Mohala Street, Leilani Estates. VC: Maija Stenback
UPDATE 4, May 3, 2018, 6:40 p.m.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department is advising members of the public that access to Leilani Estates and Lani Puna Subdivisions in lower Puna is now closed due to steam and lava emissions from a crack in the area of Mohala Street. Access will be granted to residents only.
Road closures are currently in effect at Highway 130 and Leilani Boulevard, Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road, and Highway 137 and Pohoiki Road.
The HPD is asking that all motorists stay clear of these areas to assist first responders in evacuation efforts. Stay tuned to local news and radio to be informed of updates and any conditions that may affect your safety.
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UPDATE 3
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Volcanic Activity Summary
An eruption has commenced in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano. Shortly before 5 p.m., lava was confirmed at the surface in the eastern end of the subdivision.
Hawai‘i County Civil Defense is on scene and coordinating needed response including evacuation of a portion of the Leilani subdivision.
Residents of the lower Puna District should remain alert, review individual, family, and business emergency plans, and watch for further information about the status of the volcano.
Hawai‘i County Civil Defense messages may be found online.
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Recent Observations
New ground cracks were reported in Leilani Estates late this afternoon. White, hot vapor and blue fume emanated from an area of cracking in the eastern part of the subdivision. Spatter began erupting shortly before 5 p.m.
HVO and the County of Hawai‘i are on the ground and conducting overflights to further identify characterize activity and identify the direction of flowing lava.
Hazard Analysis
Areas downslope of the erupting vent are at risk of lava inundation. At this time, the general area of the Leilani subdivision appears at greatest risk.
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The opening phases of fissure eruptions are dynamic. Additional vents and new lava outbreaks may occur and at this time it is not possible to say where new vents may occur.
UPDATE 2
Due to the eruption, the following are issued:
Residents in Leilani Estates Subdivision on Luana, Makamae, Ho‘okupu, Kaupili, Mohala, and lower Leilani Streets down to Highway 132 are required to evacuate the area.
The Pāhoa Regional Community Center near the new Pahoa Regional Park is open for shelter.
Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.
The intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road is now closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.
Puna Geothermal Venture is executing their emergency plan and starting to shut down operations at their time.
UPDATE 1
Department of Public Works reports steam and lava emissions from a crack in Leilani Subdivision in the area of Mohala Street. Due to the eruption, the following are issued:
ALLresidents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions are required to evacuate.
The Pāhoa Regional Community Center (15-3022 Kauhale St.) near the new Pāhoa Regional Park is open for shelter.
The Salvation Army EDS team will be at the shelter at Pahoa Regional Community Center with water, snacks and providing emotional and spiritual care by by 8 p.m.
Kea‘au Community Center is to be opened for additional shelter needs (16-186 Pili Mua St).
Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.
The intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road is now closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.
Puna Geothermal Venture is executing their emergency plan and starting to shut down operations at this time.
Avoid travel to the evacuation area for everyone’s safety.
ORIGINAL POST: May 3, 5:55 p.m.
The Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works on Thursday May 3, 2018, at 5 p.m. reported steam and lava emissions from a crack in Leilani Subdivision in the area of Mohala Street.
Due to the eruption, the following are issued:
A mandatory evacuation is now in effect for residents in Leilani Estates Subdivision located from Luana Street down to Mohala Street including the lower end of Leilani Avenue to the end of the subdivision to Pohoiki Road.
The Pāhoa Regional Community Center near the new Pāhoa Regional Park is open for shelter.
Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food and necessary items for your comfort if possible.
The intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road is now closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.
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