Lava Flow Moving North Toward Kaohe Boundary

The June 27 Kilauea lava flow gained 150 yards as it moves north toward the Wao Kele O Puna Forest Reserve and Kaohe Homesteads Subdivision, according to a Sunday morning update given by Hawai`i County Civil Defense.

In the update, Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira maintains that there is no immediate threat to area communities and no evacuation orders have been given. Civil Defense personnel will be going door-to-door in the Kaohe Homesteads Subdivision today.

As of Sunday morning, the active edge of the June 27 lava flow is approximately two-tenths of a mile from the upper corner of the Wao Kele O Puna Forest Reserve and Kaohe Homesteads boundary.

Oliveira says that there is no active brush fire threat, and that any burning is limited to vegetation that is in direct contact with the lava flow.

Starting Monday, Civil Defense will be staging a 24-hour command center at the Pahoa Community Center, staffed by police, fire, and other personnel.

In an informational e-mail, Hawai`i County Councilman Greggor Ilagan issued several updates on vital infrastructure in the Pahoa area as concerns grow on the impact the flow may have on the Puna community.

Ilagan states work on the Pahoa Regional Park has been suspended to allow for additional heavy equipment to work on clearing roads. The goal is to open Railroad Avenue via Hawaiian Paradise Park by Sept. 24. This road is designed to serve as the main evacuation route if needed.

Ilagan also reports that Civil Defense and State Department of Transportation authorities are discussing the possibility of reconnecting Highway 130 to the Chain of Craters Road, which is within the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

The County’s Department of Public Works is also working on a right of entry agreement that could open another route between Kehau Road and Railroad Avenue.

In assessing the area’s water needs, Ilagan notes that the well near Pahoa High School is not operational. The Department of Water Supply, through emergency procedures, will be attempting to bring it back online. Additional water spigots may be installed, depending on need.

Big Island Now will continue to update this story as new information develops.