Department of Defense

Guard supports CD as Pele’s wrath threatens

by Sp4 Milton Imada and Sp5 Dennis Fujii
117th Pub. Affairs Det.

Kalapana, a sleepy seaside community on the Big Island, suddenly came alive on Sept. 15, 1977. An unexpected surge of volcanic activity erupted along the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, as lava began flowing towards the ocean.

Lava, in a liquid state, continuously flowed from a fountain which spurted 300 to 400 ft. into the Hawaiian sky

Several miles from the source of the fountain, the outer crust of the lava solidified as it cut through State forest lands like an army marching to war.

Gov. George R. Ariyoshi, after a personal trip to observe the volcano, kept constantly abreast of its activities. He signed a proclamation placing 35 Hawaii Army guardsmen and 16 Air guardsmen on State active duty beginning 12:30 p.m., Sept. 29. The guardsmen were to assist in the evacuation of 120 residents and their belongings from Kalapana.

MajGen. Yiilentine A. Siefermann, adjutant general and Civil Defense (CD) director for the State of Hawaii, flew to the Big Island to meet with CD officials there.

The scientist-in-charge, Dr. Gordon P. Eaton of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), described the
progress of the volcano to county and State officials at a meeting in Hilo.

Dr. Eaton’s disclosure were based on aerial observations taken a few hours earlier by Ors. Pete Lipman and Jack Lockwood of the HYO.

The lava flow had reached the 600 ft. elevation and was moving about 3/5 of a mile west of the Kaimu
Ranch. It was apparent that the flow was not going to stop. In addition, the contour of the land was such that there was no alternative path, and the lava flow would have to turn eastward and flow through Kalapana.

Various alternatives were considered to divert the lava. However, all were ruled out because the existing conditions or circumstances were not suitable.

It was agreed to let the lava run its course. The decision was explained to the Kalapana residents during a meeting that evening. The meeting was held at the Pahoa Community Center, which would later be one of the evacuation centers for the residents.

During this meeting, residents were told about the plans for evacuation, and they were called, upon to give their support to insure that no unnecessary risks were taken.

Throughout the ~ay and evening, selected individuals and vehicles of the 2d Battalion, 299th Infantry (2d Bn., 299th Inf.), Hawaii Army National Guard, commanded by LtCol. Henry S. Hara, assisted residents of Kalapana in evacuating their personal belongings to a safe location with National Guard trucks.

An additional group of 2d Bn. guard, men were organized into unarmed motorized roving patrol teams. Their mission was to provide 24-hour surveillance of the evacuated community and to report any incidents or unauthorized individuals to county police.

Members of the 201st Combat Communications Squadron (Hilo), Hawaii Air National Guard, commanded by Maj. David F. Howard, were dispatched to establish and operate an emergency radio network for the Hawaii County CD officials. These Air guardsmen provided a vital communication link between Kalapana, the Pahoa Community Center and Big bland CD headquarters in Hilo.

Recent reports by HVO scientists indicate that Mauna Loa is actively inflating and fuming. However, Big Islanders should not have any worries about an “imminent” eruptions according to Drs. Eaton and Lockwood.

Personal feelings and reactions during the eruption were mixed. While guardsmen worked hand in hand
with residents evacuating their belongings, a few reluctant residents decided to cast their faith into Madame Pele’s hands. They felt that since Kalapana was Pele’s playground, she would not destroy it.

Tourists anxiously awaited to catch their first glimpse of an active volcano. The small commercial airlines experienced a business boom of people wanting to fly over the volcano, while the rent-a-car business experienced similar popularity.

With the heavy traffic-air and automobile-some controls had to be implemented. The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a 2,000 ft. minimum ceiling restriction on small commercial aircraft to clear the airways above the volcano. Thus county and State (National Guard) helicopters could better assist HYO scientists in making aerial observations.

Roadblocks were set up by county police to keep unauthorized individuals out of the evacuated community, and to prevent would-be hikers from hiking towards the lava flow.

When would the lava reach the ocean? That was a question that kept many guessing. Will it reach Kalapana today, tomorrow or maybe the next day? No one knew for certain.

Amidst all the emotion, as quickly as the volcano started, the lava flow stopped. It was ¾ of a mile from
the nearest home on Oct. lat 4:25 p.m. To the relief of many, Kalapana was spared.

The support of the Army and Air National Guard continued through Oct. 3, as the residents returned to
their homes.

In MajGen. Siefermann’s estimation, “both the Army and Air National Guard did an outstanding job in
their support of evacuation, security and communication. It was a perfect example of the use of the National Guard in its State mission of support to civil authorities.”

The belief that Pele would not harm her playspot stood true. Now, all that the scientists at the HYO can
do is wait until Pele unleashes her fury again.

– 1977 December Pūpūkahi pp. 1, 4

The vital importance of effective mission accomplishment by ourDepartment was proven by our participation in the joint Civil Defense-Hawaii National Guard operations during Kilauea’s volcanic eruption in September 1977. By their efforts, State Civil Defense and elements of the Army and Air National Guard helped to avert a potential tragedy. . . Helicopters and crew members assisted U. S. Geological Survey scientists in their monitoring activities near the summit and caldera of Mauna Loa.

– 1978 Annual Report pp. 11

On September 12,1977, Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii erupted along its east rift zone, culminating in a massive outpouring of lava that traveled within a quarter-of-a-mile of the village of Kalapana . Hawaii County Civil Defense, with the assistance of the Hawaii National Guard, evacuated residents from the area. Pahoa School was opened as a shelter for the evacuees. Roadblocks were set up and security patrols were provided for the village of Kalapana. No casualties or damage was reported.

– 1978 Annual Report pp. 11

During the fiscal year, helicopters and crew members were tasked to provide assistance to the United States ecological Survey scientists to expand their monitoring activities near the summit and caldera of Mauna Loa . . . Members of the Hawaii National Guard helped the County of Hawaii civil authorities during the Kalapana volcanic eruption by providing: communications support; manpower and equipment in the evacuation of the populace from the endangered area; roving patrols to prevent looting; and aerial observation support to monitor the flow of magma.

– 1978 Annual Report pp. 11

Troop E receives aviation award

by SSgt. Kin Lo
117th Pub. Aff. Det.

The Outstanding Reserve Component Aviation Unit of the Year award was presented to Troop E (Air), 19th Cavalry at the 20th Army Aviation Association awards banquet on Oct. 14, 1978 in Arlington, Virginia. Proudly accepting the award for their men were Maj. Bernard Watson, Troop E commander, and 1st Sgt. Richard Tabe.

From April I, 1977 to Dec. 31, 1978, Troop E distinguished itself by setting an enviable standard of combat readiness, safety and community service for all Army National Guard aviation roundout units to strive for.

An aggressive training program has produced the most combat-ready roundout air cavalry troop in the entire National Guard. Troop E not only successfully completed all of its annual training requirements, but also received numerous commendable ratings.

As the only Army Guard unit in the Nation assigned AH-JG Cobras, Troop E can best utilize Hawaii’s diverse terrains which range from the rain forests on the various islands to the high elevation training on the island of Hawaii.

As a roundout unit, Troop E would “round out” the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry of the 25th Infantry Division in the event of a national emergency requiring mobilization. During peacetime, the unit has provided air and ground reconnaissance support for the 29th Infantry Brigade. Under a recent command reorganization, Troop Eis now assigned to Command Group A, the third battalion of the Headquarters Installation Command.

In September and October of 1977, elements of Troop E were called out for a unique and demanding mission. With lava flowing down the steep sides of Kilauea Crater toward Kalapana village, Troop E flew Civil Defense authorities and scientists so that they could determine how hazardous the eruption would be to the people of the town. As a result of these emergency flights, over JOO families were evacuated from their homes fronting the advancing lava.

Again in December of 1977 with predictions of another eruption threatening the city of Hilo, members of Troop E were called to duty to aid in the scientific monitoring activities. This mission was exceptionally trying in that aircraft were flown from sea level up to 13,000 ft. in close proximity of the volcano’s wind-swept slopes.

The success of Troop E can be attributed to their affiliation with the Army, realistic and demanding training, safety consciousness, strong administration and community involvement. Ever present has been the “cavalry esprit de corps” of all its personnel.

The men of Troop E are drawn together from all sectors of our community, including university professors, firemen, policemen, Federal Aviation Administration controllers, airline pilots, college students, as well as plantation managers, to name a few. This combination of experience has greatly contributed to the overall efficiency of the unit’s diversified operation. Additionally, the unit has a rich store of combat veterans, with 90 percent of its enlisted personnel having served one or more tours of duty in Vietnam.

The accomplishments of Troop E are many and impressive. Their service to Hawaii and the country is unquestionable.

– 1978 December Pūpūkahi pp. 3