6 P.M. Lava Update: Community Meeting TUESDAY

UPDATE: May 20, 2018, at 6 p.m.

This is a Civil Defense Message for Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 6 p.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor active flows. Two lava flows have entered the ocean off Highway 137 near MacKenzie State Park.

Moderate trade winds continue to cause elevated levels of sulfur dioxide in areas downwind of the vents, including Kamaili, Seaview, and Malama Ki. Take action necessary to limit further exposure.

Due to hazardous conditions from lava and fires, the following policies are in effect:

• Highway 137 is closed to all traffic between Kamaili Road and Pohoiki Road.
• Kamaili Road is closed to all thru traffic. No stopping, this is a high sulfur dioxide area.
• Everyone is asked to stay out of the area.

Due to the lava entry at the ocean, the following policies are in effect:

• Access to the area is prohibited due to the laze hazard.
• Stay away from any ocean plume. The plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.
• The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the area. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.

An eruption community information meeting will be held at the Pahoa High cafeteria on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 5:30 p.m.

UPDATE: May 20, 2018, at 12 noon

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor active flows. Two lava flows have entered the ocean off Highway 137 near MacKenzie State Park. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that sulfur dioxide emission rates tripled down wind of the rift today. Areas of Kamaili, Seaview, and Malama Ki have elevated levels. Take action necessary to limit further exposure.  

Due to the lava entry at the ocean, the following policies are in effect: 

• Access to the area is prohibited due to the laze hazard.
• Stay away from any ocean plume. The plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning. 
• The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the area. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.

Due to hazardous conditions from lava and fires, the following policies are in effect: 

• Highway 137 is closed between Kamaili Road and Pohoiki Road.
• Kamaili Road is closed to all thru traffic. No stopping, this is a high sulfur dioxide area. 
• Everyone is asked to stay out of the area.

UPDATE: May 20, 2018, at 8 a.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor active flows. Two lava flows have entered the ocean. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also reports that sulfur dioxide emissions have tripled. Take action necessary to limit further exposure.  

Due to the lava entering the ocean off Highway 137 near MacKenzie State Park, the following policies are in effect: 

• Be aware of the laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume.  Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air.  
• The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the area. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.
• Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning. Health risks are present both landside and on the water. 

Due to hazardous conditions from lava and fires, the following policies are in effect: 

• Highway 137 is closed between Kamal‘i Road and Pohoiki Road.
• Kamaili Road is closed to all through traffic.
• Everyone is asked to stay out of the area.

For your information:

• Department of Water Supply says an emergency water restriction is still in effect for customers between Kapoho and Pohoiki. The flow that has crossed Pohoiki Road cut off water supply to residents. 
• Two water tankers are providing public drinking water access to residents and visitors in Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots. 
• HELCO advises residents in the down rift of the flow to be aware of downed power lines. Always assume the power lines are active and exercise extreme caution. 

Original Post:

This is a Hawai‘i County Civil Defense message for Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 6 a.m.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor active flows.  Flow front 3 has split into 2 flows and both are entering the ocean. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also reports that Sulfur Dioxide emissions have greatly increased.

Due to hazardous conditions, the following roads are closed and all are asked to stay out of the area

• Highway 137 is closed between Kamaili Road and Pohoiki Road.
• Kamaili Road is closed to all through traffic.

Due to the lava entering the ocean off Highway 137 in the vicinity of MacKenzie Park, the following policies are in effect:

• Be aware of the laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume.  Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air.

• Health hazards of laze include lung damage, and eye and skin irritation.
• Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.