02, 2010
 Hawi report
by: Anonymous

We live in Hawi, on the far north end of the B.I where the air used to be clear most of the time, but the vog has been increasingly bad up here since the last big blow and seems to be getting increasingly more voggy as time goes on. Everyone's been feeling it these days. We've been here for 11 years and we love it so much, but lately I feel as if I'm developing asthma and and contemplating what we will do if I keep feeling like this. Where do we go from here? I read somewhere about the volcano doing something of this sort in the 1940s? but it only lasted for about a year. Praying that the volcano will do it's thing and get it over with for awhile. I guess I'll give it another year or so, but if it keeps up like this we may need to move out of here. It makes me sad to think of leaving and where would we go?
Peace
Jan 29, 2010
 OVERWHELMED BY THE VOG...
by: Anonymous

I agree with "Anonymous" who on January 6th wrote:

"I don't feel that this Vogs potenial health affects are being thoughly put forward to the community and public- we all need to start taking this major potentially killer "vog" more seriously beacuse this is poisonous gases,and no diffrent than smoking/second hand smoke and other harmful chemicals etc.

there should be daily warnings informing the people in the paper when the levels and reading are high people should be staying in doors etc.
And what happends when the Vog smog reaches dangerous levles?
We should all have access to gass masks like the staff personal do up at Volcano National Park during poor air quality !!!"

I personally think the vog is being downplayed which hurts our community in more ways than one. How can we know how to protect ourselves on a day by day basis if we are not properly and honestly informed in a timely manner??
Jan 27, 2010
 vog
by: matt

sorry about the volcano, we almost bought a condo there in 05' thank god we didn't. one weeek a year in the other islands is enough, remember there is always tahiti
Jan 25, 2010
 We know it's there.Lets do something about it.
by: B.Rupe

Lets save our state.Can you find out what the vog levels before 1924 were.If it wasn't as bad as now,it might have something to do with the pie crust over the vent. creating moisture.Geothermal could cap it,use it clean it.Put the rail money into saving our state.
Blow it up.When it was a lake was it this bad.A nice
lake of fire would be quite the attraction.
Jan 23, 2010
 intense vog
by: Anonymous

the vog is definetly not being taken seriously . i live in maui and tonight 1/23/10, i feel like my head is going to explode, this last month is the worst i've seen the vog in the 11 years i've lived here. everyone i know is having head problems and sinus problems right now, but it is not addressed anywhere. i check the online air reports and it just sais moderate. they say don't go outside and don't open your windows, that sounds like a big problem to me......
Jan 21, 2010
 fight back against the vog
by: Anonymous

You have seen the snow making machines that make snow at the ski resorts. If you can make snow enough to cover hundreds of acres why not surround the toxic gas vents with giant water guns and shoot spray at the toxic gas 24/7. Even if it cost $1,000,000 a month to pump the water up from the ocean, it is a lot cheaper that the amount our combined property values are dwindling each month, plus loss of tourists and many other negative factors. Let's do something to fight back against this killer VOG. We need a huge community meeting.
My name is Paul. You can reach me at paul_savant5851@yahoo.com. Someone please share some ideas with me. The vog was so bad in Kona today, that I got my chores done and got out of there as quiclky as possible. My lungs are still aching tonight here in Waikoloa. We all need to do something or mass evacuate the island.
Jan 06, 2010
 Hilo is Heven or Hell?
by: Anonymous

I love the Big Island and thats why we built our family home here and have spent the last 8 years here raising our 4 kids....
However I am becoming increasingly concerned about the terrible on going VOG issue we are all being affected by whether we "feel" it or not, if you are being told not to take deep breaths or the vog particals can be "imbedded in your lungs" something is really wrong!!!not exactly Paradise!
We live in Paradise Park and today has been one of the worst Vog days,apon going out side one is hit with an extreme sulfur smell and taste, and you can't see beyond the trees in our yard, at times we can barely see our neighbours house across the street! our children are lathagic with headaches and we are having to keep the house shut up and my mother who is visiting over Christmas from Australia and is fit healthy person is feeling terribe , with headaches and itchy eyes, and no energy!!!
I don't feel that this Vogs potenial health affects are being thoughly put forward to the community and public- we all need to start taking this major potentially killer "vog" more seriously beacuse this is poisonous gases,and no diffrent than smoking/second hand smoke and other harmful chemicals etc.

there should be daily warnings informing the people in the paper when the levels and reading are high people should be staying in doors etc.
And what happends when the Vog smog reaches dangerous levles?
We should all have access to gass masks like the staff personal do up at Volcano National Park during poor air quality !!!
Dec 29, 2009
 SO2 levels and plants
by: Dolphinskye

Did you ever notice how vibrant the natural landscape is near the volcano? Studies show that an increase in sulfur dioxide levels cause plants to produce a greater amount of antioxidants. I am wondering if the cultivated plants that are having an adverse reaction to the vog were the result of chemical sprays interacting with the SO2. Are there any homegardeners that feel they are less affected by the VOG?
Dec 13, 2009
 vog related illness
by: Anonymous

Sinus and ear problems that turn into lung problems -- I'm sick, my wife is sick, the baby is sick; this vog is ridiculous.
Dec 10, 2009
 how are you folks doing??
by: nets

Aloha,

I left the island last year and I miss it a lot!
I still look everyday to check the conditions.
How are you folks fairing?? Any one who would like to share I'd be interested to hear. Hoping for clear skies and sunny days for you all.
Dec 10, 2009
 County View Point closures
by: Anonymous

The County closes the lava viewing area at Kalapana if the wind is blowing anywhere near south to north, or apparently even if its blowing north to south but not that strongly (as happened when we visited 12/4/2009). For a recorded message that will tell you if the view point is closed (updated at 3 PM if it is closed), call the county 808-961-8093.
Nov 02, 2009
 recent visit to big island
by: kobydog

We recently visited and had some bad days and some OK days re vog. We looked at properties, as we would like to move to the Big Island to retire. The vog is like the elephant in the room...it's obvious, but the Realtors act like it's a non-issue :(

The website http://hiso2index.info/ has been recommended on this blog to check current conditions in HI. When going to this site, I cannot find a date available on that page. Is this really an up to date source of info? When you go to the US map link, a date IS provided, and you can link to different parts of the mainland, but CANNOT link to the HI map! I'd like to confirm that the info provided for HI is really current...or are there better sites to visit for up to date info?

Aloha

kd
Oct 17, 2009
 Voggy days
by: Chelsea

A Big Aloha,

I used to live on the Big Island and was very ill from the vog back in the 80's and 90's, and then we moved to Idaho. My sinuses were so inflamed and red from trying to breathe. All that cleared up when we moved away, off island and to a dry climate with descent air quality. I think that is the only answer if somebody gets seriously ill. Move!!!

I was sick all the time, and was bedridden a lot until we moved off island. If that is not possible then I would have one room in the house that is air-conditioned and a really top of the line air purifier. Eat lots of green vege's especially KELP, and tons of vitamins that are natural with condensed greens, and vitamin C, and get lots of sunshine that promotes natural D.

I feel for all of you out there and I know what it is like to be sick from the vog. Stay inside, and get an air-conditioned room to escape! That did help me when I lived there, but then my allergies kicked in and I was unbelievably ill. Too muchie! I am all better now and it took a long time to get better, and now I have happy memories of the Big Island and the many adventures while living there.

Take Care!

You can contact me if you would like at:
chels.hawaii@yahoo.com
I can talk for hours about the Vog and the effects.

Hope this helps...
Chelsea
Sep 22, 2009
 I want to be back in kona....I
by: Anonymous

was out there a year ago to hang out with my brother who lived in Kona....i've been to island a few times over the years. Last time I was there kona would be nice in the am...but by noon it looks like a gray day....but once you headed to waipoi (forgive my spelling)....the vog would let up. Is this still the case that the vog remains at in kona all the way to hilo along the coast.....except south point case it's jst enough wind to wipe out the vog.....

as you locals know....the island jst letting you guys know how he feels, he'll be in a better mode sooner or later....he has seen to many ego's on boards (ha ha ha ha)

don't drink kona coffee
Sep 04, 2009
 Thinking of moving back..
by: Anonymous

....wondered whether folks can tell me how vog conditions have been of late on the BI. Looking at the so2 map it looks much better....how are people noticing it around the island? Would greatly appreciate any info you guys have....thanks!!
Aug 27, 2009
 VOG WEARY
by: Anonymous

I love the Big Island so much, my husband and I personally designed and built our beautiful home here. However, I am SO tired of this vog. The effects of the nasty stuff are apparent. This morning, a nice, light trade wind kept the air fairly clean, enabling me to work on taking care of my home. However, when I felt the lately-familiar labored breathing and fatigue, I looked outside and - of course - saw the vog had returned in full force. Many are ignoring this bad situation, and it is frustrating that we Big Island residents are not receiving adequate information about the vog. For the past two days the "Air Quality Index" site which reports SO2 and Ozone levels, has been down, giving residents false reports of a "zero" SO2 level. Even the weather channel often gives false reports that the West side of the Big Island is enjoying the "usual" blue skies and winds, as I look out the window to see still trees and the gray vog. Is anyone else feeling frustrated by these conditions?
Aug 25, 2009
 vog
by: Anonymous

when is the vog ever going to quit?When will Pele be done?I lived in Kona for 22 years,now live in Seattle for 10 years.I went back to Kona for 3 weeks back in May.It was nice the first half,then the vog moved in thick.Driving up Mauka,I couldn't even see the ocean!!I can't remember it ever being so thick.I remember Kona before the volcano went off.So beautiful.Now,it reminds me of LA smog and gives me headache.Too bad.I had to leave there finally,partly because of the vog.The Big Island is a very special place,I wish Madame Pele would relax and quit spewing the ash.
Jun 18, 2009
 Aloha Kakou
by: David



This is mostly in response to Birdy's message, but Aloha to everyone else that has been leaving messages. As far as I know it was just another average day on the Big Island. The links at the top of the page are the best way of monitoring the conditions on the Big Island that I know about. The one for Halemaumau conditions has a meter under the map of the summit, and if the colors are green, then everything is good. If the colors start to change, then the rest of the island will probably start to feel the effects.

As far as the health hazard of the volcanic emissions, I think they are real, but people have been dealing with volcanic emissions as long as people have been around.

The page that we wrote about the vog has a break down of some of the contents of the emissions, as well as things you can do to counter act the vog.

We use a air filter in our bedroom. This seems to help. For those closer to the volcano, a SO2 eliminator helps. One of our users provided this model for it, it is easy to make and people seem to have good results from it.

In Kona, and other areas not surrounding the summit, the SO2 is not that big of a concern. The hazard comes from the other particulates that are in the aerosol that is vog. Arsenic and Selenium are among the worst.

We do our best to be real about the vog, what it is, the effect that it can have, and what we can do to stay informed.

2 Scoops
Jun 17, 2009
 Vog Alert?
by: Birdy43

Just got a phone call from a mainland friend. She was very concerned, heard on her news channel (Santa Cruz CA.)that Big Island was having a high vog alert. Every day it seems to get a little worse. Here at 1000 ft. we hardly ever see blue skies in the morning anymore. Is there a sight that gives up to date vog alerts, maybe emails? I'm gettin' paranoid about it, I think. Mahalo!
Jun 16, 2009
 thanks
by: Kapahulu

Thanks for this site! Very informative. I am suffering a lot and I'm all the way over here in East Oahu. I wake up in the morning and I can tell if it is going to be a voggy day. I had to go to a naturopathic MD last week and try to get some alternative relief b/c daily prescription antihistamines are not preventing itchy/sore throat, gritty eyes and conjunctivitis, and constant runny nose when I'm outdoors. 'Auwe!
Jun 03, 2009
 Get out While You Can
by: Kimo

The Big Island - especially the Kona side - has definitely gotten worse and worse since the initial eruption in February of 1982 - as so far as the poisonous VOG goes!

No matter how you residents try to gloss this harmful issue over with your rhetoric biased by the fact that you live there and really cannot afford to leave...the plain facts are that you will certainly get long term negative health benefits!

Quite candidly, those that don't leave there and come back and see how really bad it is, you are living a lie! This is poison that you and your children are breathing in every day, and the real consequences of this will show up in a few years when you are older.

When I was back in February, I couldn't believe the terrible condition that the vog was having on the Kona side of the Big Island...we couldn't see 2-3 miles out to sea and the breathing was noticeably affected by the inhaling of poisonous gas from Kilaeua.

No wonder that Kailua-Kona has morphed into a ghetto - its pathetic how things have changed on Alii Drive, Kuakini Avenua, Mamalahoa Highway, etc., in Kona. I wouldn't want to guess how many doctor's visits have gone by the wayside and counted as wasted dollars - with no real relief in sight because of this ongoing (27 years)health hazard.

Those that still have a half a brain should think about moving out before its too late!
May 20, 2009
 SO 2 Levels in Hilo get Very High.
by: David



As you can see the winds out of the south west made Hilo a uncomfortable environment yesterday.

Kona on the other hand was gorgeous.

Volcano, Fern Forest and surrounding areas had extremely thick air.

Halemaumau and Puu O o continues to pore out a SO2 plume, and it is only a matter of what way the wind blows.
May 08, 2009
 No Confusion
by: David

If you reread the post, you will see that I said that the summit conditions reached red level, and in fact the next day, the conditions reached purple levels very briefly. This reading is off the National Park Service Link, which is updated every 20 minutes or so:

http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm

Furthermore the satellite images over Kona for the next day showed high concentrations of SO2.

Conditions are back to green at the moment

Also, 61 PPM(parts per million) would kill you, the reading is in PPB(parts per billion).
May 07, 2009
 S02 versus PPM
by: Anonymous

Aloha,

I was concerned that you are confusing the two. At the site airquality now the SO2 levels have been green all week for Kona.

http://hiso2index.info/
However we were in green level for the PPM on the particle count until around last weekend. It then zoomed upward in Kona until today when we're at 61 ppm. To put it into perspective this is the same air today as San Diego, LA, Cleaveland and the list goes on and on. Now next week we very well may be back in the green area but in the meantime it isn't any worst than many cities in the US and they probably will never see any green days! It's not pristine every day BUT some days it is and maybe one of the vents will quit!
May 05, 2009
 Vog is going to be worse today.
by: David

SO2 plume is in the summit area. All individuals should limit or avoid outdoor exertion, or stay indoors or in an air conditioned environment.

Look for heavy conditions around the island today.

For the most current readings, check the Hale Mau MAu and Pu`u O`o conditions link.

Aloha David
May 05, 2009
 Wind where are thee?
by: Anonymous

Kawaihae has been socked in for 3 days. Sunday it was nice in Kailua than it was here. Better times are a'coming.
May 05, 2009
 Vog as bad as last year! Could not see the coastline at times today
by: David

I was working up on the mountain today, framing a house, and the vog was bad. Driving to work you could see it thick on the road, but once I was up the mountain, it was bad. I could barely see the coastline.

I got a page submitted in our contact us portion of the website, and a third grade teacher is concerned for the health of the kids.

Kona and Pahala stations read high levels of SO2, with Pahala reaching almost 400ppb, and the Jaggar museum, in Volcano, hit red conditions for one hour today. Red is one level below purple, which is cause for evacuation.

Below is the satallite images from today and yesterday, and you can clearly see the presence of the vog.

2 Scoops




Aloha Kakou
Apr 15, 2009
 Vog conditions have worsened again, but not as bad as last year
by: David

Aloha Kakou

Vog conditions have gotten pretty bad in the last few days, due to a a pretty good little outburst on Sunday(Picture below)

Alothough most of the S02 tends to go the east and south sides the conditions have been especially bad in Kona, where the vog tends to collect.

The levels have not been near as bad as last year, but they are by far worse then the last few months.

I fixed the link to the updated page for the S02 images, and you can see there that the levels have cleared up, now those of us in Kona just need the wind to clear our the air.

Aloha Grandma M, thanks for keeping me company here, it has been kind of lonely, but that also is a good thing of sorts.

2 Scoops

David

Mar 26, 2009
 HI David
by: Grandma M

Goodmourning David just wanted to say thanks again and much appreciation for your site. hope you are not feeling to lonely. Did get a lot in Nanawale estates. missing the island already

Grandma M
Mar 26, 2009
 Halema`uma`u continues to be active but not anything like last year.
by: David

Last year at this time people were starting to feel the effects of the awakening of Halema`uma`u. These days people are just breathing easier that conditions are almost back to what we have grown used to the last twenty years.

Yes the Vog is still there, but it is not anything like it was last summer. It gets thick in Kona on certain days, and you can still taste it in Fern Forest every once in a while, but it is all in all manageable, and should not impair anyone's health.
Feb 22, 2009
 No News Has Been Good News!
by: David

Well since the middle of December, the vog conditions have been very moderate, and almost non existent at times.

I haven't felt the need to update this blog for almost two months, and No News has been Good News.

Hopefully this trend continues. Although this page will probably begin to feel a bit neglected.

Aloha Kakou
Jan 28, 2009
 All Clear
by: Daren

We just spent a week in Kona (mid to late January 09) and after all I had heard I was on the look-out for signs of vog. We noticed a slight bit of haze against the mountainside above Kona on a couple of the days late in the afternoon, but otherwise it was all clear and beautiful. Blue skies and sunshine every day!
Jan 20, 2009
 Still not much activity from Halema`uma`u, which has given us beautiful conditions
by: David

Well, I'm not sure if it's time to tell all the people that have moved to come back, but the air has been clean. Halema`uma`u has been emitting hardly anything for the last month.

It has been nice.

for the full press release from USGS follow this link

2 Scoops Aloha
Jan 09, 2009
 Halema`uma`u Crater could be going dormant again
by: David

Well it was in both Big Island newspapers today that Halema`ma`u could be all pau.

It appears that a earthquake in early December might have caused the Crater to go to sleep again.

It is still emitting gases, but not much ash, and no lava.

The rate that it has been emitting gases is also way below what it was churning out for a while.

This would explain the beautiful conditions that the Big Island has been having lately.


Hopefully this is the end, and we can all breathe easier. Pun intended.
Jan 01, 2009
 Happy New Year David
by: Grandma M

Hi and Happy New Year to you too, beautiful sunrise this mourning in NE and what a great new year ahead, only positive flow to come.

Mahalo for the updates
Dec 30, 2008
 Happy New Year
by: David

Well 2009 is almost here, so Happy New Year everybody!

The vog has been almost non-existent this last week, and there is quite a bit of snow on Mauna Kea.

Happy Holidays, and I'll update again soon.

2 Scoops Aloha
Dec 21, 2008
 Ok Island of Death Might be Exagerating
by: David

I think that that it is a little bit of a stretch to say Island of Death.

People on this Island have been dealing with volcanic emissions as long as people have been here, and they have thrived.

Some people that are more sensitive have had issues.

The last week has been nice, the Kona sky at night has been beautiful. You can see the stars very clearly and there doesn't seem to be much vog.

When the rainy season and summer come to Kona, I think that it will get thick again, but that really depends on the volcano.

Here is a satellite image from 12-19-08
Dec 16, 2008
 The Island of Death is Reality
by: Anonymous

My father in Law became deathly ill and moved because of the vog. It hasn't effected me or my wife, but he left in a hurry!
Dec 12, 2008
 exaggerating
by: Anonymous

Saying "This Island Of Death" is exaggerating and dramatic. PLEASE!!!!
Dec 11, 2008
 The Vog is a Real Threat, At Least the Government Thinks So.
by: David

Here is some new information that just came to my attention. It has to do with a government agency formed to look into the effects of vog. Here is the Oct 6th Report from the Special Committee on Vog Effects

To everybody that posted on here that people are exaggerating, I think that it is a matter of perspective.

Some people have been getting sick, others feel fine.

Hopefully we can all be civil. This has effected everybody, whether economically or physically. That is what the report deals with.

Also here is a Satellite Photo from last week from the National Weather Service showing the vog from space.
Dec 08, 2008
 What a Crock
by: Anonymous

The Big Island Of Hawaii is beautiful. There is vog but it is not as described by our exagerating hypochondriac in the previous blog. I have lived here for 21 years and I feel great. I have white canaries that sing everyday and are healthy, As far as I am concerned that guy can go to Kauai and stay there. I don't care. However don't let him scare any of you. The Big Island is beautiful.
Dec 07, 2008
 The island of death
by: Merk

The lethal death gas is killing our plants, bodies and real estate market. All my gardens are dead. My family and friends are dying of this lethal mixture from Pele.The vog is terrible
and is killing our islands ohana.
My skin is turning yellow and my blood is contaminated -horrible.
Stay away from this island until further notice.
The lethal gas and dioxide is a death mixture
is bad for our animals and or keiki

We are moving from this slow island of death.

Kauai here we come.
Dec 06, 2008
 Returned
by: Grandma M

HI David,

Just got back from the big island, what a different view the the last few times I was there, cant say I noticed any problems with health ect, but wasn't probably there long enough, however did only see one fair sunset in Kona during 9 day stay.

Weather was perfect,just no real sun to speak of unless you went further north Hapuna beach was wonderful. Will come back,maybe in 6 months and see if any better changes ect.

Do appreciate your work at keeping us mainlanders informed, still looking at properties but a lil slower in exact move date.

Thanks again
Grandma M
Dec 05, 2008
 Not Sure Pele wants a salt water shower
by: Kim in Oregon

Thanks David, for this link, and discussion---it has been more informative than anything else I've seen on vog.

I have come to the Hawaiian Islands for many years, but Dec. 11 will be our first trip to the Big Island. Have been on the internet regarding a lot of subjects, including real estate. Clearly, vog is driving down prices on the big island, which is a shame for property owners. It actually seems to be accelerating since I first started checking it out this summer. (more depression in real estate than other islands).

Regarding the idea of a water spray to wet down the gasses---great idea, but I was an eye witness to the Mt. St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980. which decapitatedSt. Helens, blowing a cubic mile off that volcano, and the only reason less than 100 people died was because it was so remote. The cause of that eruption was water seepage into the jointed rock over a long period of time which came into contact with the rising lava, causing steam which expanded, but couldn't vent. ---thus the massive explosion. I know the hawaiian volcanos are different, with more viscus lava, but its still something to think about if thee is a temptation to apply a man made solution to this problem

Dec 04, 2008
 Don't Know What Cialis has to do with Vog, but the Vog has been thick!
by: David

I don't know who keeps putting the post about Cialis on the blog, but obviously they know a lot about it. Personally I don't need it.

But back to the vog. As you can see below, Kona winds yesterday made conditions pretty bad. These are the days when you definitely don't want to over do it.

Also drink plenty fluids.


Nov 22, 2008
 Here is an Example of Good Days
by: David

Here is a good look at a satellite image of SO2 readings when they are low.



The difference is night and day from last week.
Nov 19, 2008
 Thank you Kamakane
by: David

Well the picture tells it all. The Tradewinds are back, and the SO2 is heading back out to sea.

Added some new links. The State's SO2 readings are pretty interesting.

Aloha Kakou


Nov 16, 2008
 Vog Is thick!
by: David

Aloha all

The last few days, we have been experiencing extremely thick vog on the East side of the Big Island, due to very light trade winds. Here is a picture of the satellite images from today.



As you can see, the vog is thick! Possibly the worst conditions in months. People on the east side around Volcano have been saying they can taste the sulfur.

West and North sides have not been as bad, but it is definitely more then we would like.

I'll keep updating, like to hear more from those on the East side,

Aloha David
Nov 10, 2008
 Many Thanks
by: Grandma M

Good mounring David the info youve provided is greatly appreciated. Will definetly look more to the North.

Many Thanks
Down to earth Mother
Nov 10, 2008
 I Love it Here Also
by: David

The Big Island is unique in far more then its setting. The people are one of a kind. Possibly the most mixed plate of cultures equally represented anywhere.

The Vog has had a impact though. We have witnessed people we know and love moving off Island because of Health concerns. The vog has mostly effected the young, elderly, and more sensitive of our residents, but we all have noticed it.

The least effected areas as far as I know have been the areas up North. Especially around Hawi area where the trade winds blow consistently and keep the air relatively clean.

Hilo side has been very nice on 90% of the days, but you get those days when the Kona Winds come and blow all the emissions that way, and it gets thick.

Kona was starting to get back to normal, but yesterday was thick, and the satellite images were showing SO2 up here, which is rare. SO2 and Vog are different things. SO2 is a deadly gas, while Vog is a aerosol made of of ash, dust and gases mixed with water vapor.

Anyway hope this helped!

Aloha David
Nov 08, 2008
 Love the island
by: Grandma M

Will also be visiting soon in two weeks have been to the island many times feels like home, would love to buy property and live off land, away from rat race here. Garden ect. Will be checking out properties this time around, hope plant life shows me the time is right. Family wants simplar life too. any suggestions on areas hit worst by vog, to stay away from. and good areas for living off the land?

Much appreciated
Down to earth Mother
Nov 04, 2008
 Thanks for the update
by: Ryan

David, thanks for your impressions and comments. We loooove Kona and visit each year. Have made our reservations for February on faith that the VOG would not turn us back. So pleased to see Kona Cams showing a much clearer horizon. Was amazed to find that many condos were still booked early even with high VOG index this fall. Guess we all know it is so special that even some VOG is not enough to keep us away. The VOG updates are very much appreciated by us mainlanders waiting for our time in paradise.
Oct 28, 2008
 Getting Better
by: David

The last month or so Halemaumau has been pushing more lava to the surface of its crater, and scientists have even observed a lake of lava underneath the surface. This has resulted in less emissions from the crater, as the Smoke, ashes, and gases are giving way to Lava.

Because of this the vog has been almost back to the same conditions that it was before the awakening of Halemaumau in March. However, people are still moving away because of this, and people are still complaining of vog related symptoms.

Whether it is in their head or due to volcanic emissions is not for anyone but doctors to say, who seem reluctant to comment. My sons pediatrician was not willing to talk about other patients he had, and said that if my son was exhibiting symptoms he would talk to me. My son has been fine, but I was just curious to see if there really was an effect on children.

Mamaki Tea seems to be the best herbal remedy still, and getting in the ocean a lot always does the trick.

The ionic foot bath seems like a good idea, as vog does contain heavy metals, which typically deposit in your feet, once they are in your bloodstream.

Well thats all from me, thought I would give a quick summary, and get the blog back on track.

2 Scoops Aloha

David
Oct 08, 2008
 Stop scaring people
by: Anonymous

The emergency room at Ka'u Hospital in Pahala is seeing an average of three people a day -- up from two -- with symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
Are you Kidding me? Up to three from two? Maybe if it was like 10 or 20 more we should panic. C'mon. Really what are you people doing. Yes it is cloudy more than before. But the vog is not what you are saying.
Oct 08, 2008
 Kilauea's toxic gas kills crops, sickens islanders
by: Anonymous

Actually the Oct 7th blog isn't extremely exaggerated. This clip is directly from CNN.com, and there is at least two more articles there.

Kilauea's toxic gas kills crops, sickens islanders

OCEAN VIEW, Hawaii (AP) -- For eight years, Tony and Sam Bayaoa have grown thousands of bright red, yellow and pink protea flowers on their farm. Then in March, Kilauea volcano opened a new vent and began spewing double the usual amount of toxic gas.


Now about 70 percent of their crop is dried, brown and brittle.

"The first reaction was -- did someone poison the plants?" said Tony Bayaoa, whose two-acre farm is 35 miles from the volcano. "I've lost my livelihood."

Big Island crops are shriveling as sulfur dioxide from Kilauea wafts over them and envelops them in "vog," or volcanic smog. People are wheezing, and schoolchildren are being kept indoors during recess. High gas levels led Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close several days last month, forcing the evacuation of thousands of visitors.

Residents of this volcanic island are used to toxic gas. But this haze is so bad that farmers are thinking about growing different crops, and many people are worrying about their health.

Kirk Brewer, 33, an electrician who moved to the Big Island in 2006 from Southern California, blames his headaches and wife Tracy's itchy skin, sore throat and runny nose on the vog.

"It's a bummer when you go to the other islands and see how clear and blue it is, but we'll just deal with it," Brewer said.

When educator Ann Peterson of Kona went to the bank last week, she and the teller were making the same noises in their throats. They looked at each other and said in unison, "Vog!"

Kilauea on the Big Island has been erupting continuously since 1983. But in mid-March, a new vent formed at the summit, giving Kilauea two large sulfur dioxide outlets instead of one.


Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant that is also generated by burning coal and oil, can lead to asthma and other respiratory illnesses and aggravate lung and heart disease. When combined with dust and sunlight, it makes vog. Mixed with atmospheric moisture, it produces acid rain.
Oct 08, 2008
 Kilauea's toxic gas kills crops, sickens islanders (continued)
by: Anonymous

Exceptionally thick gray-white vog has hovered over parts of the Big Island for weeks, particularly those areas downwind of the crater. The wind has blown vog to Oahu, 200 miles to the north, bathing Honolulu in a light haze. (The vog is no threat to the U.S. mainland, some 2,500 miles away.)

Some crops are doing fine. Coffee and macadamia nuts, two of the Big Island's mainstays, appear unaffected. Koa and ohia trees are healthy, but eucalyptus leaves are turning brown, as are Asiatic lilies.

Protea may be the hardest hit, though experts don't know why. The hand-size blossoms are used in tropical floral arrangements and are a $1.8 million-a-year business in the islands.

Kelvin Sewake of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture said he is not sure if it is the gas or acid rain that is killing the plants. He said Big Island protea growers have always suffered sulfur dioxide "burns," but he has never seen it this bad.

Dan Wegner, the biggest protea farmer in Ocean View, with about 15 acres, said he usually records $70,000 in annual sales. This year, he is not sure if he will reap half that.

"This is taking my viable business right now and putting it right in the dumper. I don't know what I'm going to do," Wegner said. "It's frightening."

One reason the vog is worse is that the new vent is farther inland than the older Puu Oo vent on the mountain's seaside slope. While gas from the Puu Oo vent often blows out to sea, the new plume is more likely to hit farms and communities in concentrated form.

The county has issued only two temporary, voluntary evacuation advisories for Ocean View and Pahala, which have a combined population of just more than 4,000. The vog that has settled over the Big Island has little or no odor.

The emergency room at Ka'u Hospital in Pahala is seeing an average of three people a day -- up from two -- with symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Dr. Cliff Field, ER director, said he is more concerned about the potential long-term harm. Large amounts of vog may cause emphysema and chronic lung disease over time. Still, he questioned whether living next to Kilauea is any worse than living in a city like Los Angeles.

Sally Ancheta of the American Lung Association of Hawaii said people should stay inside when the vog is bad. But she added: "I would not recommend anybody leaving. It's too good of a place to live."
Oct 08, 2008
 Oct 7 blog is exxageration
by: Anonymous

Most of the happenings on the oct 7th comment is just about the economy. Coincidence. People are living and thriving just like anywhere else in the world. The oct 7th blog is an extreme exxageration. Hotel occupancies have depleted because of airfare prices and the recession and potential depression we are in. A completely different matter. Just happens to be at the same time. People like that are just trying to make our economy worse. Thanks Buddy!!!!!
Oct 07, 2008
 Death - Real Estate and no Tourists.
by: Ship Hawkins Pu'u

Well as you know, Many people are selling their homes on the big island due to Vog. The real estate market is going to get slammed on the big island. Tourists are going elsewhere due to economy and the Vog here. The worst is yet to come. I've heard that CA investers are pulling out of the big Island for good. Hotel occupancy will dip to 48% in 2009. Investors are not buying Big Island real estate and are selling the remaining stock at a huge loss of 30%
The Vog will then completly whip out the remaining AG crops. The big Island will lose
15% of it's job force. News about VOG on the big Island has spread in newpapers across the country and world. The word is out.
CNN is reporting that tourists and residents should beware of health risks such as Cancer and
Lung infections.
Oct 06, 2008
 I feel just fine
by: Anonymous

I don't know people. I live in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. I have asthma and have not felt anything from the vog. I have not used my nebulizer of Advir since 2005. I am very sensitive but I have not been feeling any of the symptoms people are complaining about. I had a friend who was laying on my couch and she did not know I had a himalayan cat and she said she cannot be exposed to any cat dander of cat hair or she will go into respiratory distress and start sneezing and coughing intil collapse. Naturally I did not inform her that my cat sleeps on that couch most of the day and I did not bring my cat in. What I am saying is some people may be reacting just from suggestion.
Oct 03, 2008
 Pele
by: Anonymous

The indigenous Hawaiians have been wanting their lands back. I believe they may have gotten an answered to their prayers. Hope Pele doesn't take this to far. I believe offerings (no virgins), but purity of heart, and a whole lot of Forgiveness those who came and laid claim to Paradise. Forgive the past and do the offerings and perhaps Pele's spirit will grow calm. Just a comment. One I believe can help.
Sep 30, 2008
 moving
by: Anonymous

we have to get out of the daily pollution. Makes my wife sick. Going to another part of the island to see blue skies and white clouds. I like the guys idea of pumping sea water on the vent. Not likely..cough--cough
Sep 24, 2008
 RE: Vog poisoning by VB
by: BF

It is highly unlikely that you experienced vog poisoning in Kapoho as the winds generally come from the other direction.

What you are most likely experiencing is the poison spray drift from the papaya farms.
Sep 24, 2008
 Vog level in South Kona
by: Anonymous

Was wondering how the vog is in the South Kona area and Milolii?
Was told recently that is was not bad there and I was under the impression that it was.We were there in May and it didn't bother our breathing that much but we only got to see the sun set 3 times out of 30 days.
Sep 20, 2008
 Visit to Kailua- response to Gary
by: Kailua-Kona Wahine

Aloha Gary,

The VOG is not too bad right in Kailua-Kona near the coast. The sky is hazy with it most days. However, if you drive north to the beaches you can get out of it quickly unless the trades are not blowing and then the entire state is covered. No way to predict what November might be like. I wouldn't cancel your trip. Most tourists just think it is hazy.
The skies are very clear where the actual plumes are! Just don't hand around South Kona and Kau for long.


Sep 18, 2008
 Organic sulfur is bio available, the VOG is not
by: Patrick McGean

The gaseous pollution from the volcanic activity is a result of this activity occurring in the atmosphere.
When this same volcanic activity occurs deep in the oceanic volcanic trenches then the sulfur is released as free sulfur not sulfur dioxide.
If sea water were pumped over the gas plume where the lava flows into the sea possibly it could reduce the S02 to sulfur and oxygen.
Hawaii has sea going pumpers which could test this
theory. In Chile fresh water was sprayed on the
gaseous plume but what was missing was the salt.
Salt replaces the sulfur in a form of electrolysis
The sudden quenching of the lava flow in sea water
suffers from the air in which this occurs. No
free oxygen and nitrogen are available in the deep
sea trenches where the black smokers provide free
sulfur for plankton, the beginning of the aquatic food chain.
This is only a theory but if the SO2 and the resulting sulfuric acid could be reduced with this process then the adverse effects of the VOG could possibly be decreased to plants and animals alike, we humans are animals.
Our study members have experience a resolution to a number of allergies both atmospheric and food borne by adding organic sulfur to their diets.
We believe that enabling cellular regeneration is the key to what our members are reporting.

Director
Live Blood and Cellular Matrix Study
organicsulfur@sisna.com
Sep 17, 2008
 Kona Village
by: David

Aloha

I haven't been down to the village lately, but that area, right around the airport, and right North of it, are a lot bette then the rest of Kona. The winds tend to keep the air relatively clean, but there was one day when the wind died and the vog was thick!

That being said I would go for it. There is usually trade winds consistently in November, and the ambiance of KV can not be beat.

As long as you don't want to go into Kona town, you should be fine.

Aloha David
Sep 16, 2008
 What's the VOG situation near Kona Village?
by: Gary

My wife's 50th is coming up in November, and she loves KV. When we were there in March-April the VOG was not as bad as in K-K, but was definitely interfering with sunshine. Personally I'm not thrilled with layout the big bucks for a not so nice experience. Would any locals be kind enough to fill me in on the current situation? Any chance the winds would change or improve the situation in early November?
Mahalo
Gary
Sep 10, 2008
 Lethal Air
by: Jilian Yank

The slow visible hell that the big island is experencing is horrific.
It's a slow march to the grave for plants, animals and people.
Beware of the toxic hell invading the big island!
Children and the elfderly should be vary careful of the toxic sulphur death gas.
All toursits should take precautions and prodect themselves - The other Hawaiian islands have good air quality except for rare Kona wind days.

Sep 09, 2008
 Toxic death
by: Bill Shire

The Vog is killing the plants and people of the big island. It's a slow death, but significant enough to kill the real estate market and tourism.
Best to stay well clear of the natural disaster.
The is especially harmful to the elderly and children. If you are visiting the big island be extremely careful of inhaling this toxic element.
Beware and wear gas mask if possible.

We are going to tell all the travel agents at the national convention to make sure the public is aware of this disaster to humans and animals.
Aug 12, 2008
 Looking for ways to help
by: Brian and Carol

From Arizona we are watching your situation.
We are concerned about the duration of your current VOG problem. The possibility of it continuing and the increased effects this could have on your people.
At what point do you make contingency and long term, "short term," emergency plans?
What would they look like?
Aug 06, 2008
 airnow.gov
by: Anonymous


Here is the official site offered by the Federal and State agencies. It looks good, it does help BUT this agency is located on the mainland. I called the number for an update and found out that it was a moderate reading for Pahala and Kona - we live in Ocean View. I was told if I needed to evacuate to leave. I asked 'where do I go?' At this point in time there are no evacuation centres set up and no more assistance was offered. As I write this the vog is rolling in - where do I go?
Aug 05, 2008
 Pahala and Naalehu schools closing?
by: Jeff

I would like to know if there is any official word on the latest rumor about DOE considering closing the schools in both Pahala and Naalehu due to the SO2? I understand that it will be a tough decision as where do they go for school, long term, if these schools close and how do you weigh that with protecting the kids health? As all good rumors do so often start with a "reliable source" which this one certainly did, I want to balance that with some hard evidence that this is being considered. Anyone see anything about it? I checked Google but only came up with the couple temporary school closures that occurred back at the end of this past school year. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Aloha
Aug 01, 2008
 SO2 Images
by: David

Aloha

Just found a link that shows images of SO2 levels. The images are updated daily. Here is the link to the SO2 Satellite Images

If you have good links, please post them, and I will make them active. The more info the better, Aloha
Jul 28, 2008
 Considering cancellation
by: Anonymous

I'm very excited about coming to the Big Island next February for my 20th anniversary. But I have a lot of concerns over the current vog levels and how they're effecting residents. First of all, this health crisis should be dealt with immediately! I don't know if I want to visit a place that cares more about tourists than its residents. Secondly, if air conditions continue to be bad then the tourist dollar will start to suffer too. Word will spread among savvy travelers, especially those that keep up with blogs and travel sites like TripAdvisor, that the Big Island is uncomfortable to visit right now. It's time to take this problem seriously (which would probably happen if Honolulu were down wind from the vog!)

Jul 28, 2008
 Vog as a natural disaster?
by: David

Aloha

This is a response to the comments left yesterday, and to some of the comments in the past.

I have found that in order to get politicians to do something,it takes large numbers of people to form some sort of petition or organization which can leverage the government to do what they want. I personally believe that this a serious health hazard, but what can we do, move? Not a option for me. Spraying the crater with water or something of that nature sounds great! but how do we leverage them into doing it?

The volcano has become even more of a tourist attraction. What would it take for the government to put the residents before the tourists?

Only time will tell.

Also I invite everybody to build your own page if you like, click here
Jul 26, 2008
 Why aren't they listening
by: CJ Watson

It amazes me that our politicians on the Big Island are even addressing other issues than the volcano. Trash removal, building permits and Roads are meaningless when crops are dying and people are getting sick. Vulcanologist see this as a lab and are happy to just watch. The Vog committee is trying to figure how to relieve residents breathing.
But NO ONE is trying to solve the real issue of the plume. Here is one idea used in CHILE. Spray water on the plume to keep the plume out of the atmosphere. Fireman faced with a haz mat release, spray water onto the vapors to keep them on the ground where they can deal with them and prevent there spread on the air currents. We have an endless supply of seawater we can spray over the plume, knocking the vapors back into the caldera. Just one idea , I am sure there are more. What do you say?????
Jul 26, 2008
 Vog issues in Ocean View Estates Effecting Agriculture
by: Sam &Tony Bayaoa

Aloha Nui Loa,

My husband and I have a 2 acre protea farm and live in Ocean View Estates, and the vog is so thick my husband is now starting to feel sick during the day when the vog comes in. Our animals are showing sympthoms of being very lathargic. Their eyes weep and their noses perspire. 90% of our flowers have been burned by the sulfar dioxide emissions from the crater. We are 35 miles from the crater. We have lost our industry here on the Big Island - a large majority of the commercial farms have lost up to 100% of their production.

We have tried to make these issues aware to the County,State and Federal Agencies and no one will take a lead in this issue.

Senator Daniel Akaka has been a great source to us and is being of assistance to the Kau District in our concerns with the vog.

If you have family on the Big Island, and these issues are effecting them please call your local representatives and voice your concerns for your Ohana.

We need help!!

Mahalo Nui Loa,
Sam & Tony Bayaoa
Jul 17, 2008
 vog in ainaloa
by: Anonymous

greetings to all, can anyone give info on vog conditions in the ainaloa subdivision? is the air clear in hawaiian beaches or nanawale?
thanks very much.
Jul 12, 2008
 Naalehu Vog Conditions
by: David

First of all Naalehu has not been as bad as Mauka Pahala or Ocean View. The vog hugs the inversion layer which is at 6000 feet, and it slowly gets better below that, so Mauka Ocean View probably has it the worst. Naalehu seems to have the vog blown away. It does get bad, but not like Pahala or Ocean View.

As far as Satellite photos, here is a link http://www.flashearth.com/ That is the NASA site, and you can zoom in on the Big Island pretty good, but it doesn't really show air quality. For up to date info on Air quality, I still like these two links:

http://hawaii.gov/doh/air-quality/main.html

http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm

The first has a number of stations set up on the Big Island, to monitor the air quality, especially the Sulfur Dioxide levels. Sulfur Dioxide is the most dangerous element in vog, but not the only dangerous element. The second is a site that shows current emissions from Kilauea, both Halemaumau and Puu Oo.

The way they measure this is in either parts per billion or parts per million.

The charts for today, July 12th read that Pahala has the worst conditions at 96 parts per billion, or .096 parts per million, which is well within healthy conditions, although very sensitive individuals and young children could still be effected.

The County rates .0 to .3 parts per million as green or good, .3 to .5 as yellow or moderate, .5 to 1 as orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups, 1 to 3 parts per million as red or unhealthy, and anything above 3 is purple, and they will evacuate.

The county evacuated the volcanoes national park on three or four occasions, and also asked people to leave in residential areas, around the park, and in Mauka Ocean view on at least two occasions in the last four months.

As far as health problems, yes people are effected, people are moving away becuase of this! My father in Law is one of them. He was having all kinds of reactions. I have been trying to get natropaths to comment on this page, and information from volconologists, on what else is in the vog, but nothing I want to post here yet.

For more info go to our page on the Vog Index or our page on the Vog.

Aloha David

Jul 10, 2008
 Seeking Info
by: Anonymous

I'm on mainland, but have property in Naalehu. I'm searching web daily for updated info. Is there a place where I can get daily satellite pix of the island? Google has pix but it doesn't show cloud or vog coverage on daily basis. Weather reports say "haze" but not extent, etc. I've read things are "bad" between Pahala and Ocean View, but wish someone could report how bad is bad? Are folks in Naalehu experiencing health problems and can they see across a street? Any news from this area would be appreciated.
Jul 02, 2008
 what helps.
by: john

i've been noticing that it is taking a focused effort to take a deep breath since the vog has gotten worse. i have never been one to have sinus problems but almost daily i feel sinus pressure that sometimes turn into headaches... about a month ago i bought an ionic foot bath i saw on ebay. it works by pulling toxins out of the body through the soles of the feet. it has made an amazing difference in how i feel. afterwards my breathing becomes much easier and i feel healthier. after an hour of doing the bath the water goes from clear to looking like motor oil. sounds gross but it works!
Jun 26, 2008
 Powerful Air Filter Can Reduce Health Risks
by: Stan Brannan

We have been getting excellent feedback from Island Residents who installed the Purifan Clean Air System on one or more of their Purifans. See www.purifan.com for more details. The Purifan uses five stage filters to capture particulates and odors. It filters the air a typical 400 square foot room 40 times per hour, or once every 90 seconds. No other air cleaner comes close to this level of air changes per hour.

Purifan offers a free money-back guarantee, so you can try it in your home, office, school or daycare to see how much it helps lower the particulates and odors. If you are not 100% satisfied, send it back.
Jun 20, 2008
 It's for real and it's real bad.
by: Keke

Today the morning in Kailua Kona started out with what appeared to be relief from the vog. Looking west to the ocean's horizon it was quite clear, more so than any day since March. However, as you panned south, a vog line was noticeable at Red Hill. Gradually that vog line spread north and eventually covered all of Kona by late morning. Vog is a very serious problem and until recently, most residents in Kona believed it would go away as it had in the recent past. Not this time, some volcanologists are saying this could be a 100 year cycle. This latest explosion at Halema'uma'u Crater has already surpassed the last recorded event for consecutive days of spewing debris. Let's all hope that it does end soon. Not everyone can just pack up and move away. Only those fortunate enough to have the wherewithal to do something that drastic will be able to escape the yet to be determined health consequences.
Jun 06, 2008
 Hawaiian "Ocean View" Estates (cough,cough)
by: Anonymous

My Beau and I are in the process of building a house in HOVE. We paid extra for our "ocean view" lot, and built up on post and pier to take full advantage. We don't seem to get any releif from tradewinds, nor the lack thereof. Family and friends in Kona are feeling the loss as well. It seems to be constantly vogged in. Let's get real, THIS IS A NATURAL DISASTER! Unlike a hurricane or tornado, this may never be over. We should be entitled to Federal Disaster Releif funds to help with relocation of those who do not wish to die prematurely.
Jun 04, 2008
 Vog in Kohala Mountains
by: Anonymous

I returned to my home on the Big Island for the first time since the new vent opened up (March 11) We could not see the coastline at Waikoloa from the plane. Vog seemed concentrated there. Today is the worst yet up in the Kohala Mountains. People who live even at north end of the island are coughing and looking sick and I was told you couldn't see the ocean from the coast highway last month -- or even across the street!!! This is VERY bad air. I may fly out in a few days after getting bids to pack up house and put in storage. Will be back when vog is back to "normal" -- or if it stays like this, will be forced to become an absentee landlady or list for sale. I'm really sad, but sensitive to air borne pollution and can't wait for the wind to change and blow it another direction. My heart goes out to locals. Canarysense.com sells SO2 monitors that clip on waistband for warning at danger levels. Hope Pele goes back to sleep soon! I will really miss the Big Island. Been coming here for 30 years so feel very sad to go.
Jun 04, 2008
 Vog poisoning
by: VB

I'm hoping others who have had health issues with the vog might share what they know. I recently had to leave my home in Kapoho in the Puna district of the Big Island (end of April '08) after becoming very ill. I'm in California now trying to find out about Vog poisoning and what to do recover.

Fevers, headaches, body aches, nausea, digestive problems, and racing heart beat and chronic exhaustion among other symptoms. There's not much on the internet to corroborate...I'd like to know if this is Sulfur dioxide poisoning and/or from the other elements in the Vog?

Thanks for any and all feedback. I miss my island and would like to come home!

Aloha,
VB
May 18, 2008
 Fluoride in Vog
by: Bruce

Fluoride can be emitted in volcanic eruptions.

Fluoride poisoning has occurred in sheep grazing in Iceland on pastures affected by volcanic eruptions.

Several articles are in the cumulative subject index for Fluoride at www.fluorideresearch.org

Here is one article on this subject.

FLUORIDE CONCENTRATTONS IN VOG (volcanic-derived fog)
FROM HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
F A Basabe
Huxley college of Environmental
studies, western washington University,
Bellingham,
Washington,
USA

Volcanic surface condensate samples were collected from 27 locations in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA" during December and January 1995/96 and March 1996.

The samples were collected with a passive cloud water collector commonly used in terrestrial cloud water chemistry studies.

Samples were analyzed for Ff
,
NHo*, Na*, K*, Ca*2, Fe*2, Mg*z, Si*2,
Al", NO3-, SO4", Cf, and F.

The first collection period was characterized by low surface lava flow activity, and increased activity during the March sampling.

The average fluoride (F) concentrations in the condensate from the upland areas in the park were relatively low (0.06-2.5 ppm).

Average condensate F concentrations from the area known as the point of entry, where lava currently flows into the sea, were higher (10-32 ppm).

Molten lava (i 105.c) entering the ocean causes sea water to dissociate and form hydrofluoric acid and other
products.

Higher F levels and acidity (pH 0.75-1.5) generally occurred at the point of entry during periods of high volcanic activities.

May 18, 2008
 Flouride
by: David

Not sure how real fluoride threat is. I looked at those sites, and it was mostly about dental fluoride and drinking water. Not volcanic gases. Anybody know anything on this?
May 18, 2008
 How dangerous is vog? The danger is real!
by: Anonymous in Kona

The measure of the risk of VOG is not measured by sulfur dioxide alone, but by all of the many toxins in a cloud of VOG, one of which is a fluorine compound that is very toxic.

Assuming that sulfer dioxide is the only toxic issue with VOG is a serious public health error.

The University of Hawaii has the results of past University research regarding the toxins in VOG.

Those who believe that volcanic VOG toxins are not a serious issue might try The International Journal of Fluoride (www.fluoride-journal.com), www.fluoridealert.com and "The Fluoride Deception" by Christopher Bryson, a world renowned investigative reporter.
May 17, 2008
 Weekend Report
by: David

Aloha Steve,

The best I could find was reports from the summit area that show wind conditions and gas levels around the summit.
To see those reports click here

You can use this to deduce a lot of what the effect on the rest of the island will be. Kona was pretty thick today, but I hear up North wasn't so bad.

Aloha
May 17, 2008
 Weekend Report?
by: Steve

Does ANYONE know how to get the VOG report on the weekend? It only shows up after the fact in the next day's West Hawaii Today. The paper's number, along with the VOG index report number, are both closed on the weekend...as if there were no news or air quality two days out of the week!
Cayenne pepper tea is also supposed to be good for the lungs.
May 17, 2008
 May 17th 2008
by: David

Aloha everybody,

Figured I would start this off. Civil Defense has been issuing warnings this last week due to lack of trade winds.

We were OK from April 19th to May 13th, but it has gotten pretty heavy again. Seems like Kona catches it 2-3 days after the winds slow down. Today was thick.

One thing we have found that helps with the Vog is Mamaki Tea. Drinking it once a day seems to be a good tonic against the Vog.

It definitely is effecting us. My father in law has been experiencing all kinds of adverse reactions.

I would like to hear what you guys do to counter the effects.

Aloha Kakou

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