The June 27 lava flow is taking the path of steepest descent that is expected to bring it toward the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and Hawaii County Civil Defense officials report.
“It’s still hugging to that path of steepest descent that if it was to stay on that path it could go down in the area of the (Pahoa) Market Place,” said Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira.
The lava is moving in a north-northeast direction and is currently about 2.1 miles upslope of the Pahoa intersection. Oliveira said the flow front remained active and advanced about 300 yards between Tuesday and Wednesday. The leading edge is between 50 and 75 yards wide.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geologist Janet Babb said it is difficult to say whether the flow will continue at that rate during the coming days. However, she did note that the Kilauea Volcano summit appears to be inflating, which could result in additional lava being supplied to the flow.
“It’s kind of a wait-and-see. Sometimes there’s a delay of one or more days from the time of inflation to any effects at the flow front,” she said. “It’s a possibility that we’ll see the continued rate, it’s a possibility it could increase slightly or slow down.”
The lava could also enter a gully feature that is found along the path of steepest descent toward the Highway 130-Pahoa Village Road intersection, she said.
The flow does not currently pose an immediate threat to area communities, Oliveira said.
Civil Defense remains in close contact with businesses in the area of the Pahoa intersection, Oliveira said. Should the lava continue its current path toward the intersection, he said ample time will be provide for businesses — including the gas station operated by Malama Market — to take action.
Upslope of the flow front, breakouts continue along the flow pad. The observatory reported a breakout, located about 1.6 miles downslope of Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent, remains somewhat active. It has widened the June 27 lava flow field by about 220 yards.
There is currently no threat of brush fire. However, that could change in the coming days because of a lack of rain in recent days.
“The lava will move into an area of light vegetation that could pose a brush fire problem, so, we’ll be watching that very closely as we’re going forward,” Oliveira said, noting he will be in contact with the Hawaii County Fire Department.
Smoke conditions were reported as moderate to heavy on Wednesday morning. Smoke from burning vegetation is being blown toward the Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates and Pahoa areas. 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.