LavaTalk: February 6, 2015 update on Kilauea’s lava flow



Video courtesy of Tropical Visions Video with air transportation by Paradise Helicopters.

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Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption Update for 7:45 a.m. February 6, 2015

This morning’s assessment continues to show no advancement of any of the down slope flow areas and all visible activity was limited to breakouts within or on the surface of the lava pad and breakouts along both margins further upslope. The leading edge or front of the furthest down slope flow area remains approximately 0.36 miles from the area of Highway 130 to the west or mauka of the Pahoa Police and Fire Stations and again, showing no signs of advancement. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are maintaining close observations of the flow. Residents and businesses down slope will be informed of any changes in flow activity and advancement.

Smoke and vog conditions were moderate to heavy with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke in a northeast direction. Smoke and vog conditions may increase in some areas and individuals who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors. Burning activity related to Wednesday’s brush fire was limited to several hot spots and flare-ups within the fire area. There is no fire threat to any nearby communities and the fire conditions will be monitored closely.

The community is reminded that the Public Lava Viewing area at the Pahoa Transfer Station has been closed effective this past Sunday February 1st. This is to allow for the restoration of the transfer station and to restore normal operations by March 1st. We apologize for any inconvenience

On behalf of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and our partners we would like to thank everyone for your assistance and cooperation.

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USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kilauea Status Update for 9:13 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2015

Activity Summary: Kīlauea Volcano continues to erupt at its summit and from its East Rift Zone. The inactive distal tip of the June 27th lava flow remains roughly 500 m (~550 yd) from Highway 130 in the area west of the Pāhoa Fire and Police Stations. The flow has not advanced downslope in more than a week, but many breakouts are active upslope. Indications of overall activity, including deformation and seismicity, across the volcano have shown no significant changes over the past 24 hours.

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: Observers on the Civil Defense overflight Friday morning report continued surface flow activity upslope of the inactive distal flow tips. The USGS overflight Thursday afternoon showed that there were no breakouts on the northern lobe downslope of where it branched off from the more easterly lobe. Webcam images overnight show the breakout that started more than a week ago about 2 km (1.2 mi) downslope of Puʻu ʻŌʻō remains active. The cross-sectional area of the lava stream measured yesterday afternoon by HVO scientists was the same as measured on January 29, 2.1 square meters (2.5 square yards).

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: Over the past day, no significant changes have been recorded by monitoring instruments on and around Puʻu ʻŌʻō. Webcam images overnight show the usual spots of fluctuating glow emanating from small pits within the crater. The rate of sulfur dioxide emission from all East Rift Zone vents was about 200 tonnes per day, measured on January 7 (unfavorable wind conditions have prevented more recent measurements).

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters operating around the summit recorded show a very slight inflationary trend in the past 2 days. The level of lava within the summit eruptive vent rose only slightly in the past day. Emission rates of sulfur dioxide ranged from around 4,400 to 5,100 tonnes/day during the week ending on January 27 (unfavorable wind conditions prevented measurements during the past week). Small amounts of particulate material were carried aloft by the plume. There was no significant change in seismicity on KÄ«lauea during the past day; seismic tremor at the summit remained low and varied with changes in spattering on the surface of the lava lake.

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Mayor Kenoi signs third Emergency Supplementary Proclamation for the Puna area

The Mayor has signed his Third Emergency Supplementary Proclamation, due to the threat of disaster due to the June 27th lava flow in the District of Puna, effective January 30, 2015. And that the Proclamation of September 4, 2014, Supplementary Proclamation of October 16, 2014 and Second Supplementary Proclamation of December 3, 2014 shall remain in full force and effect.

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Public Access to the Kilauea June 27th Lava Flow *CLOSED*

Work began Monday, Feb. 2 to clear more than 1 ton of lava from the Pahoa transfer station.

Crews estimate about 800 cubic yards needs to be chipped off the transfer station asphalt and carted off in 40 truck loads.

Workers also will reinstall a water tank, reconnect electricity and complete other repairs before the transfer station reopens in March, County Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd said.

The Kilauea June 27th lava flow dribbled through a chain link fence and prompted the closure of the transfer station to close in October.

Reopening the transfer station is estimated to cost approximately $100,000, Leithead Todd said.

Some of the rock will remain on site to be used for landscape and rock wall features, she said.

In addition, the lava that flowed down the grass embankment does not impact the transfer station operations and will not be removed.

Meanwhile, public access to area to view the lava flow closed Jan. 31.

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State air quality monitoring system website now active for Puna

The State of Hawaii Department of Health is currently operating three (3) air monitoring stations in the Pahoa and Leilani estates area in response to the current and ongoing eruption and lava flow activities. These monitiors detect the presence of air borne particles that may result from the burning materials (vegetation , grass, brush, and other materials). The data and information being collected by these monitors can be viewed at the following web site: http://emdweb.doh.hawaii.gov/air-quality/ , click on “Quick Look” then go to “Puna Special Sites”.

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Pahoa Public & School Library Remains Open; Offers 24/7 Wi-Fi Access

While the Kilauea lava flow advances, the Pahoa Public & School Library will remain open as long as conditions remain safe, announced State Librarian Richard Burns.

The Library, located on the campus of Pahoa High and Intermediate School, provides materials, reference services, programs, public computers and free wireless Internet access to the Pahoa community as well as the public, charter, and private schools in the area.

During this critical time, the Library will offer free after hours Wi-Fi service that will be accessible 24/7 as far as the signal extends beyond the perimeter of the building.  In addition, Mountain View Public and School Library and Keaau Public and School Library will also offer this free Wi-Fi access for area residents.

Wi-Fi users are advised to connect to the “HSPLS-Lava” network.

As the lava flow crosses through the town, the Library may temporarily close due to poor air quality conditions, but it is expected to reopen once conditions are safe.

“In an effort to provide access to the resources our Puna neighbors need, we are extending the hours of our free Wi-Fi service so that they can access the Internet for information, communication, recovery resources and other necessities” said Burns.

The Pahoa Public & School Library is located at 15-3070 Pahoa-Kalapana Road. Public service hours are: Monday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday closed. Visit the Library or our HSPLS website: www.librarieshawaii.org for more information.

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U.S. Postal Service Puna Lava Flow Contingency Plans (December 30, 2014)

See updated story: https://hawaii247.com/?p=100202

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Information Graphics by Dr. Mark Kimura, UH-Hilo

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A utility pole hardened against the heat of the lava flow alongside Pahoa Village Road on Sunday, December 7, 2014. Protection material has been pushed off the roadway so it could open to traffic. Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Hawaii Electric Light Preparing for Potential Impacts from Lava Flow



Hawaii Electric Light is closely monitoring the progress of the Kilauea lava flow. There is no immediate threat to its facilities or power lines.

The company continues to work with Hawaii County Civil Defense and other agencies to monitor and evaluate the flow and is prepared to respond.

Because of the unpredictable nature of the flow, Hawaii Electric Light has developed several plans to keep the power on and will put into action the plan that best fits the situation.

The safety of employees and community is always the top priority.

“Our plans are based on key objectives that include keeping employees and the community safe and keeping the power on for our customers as long as is safely possible,” said spokesperson Rhea Lee. “In developing our plans, we consulted with volcanologists, Hawaii County Civil Defense and other County agencies, leaders in the Hawaiian community, and other partners.”

Plans include, but are not limited to:

Crews have started work on Government Beach Road. In addition, pole protection prototypes were built in the Puna area.

“There is a lot of focus on protecting poles as a means to retain the current transmission and distribution system,” Lee said. “The designs developed are experimental, but we are hopeful that they will be successful and can be used on select wooden poles as the lava progresses.”

In addition, Hawaii Electric Light is exploring the possibility of operating a micro-grid in the event the lava flow isolates lower Puna from the power system.

“A micro-grid is disconnected from the utility grid and generates power for a specific area,” Lee said. “This option may allow us to continue to provide power to the lower Puna community until we are able to rebuild transmissions lines that are damaged by lava and interconnect these lines to the grid.”

However, outages may occur despite efforts to keep the power on for as long as possible. As the flow gets closer to our facilities, we will provide more specific information as to how customers could be impacted.

For customers who

evacuate, the company recommends:

Hawaii Electric Light’s free “Handbook for Emergency Preparedness” provides detailed information on preparing for emergency situations. The handbook is available in English, Cantonese, Ilocano, Korean, and Vietnamese and can be found at the company’s business offices, on its website www.hawaiielectriclight.com, or by calling 969-0137.

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LAVA DANGER FORCES STATE LAND CLOSURE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY



Due to the recent lava flow activity adjacent to the Kaohe Homesteads area in the Puna district, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed all state unencumbered lands in the immediate vicinity.

These include the parcels designated by Tax Map Key numbers: (3) 1-5-01:21, 26 and (3) 1-5-08:01. Signs have been posted at various access points warning the public of the hazardous conditions.

DLNR has been receiving reports of tour groups and individuals wandering onto state lands to get a better look at the lava. Although the lava flow has temporarily stopped, there are outbreaks still entering onto state lands.

To ensure safety, DLNR is closing this area to all but essential personnel.

DLNR has also closed Wao Kele O Puna forest reserve, and Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve. Both areas are off-limits to all persons.

Entry into closed lands is a violation of Hawaii Administrative Rule Sec. 13-221-4 and Hawaii Revised Statute 171-6, and is subject of penalty up to $5,000 for the first offense. The Governor’s proclamation enhances the penalties for any offense committed during this emergency.

“DLNR intends to prosecute any trespassers who willfully violate the closures and place enforcement officers and emergency personnel at increased risk,” said William J. Aila,Jr., DLNR chairperson.

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Emergency Preparations Trigger Closure of Pahoa Senior Center

The county Department of Parks and Recreation has closed its Pahoa Senior Center so the facility may be used as an emergency fire station servicing the lower Puna community threatened with lava inundation.

Until the lava threat from Kilauea Volcano ends, the Hawaii County Nutrition Program and the Senior Club will operate from the Nanawale Community Center.

Coordinated Services for the Elderly (CSE) and Elderly Recreation Services (ERS) have been relocated to the Keaau Senior Center. For more details regarding the Department of Parks and Recreation’s elderly services, please call CSE at 961-8777 or ERS at 966- 5801.

The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the closure of the Pahoa Senior Center and thanks the public for its patience and understanding during this time of emergency.

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UnitedHealth Group Acts to Support People Affected by Lava Flow

UnitedHealth Group and its benefits and services businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, are taking immediate action to help people on the island of Hawaii who may be affected by the lava flow from the Kilauea Volcano.

This includes a free emotional-support line to help people in the affected communities and assisting health plan participants who may be affected and need to make alternate arrangements to ensure continuity of care.

The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Specially trained Optum mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their everyday needs. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.

Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com

For plan participants who may have misplaced their medical ID card, call 866-633-2446, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (in the local time zone), Monday through Friday. People enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual health plans who have a smartphone can download the free Health4Me app, which provides instant access to their ID card, network care providers, their personal health benefits and more. The Health4Me app is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market on Google Play.

UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making health care work better. With headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two business platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. Through its businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 85 million people worldwide.

For more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com

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AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION WARNS OF HEALTH EFFECTS FROM SMOKE



The American Lung Association in Hawaii warns visitors and people living near the lava flow in Puna to take precautions against smoke exposure from burning vegetation and low levels of sulfur dioxide.

This smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles released as vegetation burns. In addition to burning your eyes, these fine particles and gases can be inhaled deeply into your lungs, making it harder to breathe.

Exposure can worsen other chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease.

Exposure to sulfur dioxide, a gas emitted by volcanoes, can also be harmful, burning the nose and throat and causing breathing difficulties.

Residents with respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and also those with chronic heart disease should take extra precautions during this time and call their physician immediately if problems develop.

“Even those without lung diseases may be at risk during this time,” said Kim Nguyen, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Hawaii. “With exposure to smoke, there is an increased risk of dangerous health effects ranging from respiratory tract irritation to more serious illness, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and premature death. This is especially true for children, older adults and outdoor workers.”

People living near affected areas are encouraged to do the following:

If you have questions, you can call the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA (choose option #2) to speak to a lung health expert.

For more information about the American Lung Association in Hawaii or to support the work it does, call (808) 537-5966 or visit www.lung.org/hawaii

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HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY

Unpredictable lava flows remind us that upfront planning now can ease stressful situations should there be a need to evacuate. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The Hawaii Island Humane Society has a few tips to help keep animals safe in the event of an evacuation:

HIHS encourages all pet owners to be safe and prepared. If you are advised to evacuate, please consider your pet’s safety. Do not leave animals behind.

Develop a plan for their ongoing care including transportation arrangements.

Larger animals including horses and livestock may need to be moved well in advance. Call friends or family members to locate alternate pastures.

Gather items for your pet’s emergency kit –

If you evacuate, arrive at your destination prepared with your pet’s emergency kit and take your pets!

The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, micro-chipping and more.

For further information, call 808-329-1175 or visit www.hihs.org

If you need help or advice with your emergency planning, call the HIHS Keaau Shelter at 966-5458.

Call for volunteers: In the event of an evacuation, HIHS Keaau Shelter will contact volunteers for assistance. If you are able and willing to assist, call the Keaau Shelter at 966-5458 to add your name to the volunteer call list.

Emergency Kit Wish List for HIHS Keaau Shelter: Donations graciously accepted.

Plastic waste bags for pooper scooping

Crates

Tents

Pet food and bowls

Cat litter and litter boxes

Cable ties

Volunteers and feral cat caretakers

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Hui Pono Holoholona offering temporary shelter to cats displaced by lava. Owners provide food, litter, medications.

Email: lava@hphhawaii.org

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HelpPuna.com Helps Animal Evacuation



The June 27 lava flow poses a threat to farms and homes in the Puna area near Pahoa. Since this flow is in an agricultural area, it also threatens farm animals such as chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, in addition to dogs and cats.

All these animals would need to be evacuated in the event of an approaching lava flow. As people prepare for possible evacuation, they need to prepare and plan for evacuating their livestock and pets, too.

Finding accommodations for displaced people and their animals could become a major challenge as this lava flow continues. H.E.L.P. Puna is providing a free website service for residents who need to find places to protect their animals, and other residents in safe areas who wish to offer their properties as “Places of Refuge”.

H.E.L.P. is the Hawaii Evacuation of Livestock and Pets, a program of the Good Shepherd Foundation, a nonprofit organization with an animal sanctuary in Opihikao, not far from the lava flow.

Everyone is invited to offer their property as a haven from the lava flow for any livestock and pets they can accommodate. Some will be willing to accept only certain types of animals, such as dogs or cats. Others may have large fenced pastures or yards where they can take horses, sheep, or goats. Still others may have small backyards where they can only take chickens.

Those offering their places as refuges can do so for free or for a fee. It is between the parties to decide all financial issues and ensure there is a good fit.

We also invite those with animal trailers to offer their services on this website. Some people will need help moving their animals.

— Find out more:

www.HelpPuna.com

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BIG ISLAND STILL WELCOMING VISITORS

Tourism officials are reminding travelers the lava flow likely will not impact their vacations.

Most of the island’s hotels and resorts located along the Kohala and Kona coasts – the opposite side of the island – and none have announced any changes to operations in response to the lava flow.

Ross Birch, Big Island Visitors Bureau executive director, said, “It’s in a very remote part of the island and people don’t need to change their plans.”

However, Birch said, those with plans to stay at bed-and-breakfast or vacation rental units in the near future should keep in contact with the owners for the latest updates.

Guests who may not be able to stay in those units are urged to contact the BIVB office so accommodations can be made.

“We can connect people and help make other arrangements,” he said. “There is no reason not to come visit the Big Island.”

For further information, call (808) 885-1655 or visit: www.gohawaii.com/big-island