June 27 Lava Flow Update – 11/14/14

Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s Friday morning assessment showed that several of the breakouts from the June 27 lava flow continue to remain active.

The same three breakout lobes that have been watched all week are continuously being monitored. These breakouts are located in the area of the Pahoa Cemetery below Apa’a Street, above Apa’a Street in the area upslope of the Pahoa Transfer Station, and 300 yards upslope of Apa’a Street.

Currently, the breakouts do not pose an immediate threat to residents.

The breakout near the transfer station has stopped flowing and is not active at this time. Additionally, there is no burning asphalt in the area. Burning in other areas associated with the other two breakouts is limited to vegetation.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced Friday that, after fieldwork conducted Thursday accessing the progress of the lava flow, it has been determined that the leading edge has not advanced and continues to remain where it stalled on Oct. 30, 170 yards above Pahoa Village Road.

The nearest active lava to Pahoa Village Road was approximately 550 yards behind the stalled flow front, located just below the cemetery.

Additionally, the lobe above Apa’a Street and above the transfer station was located approximately 330 yards from Apa’a Street, as of Thursday.

Smoke conditions are moderate to heavy. A light south wind is blowing smoke in a north-northeast direction towards Ainaloa, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Kea’au.

There is the possibility of increased smoke conditions and residents down wind that have a history of respiratory conditions are advised by Civil Defense to take necessary precautions.

Additionally, the weather service has forecasted continues south winds for the next few days.

An evacuation advisory remains in effect for residents in the down slope area of the flow.

Pahoa Village Road between Apa’a Street and Post Office Road continues to remain closed. However, Post Office Road opened back from being a one-lane road to a two-lane road Thursday.

Businesses and commercial areas in Pahoa are still accessible. Entry into Pahoa is accessible through the Highway 130 and Highway 132 intersection, as well as through Post Office Road.

Around the clock operations will continue for Civil Defense and public safety personnel as they continue to monitor the flow and ensure public safety.