2018-05-18 Big Island is Open for Visitors -- press release

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HTA Volcano Update – May 17 Page 2 MESSAGE FROM HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park emergency managers are urging motorists to slow down and use caution on Highway 11, particularly between mile markers 28 and 29, and Pi‘i Mauna Road, due to cracks in the road and uneven surfaces resulting from an earthquake that occurred on May 16. In addition, motorists are reminded that stopping for non-emergency purposes along the side and shoulders of Highway 11 in Park territory to view the plumes is prohibited. For Park updates, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm. HAWAI‘I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE ERUPTION MAP To view the interactive map (please wait for the page to load), visit: https://goo.gl/i7RbrB BACKGROUND INORMATION AND RESOURCES AIRPORTS, ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACTIVITIES  All airports in the Hawaiian Islands continue to operate normally.  All accommodations, activities and attractions statewide are also operating normally, with the exception of those in the area affected by the volcanic activity on Hawai‘i Island.  Visitors who have already booked a trip to the island of Hawai‘i with accommodations or activities in/near the Puna district, should call their provider with any questions or concerns.  Effective May 12, those who have vacation rental reservations in the Lower Puna restricted area should find alternative accommodations, until further notice. EAST RIFT ZONE ERUPTION LOCATION  The volcanic activity and where lava has flowed along the East Rift Zone in/near Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions is limited to an isolated area in Lower Puna on the island of Hawai‘i’s east side. This area in the Puna district covers only less than a 10-square-mile area of the island’s 4,028 square miles. The district of Puna is approximately 500 square miles, or the size of half of Rhode Island.  This is more than 100 driving miles away from the western Kohala and Kona Coasts, where the island’s major visitor accommodations and resorts are located, and the area furthest from the current activity.  In addition, Hilo town is approximately 20 miles away, and accommodations and activities are unaffected by Kīlauea volcano.  Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and has been erupting for the past 35 years.  The topography of the island between east and west is unconducive for a natural flow. VACATION RENTALS IN LOWER PUNA AREA  Effective May 12, the County of Hawai'i Civil Defense Agency has directed all vacation rental owners and operators in Lower Puna to cease operations so that emergency operations can focus on residents who live in the area.  The Lower Puna restricted area encompasses the area accessed by Highway 132 from Leilani Estates to Kapoho, Highway 137 from Kapoho to Kalapana, and Highway 130 from Pāhoa to Pohoiki, including Pāhoa’s Black Sands Beach Subdivision.  Current vacation renters in this restricted area should find alternative accommodations outside the restricted area as soon as possible.  Until further notice, visitors who have vacation rental reservations in the restricted area should find alternative accommodations.