Leilani Estates Update, May 8, 7 PM: New Vents Continue to Release Hazardous Gases

Thermal map, Leilani Estates, May 7, 2018. MC: USGS

This thermal map clearly shows the fissure system during an overflight of the area as of 11:30 a.m. on May 7, 2018. The Fissure 8 flow is inactive, but Fissures 11 and 12 opened on May 8, 2018. Fissure 12, which started shortly after the map was map, began around noon. The black and white area is the extent of the thermal map. Temperature in the thermal image is displayed as gray-scale values, with the brightest pixels indicating the hottest areas (whitish areas show the active lava flow). The gray linear features are the other fissures (numbered in red color) that have erupted thus far in the sequence. The thermal map was constructed by stitching many overlapping oblique thermal images collected by a handheld thermal camera during a helicopter overflight of the flow field. The base is a copyrighted color satellite image (used with permission) provided by Digital Globe. MC: USGS

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms two new vents. Vent number 13 has opened near the intersection of Leilani Avenue and Kahukai Road and Vent number 14 near Kaupili Street and Leilani Avenue.

Both have paused but continue to release hazardous gases. Since the onset of this eruption, a total of 14 fissures have emerged. The lava has covered 104 acres and 36 structures have been destroyed.

Evacuation Update

Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m each day until further notice. Follow the instructions of the authorities on scene. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

The County of Hawai‘i and Civil Defense are not associated with the website www.punalavaflow2018.com.

Road Status Update

Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road.

Pohoiki Road is closed from Highway 132 to Hinalo Street.

No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens due to dangerous volcanic gases.

Service/Utilities/Agency Update

Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds residents to treat all downed lines as live. Under no circumstances are you to approach or touch downed lines.

Water spigots installed near the entrance of Lava Tree State Park and a water tanker in Vacationland are still available for the public to access.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) are in effect. All aviation request are administered by the Fire Department.

United States Postal Service announced that evacuated residents can pick up their mail at the Pahoa Post Office.

The Hawai‘i County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony.

DOH is working on updating SO2 data reporting online.

Puna Geothermal Venture reports no activity at this time and the facility is secured. Precautionary measures are being taken to remove flammable materials offsite.

Tuesday, May 8, 2:45 p.m.: Two New Fissures Confirmed, EVACUATION IN PROGRESS

Leilani Estates’ first 10 fissures. Fissure 11 and 12 are on the far left. Fissure 13 and 14 that formed today are in the far right of this map in Lanipuna Gardens.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms two new vents. All Lanipuna Gardens residents must EVACUATE NOW towards the ocean at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Vent number 13 has opened near the intersection of Leilani Avenue and Kahukai Road and vent number 14 near Kaupili Street and Leilani Avenue. Both are actively erupting. Hazardous fumes continue to be released.

Tuesday, May 8, 2 p.m.: Two New Fissures Reported

A news source on the scene has reported that two new fissures, No. 13 and 14, have opened up in Leilani Estates. Hawai‘i News now reports that another house was destroyed.

Tuesday, May 8, 10:28 a.m.: New information

The lava has covered 104 acres.

Entry placard registration for residents wishing to retrieve personal items will be issued at RIAC throughout the week.

A website dedicated to answering questions, volunteering, making donations, lost and found pets, and links to other important resources/information has been created.

The county is taking care of all animals whose evacuated owners reported them left behind.

DOH is working on updating SO2 data reporting online.

Tuesday, May 8, 8:15 a.m.: Shelter Update

Two American Red Cross shelters remain open for residents evacuated from their homes:

Pāhoa Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale St.

Kea‘au Community Center, 16-186 Pili Mua St.

A team of O‘ahu Red Cross volunteers are deploying to the Big Island today to assist with sheltering, operations, and health services. As of midnight, May  7, there were nearly 200 people at the Pāhoa Community Center and 15 people at the Kea‘au Community Center shelter.

About 50 Red Cross volunteers have been assisting evacuees with their immediate emergency needs.

As of May 7, nearly 100 comfort relief kits have been distributed and 140 health and mental health contacts have been made.

Tuesday, May 8, 6 a.m.

There is no new information in this morning’s update. This is a reiteration of yesterday’s information. This document will be updated throughout the day as new information becomes available and new articles will be added to the website’s “News” section. Previous information about ongoing events can be found in Big Island Now’s “Volcano Blog” section.

The East Rift Zone eruption in Leilani Subdivision continues.

Hawaiian Volcano observatory confirms volcanic activity has paused at all 12 fissures. Hazardous fumes continue to be released. A total of 12 fissures have emerged, and 35 structures have been destroyed.

Due to the eruption, the following are issued:

Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their property from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until further notice. Follow the instructions of the authorities on scene. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road

Pohoiki Road is closed from Highway 132 to Hinalo Street

Civil Defense has established a community information center at Sacred Hearts Church in Pāhoa, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Entry placards for residents who wish to retrieve personal items from Leilani Subdivision will be available at the community information center

Hawaii Electric Light reminds residents to treat all downed lines as live. Under no circumstances are you to approach or touch downed lines.

A water truck for public use is located near the Vacationland mailboxes.

No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens due to dangerous volcanic gases
Department of Education reports all public schools will be open today. However, the following Charter schools are closed today: Kua O Ka La, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Nawahiokalaniopu’u.

United States Postal Service announced that evacuated residents can pick up their mail at the Pāhoa Post Office

The Hawai‘i County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony.

Puna Geothermal Venture reports no activity at this time and the facility is secured. Precautionary measures are being taken to remove flammable materials offsite.