Update: As of 1:45 p.m., the air quality for Kona and Ocean View had improved slightly to “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” However, it is on the higher end of what is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” or orange, air quality.
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers. These people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
KAILUA-KONA — Air quality has been deemed “unhealthy” this morning, the state Department of Health reports.
Ocean View is also in the red air category as areas of Kona. The decreased air quality comes after lava entered the ocean in Kapoho Bay Sunday night.
“Unhealthy” air, which is signified by the color red, affects everyone. According to the Department of Health, the elderly, children and those with breathing problems should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. If possible, reschedule any outdoor activity to when air quality is better.
Those not in one of these sensitive groups should also reduce prolonged or heavy exertion as well as take more breaks during all outdoor activities.
For the latest air quality information, click here.
The DOH and USGS do plan to host a community meeting on Wednesday to address air quality in Kona. Officials are still working out the details, but it’s expected to take place at the West Hawaii Civic Center at 5:30 p.m.
As of 6 a.m. today, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to feed a large channelized flow traveling along Highway 132, the Pahoa-Kapoho Road.
Due to lava crossing Highway 137, there is no access to the Lower Puna area, Highways 132 and 137 due to lava inundation.
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.
According the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, volcanic gas emissions remain high at the Kilauea summit and in the fissure system. Residents in the communities downwind should limit exposure to gas and ash.
On the coast, officials warn of hydrochloric acid and glass particulates from the laze at the ocean entry.
Eruptions began on May 3 in Leilani Estates in the Puna area. Since then, 22 fissures have cracked open and spewed lava, several homes have been destroyed and families and animals are displaced.