The June 27 lava flow has a new leading edge that officials say could reach Pahoa as soon as Dec. 12. ADVERTISING The June 27 lava flow has a new leading edge that officials say could reach Pahoa as soon
The June 27 lava flow has a new leading edge that officials say could reach Pahoa as soon as Dec. 12.
A breakout that officials had been monitoring since mid-November over the weekend pulled away from the main flow pad and established itself as a new flow front, Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said Monday. The new front, which on Tuesday as showing signs of widening, is advancing downslope toward the north-northeast at a rate of nearly a quarter mile per day.
“It has taken away from the existing flow pad and has advanced a significant distance to where, from my impression or Civil Defense’s perspective, it appears to be receiving a large volume of the (lava) supply that is coming downslope to where we are anticipating it to continue to move as long as it is being supplied,” Oliveira said.
As of Tuesday morning, the lava was within 2.7 miles of the Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130 intersection. Based on an average daily advancement rate of about 350 to 400 yards, the new flow front could reach the intersection, which is also where Malama Market is located, within 12 to 16 days, Oliveira said.
However, that is dependent on the lava flow both keeping its current rate of advancement and following one of two lines of steepest descent drawn by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. A second line of steepest descent would take the lava in a direction toward Ainaloa, however, that path does veer east before reaching the area.
“It may be premature to say it will stay on this particular path with any real confidence,” Oliveira said, noting that the two lines of steepest descent are very close to one another.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geophysicist Mike Poland added that the lava could also advance down both lines of steepest descent. Either way, “all of the area downslope from Paradise Park through Pahoa, is potentially impacted by these flow lines, these steep descent paths.”
“It’s pretty hard to tell at this point which one it will go into — if only one,” he said. “But, certainly all of the things we’ve been saying remain in play as far as where this may eventually impact.”
Currently, Oliveira said, there is no immediate threat to area communities.
Upslope of the new flow front, surface breakouts and breakouts along the edges of the original lava flow pad continue, primarily along the northern margin, Oliveira said. A breakout along the south side of the flow remains active but there is “no indication” it is moving to toward the Kaohe Homesteads area, Oliveira said.
Smoke conditions were reported as light Monday morning with all smoke from burning vegetation being blown in a southeast direction toward the Kalapana area. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take precautions and to remain indoors.
An evacuation notice for those living in the immediate threat of the flow has been lifted. While residents are no longer on notice, residents are urged to remain vigilant.
A manager at Pahoa Fresh Fish, a tenant of the shopping area, said the business will wait until the “last minute” before moving everything out on a trailer if lava arrives.
“We kind of stopped on the plans (when it crossed Apaa Street) but now it’s coming this way,” said Tiffany, who declined to provide a last name.
“We are rethinking about it, the trailer and the packing.”
The shopping center also hosts Puna Community Medical Center.
Dan Domizio, clinical programs director, said the medical center established an annex on the south side of town in case lava crossed the highway and split the town.
All of its operations could be transferred there if the shopping center becomes inundated, but Domizio said there wouldn’t be space for any extra equipment.
“We have a bunch of boxes, we have the promise of Matson containers,” Domizio said. “Then the question is: where do we set up?”
If lava destroys the medical center’s existing location, it may also threaten property nearby that it plans to eventually use for emergency room services.
The state has approved a lease and funding assistance for the project, but all that could end up delayed.
“Obviously, we are going to have to find another site and start the whole process all over again,” Domizio said, if the worst happens.
Meanwhile, work to create the Chain of Craters alternate route continues.
Warren Lee, county Public Works director, said the road from Kalapana into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will likely be ready for use late this month. It would be opened should lava cross all other routes in and out of lower Puna.
Previously, the road was expected to be complete early this month. The schedule change was the result of the crews’ work week being reduced from 60 hours to 40 hours to prevent burnout, Lee said.
The next community meeting on the lava flow will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pahoa High School cafeteria.
Stephens Media Hawaii reporter Tom Callis contributed to this report.
