Report from South Kona

Fresh from the small garden , grew at a rapid pace with very little trouble . Picked them this afternoon after noticing one just starting to send off a flower . Wasn’t expecting them to be ready so fast . Just the smallest bit of nibbling on one or two leaves , no pesticides were used on the plants .

Washed and cooked in a bit of oil , with some Sesame oil splashed on , dash or two of soy sauce , garlic and blop of oyster sauce . Stir Fried then at the finish a lid slightly smaller than the pan . Placed on top for just a minute of steaming . For the purest , serve with two scoops sticky rice .

Lava is currently flowing from a vent that is outside of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The site is east of the eastern boundary of the park and about 12 miles from the summit caldera of Kilauea.

Hawai`i County has opened a viewing area at the end of Highway 130 (the Kea`au – Pahoa bypass road). Visitors may enter the viewing area between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily (vehicles must exit the area by 10 p.m. when the gates will be locked).

Visitors may call the lava update recorded message for more information about the lava viewing area: (808) 961-8093.

Lava viewing conditions are unpredictable and constantly changing. The viewing area may be closed without prior notice. Visitors should be prepared for a long walk. Wear shoes, long light-weight hiking pants, bring a backpack with 3 quarts of bottled water per person and snacks, flashlights are essential for after 6pm – headlamps are helpful.

What began as a new gas vent (fumarole) in Halema`uma`u crater sometime between March 10 and 12, 2008, has progressed to be the first explosive eruption in Halema`uma`u Crater since 1924 and the first lava erupted from the crater since 1982.

The eruption continues.