KAILUA-KONA — Lava now extends more than a half-mile into Kapoho Bay, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
KAILUA-KONA — Lava now extends more than a half-mile into Kapoho Bay, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Scientists confirmed the lava now reaches 0.7 miles into the bay during their 6:30 a.m. overflight this morning. In addition, most of Vacationland and all but the northern edge of Kapoho Beach Lots have been inundated with lava.
Virtually all of Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland were wiped out by lava, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense spokesperson Janet Snyder.
Lava also began flowing into the Kapoho Tide Pools overnight, destroying the popular snorkeling destination, Snyder said. The flow destroyed another beloved natural feature, the Champagne Ponds, Monday evening.
An official count of homes destroyed has yet to be released, but Snyder said that, because nearly all of Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland were covered, the number is expected to be in the hundreds.
The fountain at Fissure 8 continues to send lava 150 feet into the air and the lava channel feeding the flow to Kapoho Bay remains full, scientists said.
Hawaii County Civil Defense said this morning that the lava entering the ocean continues to send a large laze plume into the air along the coastline. Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with tiny glass particles into the air.
Due to the current volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:
Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road, is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road residents only with official credentials. There is no curfew.
Wow, that doesn’t leave much for Puna, those were really the only interesting spots on the coastline there. A whole bunch of vacation rentals just went poof, but as that was by far the majority of the use for the homes there, probably not a lot of residents displaced.
Ah well, you build between the lava flows of 1955 and 1960, you have to figure you’re taking a chance. There was a reason Champagne pool was warm.
Thankful no one died. Amen.