Volcano Response by member Kate Bell

While the volcano has delivered extra vog to the Kona side, the economic destruction caused by the current eruption affects the whole island.  Not only have some Kalapana residents lost everything, but hundreds of island residents have permanently lost their jobs at farms, businesses and hospitality industries that are collapsing or already eradicated.

Cruise lines temporarily eliminated Hilo and Kona as ports of call from an excess of caution.  Bookings at hotels all over the island are down, thanks to the catastrophizing coverage from the mass media, like this one:

Most local residents on the Kona side of the island have family and/or friends who have evacuated the toxic zone.  Many families this side are currently hosting evacuees, some of whom are now unemployed and unable to contribute to their own upkeep.  While Hualalai residents certainly have the option of skipping their visit this year, they should consider the financial impact this would have on the livelihoods of the staff of Hualalai and Four Seasons.

One item your readers might not have heard about yet is the Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund sponsored by The Hawaii Community Foundation.  As of one week ago, the response by Big Island Gold Coast regulars has been disheartening and unexceptional.