VOLCANO UPDATE, May 13, 6 PM: Fissure 18 Opens Between 16 & 17

VIDEO: Fissure 16 eruption at 12:57 p.m. HST on May 12, 2018. Video: Cheryl Gansecki, University of Hawai‘i

Sunday, May 13, 2018, 6 PM.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that fissure 18 has opened up near Halekamahina Loop
Road between fissure 16 and 17. Active fumes and lava spatter is occurring at this time. This
newest fissure is on private property; do not trespass.

Sunday, May 13, 12:30 p.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 17 off Halekamahina Loop Road is at least several hundred yards long and producing lava spatter. Lava is slowly moving away from the vent at this time. This newest fissure is on private property; do not trespass.

Continued earthquake activity and additional outbreaks in the area are likely.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:

Highway 132 is closed at Pohoiki Road intersection. Only local traffic allowed on Highway 132 (Pāhoa-Kapoho Road) and Highway 137 (Beach Road).

Highway 130 is closed at the intersection of Highway 132. Only local traffic allowed into Leilani Subdivision. Highway 130 remains closed between Malama Street and Kama’ili Road.

No one is allowed to go off-road sightseeing. Stay out of the active eruption area. Allow the residents to care for their business.

Residents of Halekamahina Road are ordered to evacuate and be on the alert for gas emissions and lava spatter.

At 12:57 p.m., May 12, lava was slowly advancing from fissure 16. PC: USGS/HVO

Residents of lower Puna: there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare. If you evacuate voluntarily, pet-friendly shelters are open at Pāhoa Community Center and Kea‘au Community Center.

• Vacation rentals in lower Puna are directed to cease operations to relieve the demand for water as well as reduce the area population so emergency responders can focus on residents who live in the area.

Sunday, May 13, noon

The American Red Cross of Hawaii, together with community partners Ahiu Hawaii, Hawaii Land Stewards, Kalalau Ranch, doTERRA and Paradise Automotive, are hosting a Mother’s Day lunch at the Pāhoa and Ke‘eau shelters. The event will offer entertainment and chair massages for mothers staying at the shelters. This event is not for the general public.

Sunday, May 13, 10:45 a.m.

HVO reports that fissure 18 has been renamed as fissure 17 because yesterday’s late evening event never erupted lava. This newest fissure is on private property; do not trespass.

Highway 132 and Highway 137 remain open for local traffic only.

Sunday, May 13, 8:25 a.m.

Eruption of lava continues along Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone. A new outbreak early this morning just over a half-mile northeast of the end of Hinalo Street and about one-half mile south of highway 132 has been confirmed.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense reports the outbreak is on Halekamahina Loop Road. Aerial observations of this new fissure indicate it is at least several hundreds yards long and producing spatter rising many tens of feet into the air. A slow-moving lava flow is moving away from the vent.

Elevated earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the area remain likely.

At 8:27 a.m., May 12, aerial view of fissure 16, located about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) northeast of fissure 15 (top left). The fissure is located 500 m northeast of the Puna Geothermal Venture site (top right). Photograph courtesy of Hawai`i County Fire Department.

Sunday, May 13, 8 a.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has verified reports a new fissure, number 18, opening up to the west, or Kalapana-side of Highway 132 on Halekamahina Loop Road in lower Puna.

Lava spatter activity and gas emissions are occurring at this time. The newest fissures are on private property, do not trespass.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:

Highway 132 and Highway 137 remain open for local traffic only.

Residents of Halekamahina Road are ordered to evacuate and be on the alert for gas emissions and lava spatter. Shelters are open at Pāhoa Community Center and Kea‘au Community Center. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

Vacation rentals in the eruption area of Lower Puna are directed to cease operations to relieve the demand for water and to reduce the area population so emergency operations can focus on residents who live in the area.
Hawaii Police Department is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restriction for lower Puna area. No helicopter or drone activity is allowed without approval.

Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 5:45 a.m.

Department of Public Works and police have verified reports of a new fissure, number 18, opening up on Halekamahina Loop Road to the west, or Kalapana side of Highway 132.  At this time, steam and lava spatter activity has started from this new fissure.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:

Residents of Hale Kamahina Loop Road are ordered to evacuate.

• The Pāhoa Community Center and Kea‘au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.

Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a new fissure, number 17, is opening up about 100 meters below fissure 16. At this time, steam and lava spatter activity has started from this new fissure.

Minor spattering activity from fissure 16 is diminishing and no significant lava flow was issued from this area.

In addition, HVO has cautioned about the possibility of an explosive eruption at Halema’uma’u Crater due to the ongoing withdrawal of lava from Kilauea summit lake. This could generate dangerous debris very near the crater and ashfalls up to tens of miles downwind.