A new leading edge on the June 27 lava flow could threaten more than Pahoa, officials say. ADVERTISING A new leading edge on the June 27 lava flow could threaten more than Pahoa, officials say. The stream of lava, advancing
A new leading edge on the June 27 lava flow could threaten more than Pahoa, officials say.
The stream of lava, advancing up to 400 yards per day in a north-northeast direction, moved away from the flow pad over the weekend and is following a path that could take it either to Malama Market or even Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Which path it follows, if this new front remain active, remains to be seen.
Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveria said it is currently following a line of steepest descent that would take it to Malama Market and other businesses in Pahoa’s main shopping area.
But that path will also take it near another line of steepest descent, identified by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, that could divert the flow north of town toward HPP.
“Until it comes to that point it’s difficult to say with any certainty,” Oliveira said. “It may take its own track.”
The new front was about 2.9 miles from the intersection of Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road, he said.
It was also about 2.3 miles from Apa‘a Street, but the flow isn’t expected to cross that road again if it stays on its current path.
