HAWAII, HILO(KHON2) — More cuts to programs are coming. This time two vital programs based on the Big Island are in the cross hairs. One of them monitors volcanoes and the other monitors climate and air quality.
The future of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is uncertain as the lease for its Hilo office is being terminated, effective September 30th according to the Associated Press. The decision facilitated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk to cut government waste.
“It’s very unacceptable, and it’s very disturbing, because what happens is it’s disrupting the lives of many,” Sen. Lorraine Inouye (D) said. Inouye represents Hilo.
The HVO website said a crew of 30 scientists work there monitoring earthquakes and Hawaii’s active volcanoes. They share that vital information and warnings with the community and Hawaii County Civil Defense.
Inouye could not say for sure how the lease termination would impact HVO employees.
Ken Hon, HVOs scientist-in-charge, said in a statement: “The USGS is committed to its mission and HVO will continue to monitor Hawaii volcanoes and earthquakes.”
HVO’s previous office, located on the rim of Kilauea, was damaged in the 2018 eruption. They’ve been in their Hilo location since. According to Inouye, construction on a new HVO building is underway.
HVO’s Hilo office isn’t the only one on the chopping block.The AP posted a list of hundreds of government offices across the country who’s leases are allegedly being cancelled.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA in Hilo, is also on the list.
Inouye said the program there has been around for decades.
“It’s this program is over 60 years, and their responsibility is tracking the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,” Inouye explained. “And that’s, $164,000 they’re cutting off.”
According to Inouye, those cuts may impact the eight employees in that office.
KHON reached out to the national offices for the USGS and NOAA for comment and are waiting to hear back.