Preparing for the worst

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday afternoon signed an emergency proclamation aimed at easing evacuation efforts in the event that the June 27 lava flow from Kilauea volcano crosses Highway 130 near Pahoa.

Meanwhile, some community members are questioning why government officials aren’t considering efforts to divert the lava flow, and the state Department of Health warned Friday that residents living near the flow should avoid potential smoke exposure and low levels of sulfur dioxide from the approaching lava.

The governor’s proclamation suspends certain laws that might impede emergency responses, including state restrictions on re-establishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Highway 130 in Puna. It also activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels.

“State agencies are working with the County of Hawaii to provide alternative access to lower Puna if lava crosses the main highway,” Abercrombie said in a written statement. “This proclamation will ensure that isolated communities receive a continuation of services.”

The disaster emergency relief period runs through Oct. 15.

With the lava flow potentially days from reaching Kaohe, several Puna residents pressed Hawaii County officials at a meeting Thursday evening to try to divert or stop the flow’s advance, with just as many in the crowd responding that Pele should be left alone.

“We live in one place where lava is still existent, and whether you believe it’s Tutu Pele or just the science, the fact it is lava, you cannot change the direction,” said Piilani Kaawaloa of Pahoa. “… It’s like me telling you, ‘Move the moon because it’s too bright.’”

Said Ihilani Niles, “To Native Hawaiians, Pele is our kupuna, she is our ancestor.”

“This is her place, and if she feels she needs to clean her house, then let her clean her house,” she added.

Both received a loud round of applause from the approximately 500 people in attendance at Pahoa High &Intermediate School.

Darryl Oliveira, county Civil Defense administrator, reiterated diversion of the flow is not being considered since that may just send lava toward another community. There’s also the Native Hawaiian culture, which sees lava as an extension of the goddess Pele, to keep in mind, he said.

“For us at this point, we are not exploring or pursuing diversion as to the uncertainty it will work or make the problem worse,” Oliveira said.

As of Thursday, the flow was about 0.8 miles from Kaohe, and continued to move in and out of ground cracks.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimated the flow could be five to seven days away from Kaohe, though it could bypass the roughly 30 to 40 homes in the rural subdivision outside Pahoa.

An emergency declaration Mayor Billy Kenoi issued Thursday allows the county to restrict access to Kaohe and prepare for an evacuation. An evacuation has not been declared yet, though Oliveira is urging residents to be ready to leave.

Many Kaohe residents were heeding that warning this week, with state Department of Agriculture officials helping to move the last of residents’ livestock to an undisclosed location on Friday.

Clinton Barricklow and Cassandra Pensa moved to the neighborhood four years ago. They said they planned to live with friends in Hilo, and they relocated their cow on Thursday.

“Just like anyone, we thought we bought a good home,” Barricklow said. “It’s like any death, you just don’t expect it.”

The declaration also allows the county to lay the groundwork for improving or clearing new roadways in case Highway 130 is inundated with lava.

When that work, which will partially focus on improving Railroad Avenue, an old railroad easement, and Beach Road, will begin will depend largely on the direction of the lava flow, county officials said.

Depending on whether the flow continues through ground cracks or advances over the surface, HVO Scientist-in-Charge Jim Kauahikaua said the flow could reach the highway, the only route in and out for many lower Puna residents, as soon as 27 days or as late as 273 days if it continues.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty still,” he said.

If it advances on the surface rather than through cracks, the flow would also likely move in a more northeast direction, Kauahikaua said.

Brandon Gonzalez, county Public Works deputy director, said the goal is to have an alternate route in place 30 days before the highway is covered.

Public Works staff have been traveling potential alternate routes since public meetings on the lava flow began over a week ago, he said.

“We’re trying to determine what exists on the ground and not just on paper,” Gonzalez said.

Reopening Chain of Craters Road, covered by past lava flows, remains an option if the flow ends up covering the other routes as well, Oliveira said.

He said that project would cost about $7 million and take one to two months to complete with a Monday through Friday work week. The cost would be shared with state and federal sources.

Also Friday, health officials advised residents living near the lava flow, which is approaching Kaohe Homesteads south of Pahoa, to plan ahead for potential smoke.

“The smoke effect on nearby communities will vary largely depending on unpredictable wind and weather conditions,” reads a release from the state Department of Health.

“Smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that may trigger adverse respiratory conditions. Additionally, encroaching lava may contain low levels of sulfur dioxide, an irritant gas emitted by the Kilauea Volcano.”

Residents in smoke affected areas were asked to avoid outdoor activities or physical exertion. People with respiratory illness or heart disease, older adults and children were urged to avoid smoke exposure.

“Smoke may worsen symptoms for individuals who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals that have these conditions should keep their medication refilled and use daily (controller) medication as prescribed. Anyone who feels they may need medication or medical attention should contact their physician,” the release reads.

Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have scheduled community meetings Tuesday and Thursday to update residents on the lava flow in the Wao Kele O Puna area.

The briefings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Pahoa High School cafeteria.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune- herald.com.