HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-12 Eruption Update for 1200 Noon
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY Date: May 12, 2018
MEDIA UPDATE Time: Noon
Radio Frequency: Every 1 hour
Incident: East Rift Zone Eruption in Leilani Subdivision
This is a Civil Defense Message for Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Noon.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports fissure 16 is venting lava spatter about a mile
below the geothermal plant property and a mile west (or Kalapana side) of highway
132. Highway 132 remains open. No residences are affected at this time, and no
flow of lava has been generated. For up to date information, go to the 2018 Lava
Eruption Map link at hawaiicounty.gov.
Continuing earthquakes, ground deformation, and sulphur dioxide emissions mean
additional outbreaks of lava are possible.
HVO states that an explosive eruption at Halema'uma'u Crater is possible. This
could generate ash plumes and dangerous debris that may affect an area as far as
12 miles from the summit crater.
Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:
Residents of lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana, are advised to be on the
alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. There may be
little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare.
If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community
Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.
Hawaii Police Department is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s
Temporary Flight Restriction for lower Puna area. No helicopter or drone activity is
allowed without approval.
The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your help and
understanding.
County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed
of any conditions that affect your safety.
Thank you. Have a safe day. This is your Hawai‘i County Civil Defense.
Visit the new link on the Civil Defense website for better public access to the eruption map:
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/2018-lava-map. For more details on the intrusion and volcanic
activity: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/
All beach parks in Lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.
Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their
property from 7 AM to 6 PM each day until further notice.
Civil Defense Recovery Information and Assistance Center (RIAC) is open at the
Pāhoa Community Center, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can come with
questions and concerns that involve Evacuation Access Placards, Health,
Mental/Spiritual Health, Housing, Aging, and On-Site Shelter needs.
Road Status Update:
Highway 130 is closed between Malama Street and Kamaili Road.
Pohoiki Road is closed from Highway 132 to Highway 137 due to cracks in the road.
No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens due to
dangerous volcanic gases.
Service/Utilities/Agency Update:
Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) has completed the removal of all pentane.
The Kalapana Transfer Station is closed until further notice. The Pāhoa Transfer
Station on Apaa Street is open 7 days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds residents to treat all downed lines as live. Under no
circumstances are you to approach or touch downed lines.
Emergency water restrictions for Pohoiki, Vacationland and Kapoho are still in effect.
Water spigots installed near the entrance of Lava Tree State Park and a water tanker
in Vacationland are still available for the public to access.
Evacuated residents can pick up their mail at the Pāhoa Post Office. The Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park Post Office has closed, mail pick up for area residents is at
Volcano Village Post Office.