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

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HTA Volcano Update – May 17 Page 3  This directive has been issued to owners and operators of vacation rentals within the restricted area, online advertisers of vacation rentals, current vacation renters in the area, and vacation renters with reservations. AIR QUALITY Air quality throughout the Hawaiian Islands remains largely unchanged with the exception of where the volcanic activity is happening can have hazardous levels of SO2 (sulfur dioxide). Officials constantly monitor SO2 levels across the island. VOG or volcanic haze is relatively common on an island with active volcanoes (consider Kīlauea has been erupting since 1983) and the level of haze is dependent on volcanic activity and wind direction/strength. To view SO2 conditions in real-time across the state, visit http://www.hiso2index.info/. For statewide Air Quality, visit Air Now at https://bit.ly/2I33ixd (data and forecasts courtesy of the Hawai‘i Department of Health – Environmental Health). REPORTS ABOUT ACID RAIN  News reports about acid rain during the Kīlauea eruption have mischaracterized the severity of its potential effect on human health. In fact, acid rain is a common occurrence anytime there is rainfall on an area where volcanic haze, or VOG, is in the atmosphere, whether on the island of Hawai‘i or anywhere else in the world.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in a lake affected by acid rain, is no more dangerous to humans than walking in normal rain or swimming in non-acidic lakes.”  Data about the composition of rain falling on the island of Hawai‘i is closely monitored on a continual basis by the National Atmospheric Deposition Program’s National Trends Network.  Visit the State Department of Health’s Hawai‘i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard for the latest information at www.ivhhn.org/vog/. HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Most of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is closed until further notice. The Park’s Kahuku Unit, which includes a 9-mile scenic drive, cinder cone, and several hiking options, is open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For Park updates, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm. For Volcano Watch updates, visit https://on.doi.gov/2r8G4zE. ACCESSIBILITY IN THE PUNA AREA  Road closures are taking place on select areas of Highway 130, 132 and 137.  No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens.  Residents and visitors who do not have official business in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens are asked to stay away from the area.  As a precaution, residents of Lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana are advised to be on alert in the event of possible volcanic activity in the area.  Temporary flight restrictions are in place for most of Lower Puna. Drones will be confiscated in this area.  Those who have rented accommodations or made tour reservations in the general area should check with those respective companies for the latest updates.  Unless otherwise noted, area businesses are open and accessible. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and be prepared for increased traffic.  Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has closed Lava Tree State Monument and Mackenzie State Recreation Area until further notice.  All beach parks in Lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.  The County of Hawai‘i has closed the Kalapana Viewing Area until further notice.