Lava From Kilauea Volcano Enters Kaohe Homesteads

Lava from Kilauea Volcano has reached a forested, vacant area in the northwest portion of the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision.

According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the lava entered the subdivision sometime Monday and had advanced about 920 feet into the area. Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Tuesday that no imminent threat remains for nearby communities.

In Tuesday morning’s Civil Defense message to the public, Oliveira stated that the lava flow gained 270 yards since Monday morning. The leading edge of the flow, moving to the northeast, is measured at 100 feet wide.

HVO scientists said Tuesday that the front of the lava flow is approximately 2.1 miles upslope from Apa’a Road.

Civil Defense states that no evacuation orders have been given, but residents should listen to updated radio broadcasts in case the situation changes.

Oliveira says that smoke conditions in the Kaohe Homesteads subdivison were described as moderate to heavy, depending on wind conditions. There is no brushfire threat, however, and burning has been kept within the flow’s path of vegetation.

The 24-hour command center at Pahoa Community Center, operated by Civil Defense and manned by police and fire officials, remains operational. The center was opened up on Monday. On weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., members of the public can receiving updates and get answers to information on the lava flow in the Public Information Room, also located inside the Pahoa Community Center.

According to Councilman Greggor Ilagan, the Pahoa Community Center will not be available for videoconferencing during this week’s County Council meetings. The Hilo Council Chamber will be the nearest location for those interested in observing the meetings, which will be physically held at the West Hawai`i Civic Center.

Representatives from Civil Defense and HVO will hold another informational meeting for members of the community on Thursday at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria. The meeting will get underway at 6:30 p.m.