Lava activity along the upper reaches of the June 27 flow has remained “fairly consistent” during the last few days, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Thursday.
Lava activity along the upper reaches of the June 27 flow has remained “fairly consistent” during the last few days, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Thursday.
Breakouts were as close as 4 miles from Apa‘a Street that morning with little to no activity seen closer to Pahoa.
Poor weather conditions prevented a fly over from getting closer to Pu‘u ‘O‘o, the lava’s source.
Geologists say the breakouts are preventing lava from reaching Pahoa. It’s unclear though if the lava tube has been damaged or blocked downslope.
Steve Brantley, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory acting scientist-in-charge, said there are no methods for finding blockages in the tube system other than watching where breakouts occur. HVO scientists continue to walk the flow to get a better assessment.
Meanwhile, Oliveira said road closures on Apa‘a Street and a portion of Pahoa Village Road remain in effect for the time being. Evacuation advisories also haven’t changed.
“We are giving every consideration to reopening of the road, but when it is safe to do so,” he said.
Bill Schmidt, who lives within the restricted area on Pahoa Village Road, said he doesn’t think Civil Defense should change anything for now.
“The way I feel about it is if there’s no activity by Christmas, open it up by New Year’s,” he said. “But any sooner than that is kind of jumping the gun.”
Renece Bayne, Red Cross incident command system lead, said volunteers will visit today with residents who received an evacuation notice to let them know of Red Cross services and assess their needs.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard commended Oliveira and Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday on the House floor for their leadership in response to the lava flow, Tropical Storm Iselle and Hurricane Ana.
“All three of these natural disasters have been punishing on this community of Puna, whose residents continue to unite and show optimism even with this uncertain future,” she said. “Billy and Darryl’s tireless work and strong leadership has kept people safe, informed and prepared, even as Mother Nature, through Madam Pele, runs her course.”
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.