A breakout from the June 27 lava flow located about 0.3 miles upslope of Apaa Street could cross the roadway this weekend, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday.
A breakout from the June 27 lava flow located about 0.3 miles upslope of Apaa Street could cross the roadway this weekend, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday.
The breakout has advanced an estimated 1,335 feet, or about a quarter mile, toward the north-northeast during the past 48 hours, Oliveira said shortly after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. It could reach the roadway within three to five days if the breakout holds “its current advancement rate and stays on its current course,” he said.
The breakout consists of two fairly narrow fingers is widening, but currently does not pose a threat to area residents, he said.
Meanwhile, another breakout from the flow continues to advance on the property where the Pahoa Transfer Station is located, he said.
Lava breached the station’s fence on Tuesday and is currently burning asphalt on a driveway that encircles the facility. Oliveira said the county is in contact with the state Department of Health regarding air quality and to determine if an advisory is warranted.
The driveway, which is where dumpsters would be parked for people to dispose of waste, is situated about 10 feet below the platform where the facility’s structures are located, he said. While the lava is nearing one of the platform’s concrete walls, it would have to “fill up” the area or advance from another direction to reach any structures.
“The driveway is somewhat like a moat that creates a low spot that circles the property,” he explained.
In addition to the lava advancing on the grounds of the Pahoa Transfer Station, officials continue to monitor the breakout that destroyed an 1,100-square-foot residence on Monday located off Cemetery Road.
Lava from that breakout since Monday has advanced about 70 yards toward the north-northeast, filling in areas of the property, but has not affected any other structures. He described the lava’s activity on the parcel as “fairly minimal.”
The next nearest residence to the breakout is about 400 to 500 yards downslope.
The June 27 lava flow front remains stalled some 480 feet mauka of Pahoa Village Road. The front, which is seeing very little activity at its leading edge, has not advanced since Oct. 30.
Residents in the flow path remain on an evacuation advisory and possible need for evacuation, according to Civil Defense. However, no mandatory evacuation has been ordered.
There is no threat of brush fire at this time. Smoke conditions are reported as heavy to moderate and the smoke is currently rising and dissipating, Oliveira said. However, smoke conditions could increase in some areas and residence downwind that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.
Pahoa Village Road, between Apaa Street and Post Office Road, remains closed with access limited to area residents only. Civil Defense and public safety personnel will be operating in the area round the clock to maintain close observations of flow activity.
Highway 130 remains open. The lava flow remains just under a half-mile from the state highway. Beach Road is open to traffic. Railroad Avenue remains closed as it traditionally has been.
Work on re-establishing Chain of Craters Road, which would be the only means of accessing Lower Puna should the flow cross Highway 130, continues. It should be complete in early December.