Update: Malama Kī Forest Reserve Now Closed

UPDATE: May 19, 2018, at 5 p.m.

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife has closed the Malama Kī Forest Reserve on Hawai‘i island due to lava now flowing into it. Today maps showed one of three separate lava flows heading to the ocean with one going through the forest reserve.

It’s possible lava could impact Mackenzie State Recreation Area. It and Lava Tree State Monument were closed on Friday, May 4, 2018, after a series of earthquakes caused cracks in Highway 137. Check the DLNR Facebook page and www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp for updates.

Original Post:

This is a Civil Defense Message for Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 8:30 in the morning.

This image is from a temporary research camera positioned near Kapoho looking northwest. From left to right on the horizon, one can see Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent near the left edge of the image, the gas plume from Halemaʻumaʻu crater near the middle of the image (when clear enough), and Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea farther to the right. Click to enlarge. (USGS Webcam)

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a short-lived steam explosion from Kilauea crater created an ash cloud around midnight that reached up to 10,000 ft. Ash was carried southwest by the wind toward Ka‘ū, Pahala and Na‘alehu. Residents are reminded to protect themselves from ash fallout by remaining indoors.

Do continue to be on the alert of air quality around you and be cautious.

A large, slow moving lava flow continues from Fissure 20 west of Pohoiki Road near Malama Ki Place. Four homes were destroyed, but no highways are threatened at this time. The flow has advanced 1,000 feet in under 1 hour. Volcanic gas emissions are elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are in effect:

• Residents in areas down rift from the flow need to stay alert and prepare for voluntary evacuation should it be deemed necessary.

On roads information:

• Pohoiki Road is closed.
• Highway 132 and 130 are open to local traffic, to those with ID.

For those evacuating, the Pāhoa Community Center, Kea‘au Community Center and Sure Foundation Church are open. Be aware shelters are pet friendly.