HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0509.000 2000-2002 ~qX Of
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t-iarry Kim ~7 Dixie Kaetsu
Mayor ~ ~ Managing Director
pe Peter T. Young
Deputy Managing Director
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25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 c.:;~
KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Y V
(808) 329-5226 • Fax (808) 326-5663 ; f,Y i
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February 3, 2002 ~ ' ` '
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The Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman,
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members:
I am writing to inform you that as of about two weeks ago, lava stopped flowing into the
ocean at Kalapana and is once again flowing exclusively on national park land. This impacts
the Kalapana Lava Viewing Program, because there is no longer lava to view at the County's
site.
Since the lava shift, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory of the USGS has conducted an
evaluation of the area, and has identified the existence of a significant hazard of bench
collapse and possible scalding for the East Kupapa`u Bench area. The scientists'
recommendation is that the bench remain off-limits to the public for at least two to three more
months. They will review this hazard again in two months.
Since the main purpose of the Kalapana Lava Viewing Program was safety of the public, the
program will remain operational for the next two months with reduced personnel and shorter
hours to make sure the public does not access the bench. Even though there is no active lava
flow, there are still close to 100 cars a day entering to view the area where the lava was
formerly seen.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority approved a $50,000 grant for the Kalapana project, and these
funds will be used to develop a program in the area encompassing not only the volcano but
Hawaiian cultural elements. When details of the grant have been worked out, an
appropriation bill will be forwarded for your approval.
As more information becomes available, we will keep you informed. Thank you for your
support of this program as we work to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors while
allowing them a unique experience of viewing an active lava flow.
Alo a,
Harry
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MAYOR
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