Mauna Loa Eruption Day 3: Roth issues emergency rule pertaining to parking, walking on Saddle Road

With an influx of people making the trek to Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, to witness the lava flow on Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone, conditions have become hazardous because of increased traffic and pedestrian activity. Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth on Wednesday issued another emergency rule relating to the ongoing eruption in response.

Roth’s Emergency Rule No. 2 prohibits parking and traversing/walking on Daniel K. Inouye Highway and its shoulders between the 16-mile marker and Highway 190, also known as Hawai‘i Belt Road.

“Our Emergency Rule #2 is again an effort to respond to the increased dangers along the roadway that have become apparent as the eruption along Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone continues,” Roth said in a press release. “Two individuals were injured last night re-entering the roadway from the shoulder lane, and that’s not something that we would like to see again. Our rules are in place to ensure peoples’ safety, and we stand by what we’re doing. At the same time, we’re actively seeking solutions to get safer viewing access for our many residents and their families who are, like us, in awe of the beauty and wonder of the current eruption.”

The Gilbert Kahele Recreational Area, including both the lower and upper bathrooms, will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice. Security guards will be on site from 6:15 p.m. to 6:15 a.m.

For the latest information, click here.