A ridge created by the June 27 lava flow as it advanced downslope in the previous months has created a barrier that scientists and officials say is sending a breakout away from the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision in Puna. ADVERTISING A
A ridge created by the June 27 lava flow as it advanced downslope in the previous months has created a barrier that scientists and officials say is sending a breakout away from the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision in Puna.
When the flow passed through the area in September, it inflated to about 1 to 3 meters, creating a “ridge” that is causing breakouts to head north and away from Kaohe, said Janet Babb, a geologist with the United States Geological Survey.
The flow’s closest point to Kaohe is located 1.2 miles west of the subdivision. In order for the flow to head south, it would have to inflate at least 1 to 3 meters, Babb said.
“Lava flows can create their own topography,” she summarized. “It’s just a matter that the existing flow has created that topography and the breakouts are on the north side now.”
The breakout traveled about 150 yards downslope during the past 24 hours and is currently 3.5 miles above Apaa Street, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Monday morning. During an overflight on Monday, officials also observed numerous breakouts and surface flows along the edges of the flow pad, said Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira.
Oliveira said the breakouts, which extend from about 3.5 miles to 5 miles above Apaa Street and for the most part are located on the north side of the existing lava flow, pose no immediate threat to the community.
Smoke conditions as of Monday morning were reported to be moderate to heavy with a light west wind pushing smoke down slope toward Pahoa and lower Puna. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents that are sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.
An evacuation notice for those living in the immediate threat of the flow has been lifted, Oliveira confirmed Monday. While residents are no longer on notice, Oliveira urged that residents remain vigilant.
“We want them to remain vigilant to a possible evacuation,” he said. “At this point there is no activity that would present itself to keep people on a heightened notice for evacuation.”
Oliveira said the county is also continuing to meet with area stakeholders about opening a public viewing and educational site near the Pahoa Transfer Station on Apaa Street.
“We are still meeting and trying to come up with viewing arrangements,” he said. “Once we make that step and commitments it’s about making sure that we can provide for viewing with all the basic needs and safety parameters.”
Among the concerns needing to be addressed are the flow of traffic in the area, providing restroom facilities, and creating an educational experience where people can learn about the flow’s behaviors, characteristics, movement and why certain safety actions were taken as it approached, among others.
“We’re trying to expedite this while the conditions allow for safe viewing,” Oliveira said.
Breakouts in the vicinity of Apaa Street that stalled earlier this month remain at a standstill, as does the June 27 lava flow’s leading edge, which has not advanced since Oct. 30 when it came within 480 feet of Pahoa Village Road.
Scientists have said the halt is likely the result of a large breakout from the lava tube at Kahaualea, a small forested puu located about 1.1 mile below Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent, that affected the supply of lava to the tube downslope. The breakout occurred the night of Nov. 14 as Kilauea appeared to return to the inflation period of the inflation-deflation cycle. Inflation begins when magma rises into the summit reservoir.
In other lava flow-related news, crews began work Monday to reopen the remainder of Pahoa Village Road in time for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Oliveira said. Utility crews will first remove the protective cinder material placed around utility poles.
The work will require the road to remain closed while equipment is operating in the area. The county anticipates it will take a few days to complete the work.
The roadway has been closed between Apaa Street and Post Office Road since late October when breakouts from the June 27 lava flow neared.
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.
