4 p.m.: No Further Lava Advancement Toward Pohoiki

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Friday, July 20, 2018, 4 p.m.: No Further Lava Advancement Toward Pohoiki

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that eruption activity continues from Fissure 8 into the lava channel, sending flows to the ocean entry at Ahalanui and producing a large laze plume.

The southern flow margin remains unchanged and has not advanced toward Isaac Hale/Pohoiki boat ramp since yesterday.

Due to the ongoing earthquake activity and road damage in the Volcano area, State Highways reports a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour on Highway 11 between MM 28 and 30. Motorists are advised to stay on the pavement and be alert for cracks in the road.

The following policies remain in effect:

• Check all utility connections of water, gas, and electricity for potential damage from earthquake activity.
• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field.

The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs.

6 a.m.: Fissure 8 Lava Closing in on Isaac Hale-Pohoiki Boat Ramp

As of yesterday morning, July 19, 2018, the southern margin of the fissure 8 ocean entry was about .3 miles from the boat ramp at Isaac Hale Park.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that eruption activity continues from Fissure 8 into the lava channel flowing to the ocean entry at Ahalanui producing a large laze plume.

As of yesterday’s overflight report, the southern margin of the flow is approximately .25 miles from Isaac Hale-Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Several lobes of Fissure 8 lava are entering the ocean along a broad front, with the southwestern edge of the entry shown here. The southern margin of the lava flow was about.4 miles from the Pohoiki boat ramp yesterday morning, July 19, 2018. PC: USGS

Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki, is an oceanfront park, boat launch and surf location on Pohoiki Bay in the Puna District.

On roadway updates for the Volcano area, State Highways reports that a speed limit of 25 miles per hour is in effect on Highway 11 between the 28 and 30 Mile Markers due to cracks in the road. Motorists are advised to stay on the pavement and be on the alert for cracks in the road and to exercise caution.

An aerial view looking south, with the Fissure 8 lava channel on the west side of Kapoho Crater, visible at left. As it nears the ocean, the channelized lava transitions to a broad ‘a‘ā flow that spreads laterally and toward the coast. The ocean entry plume is barely visible in the far distance (top). July 19, 2018. PC: USGS

The following policies remain in effect:

• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and breakouts are possible on the active flow field.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles which can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs.

Disaster assistance is available island-wide to individuals and businesses in Hawai‘i County that have been affected by the Kīlauea eruption.

The Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Kea‘au High School Gym, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.

Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov to register online and for a list of information to bring to the Disaster Recovery Center.

Access placards are available at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani St. in Hilo.