Volcano Activity Update, May 10, 6 PM: SO2 Levels Increasing

1 p.m., May 9: Aerial view from the Hawai‘i County Fire Department of fissure 15. The fissure cut across Pohoiki Road.

This news story 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.

9:53 a.m., May 9: Severe ground cracks associated with fissure 14 in Leilani Estates. PC: USGS

Thursday, May 10, 2018, 6 p.m.

An update was released but it contains no new information.

Thursday, May 10, noon

An update was released but it contains no new information.

Thursday, May 10, 9:23 a.m.: SO2 levels increasing

Due to a forecast of decreasing tradewinds, residents are advised to monitor their sensitivity to increased levels of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in the latter part of the week.

Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) has completed the removal of all pentane gas offsite as of 3:15 a.m. this morning to Shipman Industrial Park.

• Community meeting tonight (May 10) at 5:30 p.m. in the Pāhoa High School Cafeteria.

Thursday, May 10, 6 a.m.: No changes since last night’s 6 p.m. report

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirms fissure 15 in Lanipuna Subdivision has paused. Hazardous fumes continue to be released.

Thus far, 15 fissures have emerged.

Lava covers 116.57 acres.

Thus far, 36 structures have been destroyed.

As of midnight, there were over 200 residents at the Pāhoa shelter and 24 residents at the Kea‘au shelter.

As of midnight, May 9, there were over 200 residents at the Pāhoa shelter and 24 residents at the Kea‘au shelter. PC: Red Cross

An eruption map can be found online.

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. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

Civil Defense Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) at the Sacred Hearts Church in Pāhoa, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

10:10 a.m., May 9: Yellow street lines show the offset of cracks on Leilani Street, Leilani Estates. PC: USGS

Road Status Update

Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road.

Pohoiki Road is closed from Highway 132 to 137.

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

Service/Utilities/Agency Update

Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) is expediting the removal of hazardous materials offsite to Shipman Industrial Park.

The Kalapana Transfer Station is closed until further notice. The Pāhoa Transfer Station on Apaa Street is open 7 days a week, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Department of Water Supply has issued an Emergency water restriction for the Pohoiki, Vacationland and Kapoho area due to the impacts to the bypass waterline caused by the latest fissure event. 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.

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

11:47 a.m., May 9: HVO geologist measured a temperature of 218 degrees F at a crack along Nohea Street, Leilani Estates. The asphalt road was describes as “mushy” from the heat. PC: USGS

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.

Contact the Humane Society for animal information.

Community Message/Alerts

Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Sciences is closed for the rest of the week.

1 p.m., May 9: A new fissure extended across Pohoiki Road between the intersections of Leilani Avenue and Hinalo Street. Scientists had difficulty viewing the entire fissure from their location, but reported lava spatter 7 feet high as well as a loud jetting of gas from the fissure. This photo shows the steaming fissure extending across Pohoiki Road. PC: USGS