The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow advanced about 420 yards between Tuesday and and Wednesday, Hawaii County Civil Defense reports. ADVERTISING The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow advanced about 420 yards between Tuesday and
The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow advanced about 420 yards between Tuesday and and Wednesday, Hawaii County Civil Defense reports.
The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow advanced about 420 yards between Tuesday and and Wednesday, Hawaii County Civil Defense reports.
As of Wednesday morning, the lava was within 2.5 miles of the Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130 intersection.
Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira during a Tuesday press conference said he was hesitant to provide a date of when lava could reach the intersection, which is where Malama Market is located. However, based on an average daily advancement rate of about 350 to 400 yards, the flow front could reach the area within 10 to 14 days.
But, that is dependent on the lava flow both keeping its current rate of advancement and following one of two lines of steepest descent drawn by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. A second line of steepest descent would take the lava in a direction toward Ainaloa, however, that path does veer east before reaching the area.
The lava on Wednesday was about 1,840 feet — or three-tenths of a mile — from the area where the two lines of steepest descent converge, according to distances provided by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geophysicist Mike Poland. Poland said that the topography there appears to level out near the area where the two lines converge and that could slow the rate of advancement.
Currently, Oliveira said, there is no immediate threat to area communities.
The new flow front developed from a breakout that officials had been monitoring since mid-November. Over the weekend, the breakout pulled away from the main flow pad and established itself as a new flow front. The front is now between 100 and 125 yards wide.
Though it is hard to say which route the lava will take at this time, Oliveira said Tuesday that Civil Defense was meeting with businesses in the area of the intersection that could be impacted by the flow to discuss response plans and identify any needs.
“Again, this does not imply any imminent threat, but we want to be sure the businesses are aware of what is happening upslope and the possibility of the different flow paths, one of which could present with threat to their specific location,” he iterated.
Civil Defense has already discussed with the management of Malama Market, which also operates the gas station there, regarding plans should lava take a path toward the area, Oliveira said. He said plans are already in place to sell off any remaining fuel before using water or water foam to fill the tanks to minimize any flammable vapors. It would take about three days to prepare the facility should lava approach.
“We are well outside of that in far as any initiation, but again there is no imminent threat at this time,” he said. “Yes, they have a plan and they are ready to initiate that plan at our call.”
Upslope of the new flow front, surface breakouts and breakouts along the edges of the original lava flow pad continue, primarily along the northern margin.
There is currently no threat of brush fire at this time. Smoke conditions were reported as moderate to heavy with all smoke from burning vegetation being blown in a southeast direction toward the Kaohe Homesteads, Leilani, Nanawale and lower Puna areas. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take precautions and to remain indoors.
An evacuation notice for those living in the immediate threat of the flow has been lifted. While residents are no longer on notice, residents are urged to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, work to create the Chain of Craters alternate route continues.
Warren Lee, county Public Works director, said the road from Kalapana into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will likely be ready for use late this month. It would be opened should lava cross all other routes in and out of lower Puna.
Previously, the road was expected to be complete early this month. The schedule change was the result of the crews’ work week being reduced from 60 hours to 40 hours to prevent burnout, Lee said.
The next community meeting on the lava flow will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pahoa High School cafeteria.
