June 27 Lava Flow Update – 11/4/14

Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s Tuesday morning assessment showed that the June 27 lava flow front remains active, although it has not advanced since Thursday.

The flow front, still 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road, is limited to breakouts along the margins or sides of the flow, as well as on the flow surface.

Breakouts upslope of the flow front are being monitored but do not currently present an immediate threat.

The upslope breakouts are located approximately .7 to 1.5 miles above Apa’a Street and are along the north side of the flow, moving in a north-northeast direction.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted that the most significant activity occurring was a small finger of lava advancing downslope along the north edge of the private property that the flow entered last week.

The lobe was about 175 yards behind the stalled front and was moving parallel to the main flow at a rate of 11 yards per hour since Monday morning.

Other breakout points have remained relatively still over the past few days.

Additionally, HVO noted minor expansion of the flow field in the pasture below the Pahoa Cemetery has occurred.

Very little activity was present in the vicinity of the transfer station.

In the area, smoke conditions are light with light trade winds. There is the possibility of smoke conditions increasing in some areas. Residents with a history of respiratory issues are advised to take necessary precautions.

Residents in the downslope area of the flow remain on an evacuation advisory and will be kept informed as the flow status and advancement changes.

The road closure of Pahoa Village Road between Apa’a Street and the Post Office Road remains in effect.

The following polling places in District 4 will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for voting on General Election Day:

Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center

Keonepoko Elementary School

Pahoa Community Center

Pahoa High School Cafeteria

The next lava flow community update meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from Civil Defense, as well as HVO will be present to discuss the current happenings with the flow and address any public questions or concerns.

An Incident Command Center and Informational Resource Center has been established by the County of Hawai’i at the Pahoa Community Center. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Civil Defense and public safety personnel will continue their operations around the clock to maintain observation of the flow and ensure public safety.