Lava Flow Update For Sunday, Sept. 21

The lava flow threatening the livelihood of thousands of residents in lower Puna has slowed considerably as of Sunday.

According to Hawai’i County Civil Defense, the lava has advanced approximately 75 yards since Saturday.

On Saturday, the lava had moved into lighter vegetation and started a brush fire in a remote area above Apa’a Road mauka of Highway 130.

This was the first brush fire since the lava left Puʻu ʻŌʻō on June 27.

As of Saturday, the brush fire was not a threat to any properties.

The flow front Saturday morning was 1.4 miles upslope from Apa’a Road.

Smoke conditions are moderate to heavy with most of the smoke is being dispersed to Puna and Hilo.

Construction activities on the Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road are continuing.

Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi said the roadwork will be done by Wednesday. The roads are being built as alternative routes for area drivers in the event lava crosses Highway 130.

The next lava flow community update meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria.

County officials are currently running an Incident Command Center and Informational Resource Center at Pahoa Community Center. Residents are invited to the information center from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday next week for answers to any questions they may have about the flow.

Keep checking www.bigislandnow.com for your latest lava flow updates.