2018-09-08 - Lava Mandatory Evacuation Order Rescinded

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WHEREAS, on May 31, 2018, the Mayor of the County of Hawaii issued a Mandatory Evacuation Order for all that area of Leilani Estates subdivision, including and East of Pomaikai Street; and WHEREAS, on July 2, 2018, the Mayor of the County of Hawaii issued a Third Supplementary Emergency Proclamation providing for real property tax adjustments for areas deemed .affected by the eruptive activity; and WHEREAS, on August 31, 2018, the Mayor of the County of Hawaii issued a Fourth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, continuing the state of emergency and issuing a prohibition from people entering or remaining on the lava fields; and WHEREAS, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO), at this time cannot project an end date to this eruptive event; and WHEREAS, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) has lowered the volcanic threat level from red to orange, further that present lava activity is currently confined to the Fissure 8 cone and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission levels are low; and WHEREAS, despite the lowered volcanic threat level from red to orange, the present lava activity is currently confined to Fissure 8 cone, and SO2 emission levels are low, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) has nevertheless advised that eruptive events such as lava flow and related emissions can occur at any time; and WHEREAS, a Voluntary Evacuation Advisory of all areas of Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens, Pohoiki Bay Estates, Kapoho Estates, Kapoho Beach Lots, Vacationland, and Kapoho Farm Lots is necessary due to the hazards presented by this eruptive event and that first responders may not be able to respond timely to those areas should eruptive events such as lava flow and related emissions occur. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harry Kim, Mayor of the County of Hawaii, do hereby RESCIND the Mandatory Evacuation Order issued May 31, 2018. Access will be --limited to residents of Leilani Estates and residents beyond the check point of Highway 132 and Kaniahiku Street. FURTHER, that all prior Proclamations and Emergency Rules remain in full force and effect. FURTHER, that a Voluntary Evacuation Advisory of all areas of Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens, Pohoiki Bay Estates, Kapoho Estates, Kapoho Beach Lots, Vacationland, and Kapoho Farm Lots is in effect due to thebazards presented by this eruptive event and that first responders may not be able to respond timely to those areas. 2