Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption Update for 7:45 p.m. March 26, 2015

This morning’s assessment continues to show all breakout and flow activity is limited to areas approximately 8 miles upslope from the stalled flow fronts to areas near the summit of Pu’u O’o. Smoke conditions with burning vegetation along the edges of the breakouts were light with a light east wind blowing the smoke in a southwest direction.

With the ongoing decrease in down slope activity and the downgrade in the threat level issued by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory yesterday, daily assessments and eruption updates will be suspended effective Saturday March 28th. Eruption and flow activity will continue to be monitored by the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the community will be kept informed of any changes or possible threats.

On behalf of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and our partners I would like to thank the community for your support and assistance and stress that the eruption and flow activity will be monitored closely.

Kilauea June 27 Lava Flow map updated 7 a.m., March 20, 2015. Courtesy of Hawaii County Civil Defense

Kilauea June 27 Lava Flow map updated 7 a.m., March 20, 2015. Courtesy of Hawaii County Civil Defense

Kilauea June 27 Lava Flow map updated 7 a.m., March 20, 2015. Courtesy of Hawaii County Civil Defense

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USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kilauea Status Update for 8:47 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015

Activity Summary: Three areas of breakouts in the upslope portion of the June 27th flow field in KÄ«lauea’s East Rift Zone continue to be active, all are within 6 km (4 mi) of PuÊ»u ʻŌʻō. Alert level reduced to WATCH owing to decrease in immediate threat during the past several weeks. KÄ«lauea continues to host a lava lake at its summit.

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: Webcams showed overnight that three areas of breakouts continued to be active in the upslope portion of the June 27th flow field located to the northeast of PuÊ»u ʻŌʻō: the northern flank of PuÊ»u ʻŌʻō (Feb. 21 breakout), an area near PuÊ»u Kahauale’a, and an area 5-6 km (3-4 mi) northeast of PuÊ»u ʻŌʻō. Tuesday’s HVO overflight showed that the farthest northeast breakout area was continuing to burn forest.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: The tiltmeter on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō continues to show no significant tilt. The sulfur dioxide emission rate from all East Rift Zone vents was about 400 tonnes/day when last measured on March 20.

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters at KÄ«lauea’s summit continued to record steady inflationary tilt, consistent with the inflationary phase of a DI event. The summit lava lake level has been fairly steady since yesterday’s report, at about 35-40 m (115-130 ft) below the rim of the Overlook crater. Sulfur dioxide emission rates averaged 4700 – 6300 tonnes/day for the week ending March 24.

Breakouts are active in three general areas near Puʻu ʻŌʻō: at the northern base of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, north Kahaualeʻa, and about 6 km (4 mi) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. The distal breakout and the breakout north of Kahaualeʻa are both burning forest. There is no eruptive activity downslope from the distal breakout (nothing active near Pāhoa). Photo taken Tuesday, March 24, 2015 courtesy of USGS/HVO

There are several incandescent and outgassing hornitos on the floor of PuÊ»u ʻŌʻō’s crater, including the one shown here, which is at the northeast edge of the crater. Recent flows from the hornito appear black. Photo taken Tuesday, March 24, 2015 courtesy of USGS/HVO

This map shows the changes to Kīlauea’s active East Rift Zone lava flow field. The area of the flow on March 17 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as of March 24 is shown in red. Small changes west of Puʻu Kahaualeʻa are not shown, as that part of the flow field was hidden by Puʻu ʻŌʻō’s gas plume at the time of mapping.

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Community lava update meetings suspended until further notice

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira announced the regularly scheduled Pahoa lava flow community update meetings are being suspended until further notice.

“We appreciate the excellent turnout and response from the community at each of these meetings, which the county first began holding last August,” said Chief Oliveira. “We expect we will need to call additional meetings in the weeks and months ahead, but right now we want to give the community and our volunteers a break during this period while the active lava flows are some distance from populated communities.”

Chief Oliveira thanked residents for their understanding and cooperation, and said the county will resume the community meetings when additional briefings are necessary to keep the public informed.

For the latest Civil Defense message, go to http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/. For more information, contact Hawai‘i County Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

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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 Jan. 30, 2015. And that the Proclamation of Sept. 4, 2014, Supplementary Proclamation of Oct. 16, 2014 and Second Supplementary Proclamation of Dec. 3, 2014 shall remain in full force and effect.

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Governor Signs Proclamation Extending Emergency Period

Gov. David Ige signed a supplemental emergency proclamation March 2, 2015. The supplemental proclamation extends the emergency period for the lava flow that threatens the Puna district on Hawaii Island.

“The state stands ready to support Hawaii County in its response to the lava flow,” Ige said. “This extension of the emergency proclamation aids current monitoring and response and recovery efforts. The lava isn’t going to just go away and we need to work together to ensure the community’s health and safety.”

The extension suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes. Copy of the proclamation text can be found at http://www.scd.hawaii.gov/Proclamations.htm.

A request to expand the Presidential Disaster Declaration to include debris removal and permanent work to repair eligible government and private non-profit infrastructure damaged by the lava flow was submitted in early February.

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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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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:

• Protecting power poles from the heat generated by the lava by partially encasing select wooden poles with heat resistant and dispersive material
• Increasing the distance between select power poles to span the lava flow
• Extending our distribution lines on Government Beach Road and other areas as an alternate means to provide power to Puna subdivisions should the normal power distribution lines become inoperable
• Relocating generators to the Puna District to provide an alternate source of generation should the flow isolate the area from the island-wide power grid

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:

• Shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch
• Unplug or turn off electric equipment and appliances
• Call Customer Service at 969-6999 to request
  a service disconnect or transfer

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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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:

• Stay inside as much as possible, with doors and windows shut. Make sure only clean air circulates through air conditioners and/or air cleaners by using the recirculation setting.
• When driving through smoky areas, car windows and vents should be kept closed. Air conditioning should be set to “recirculate” to avoid exposure to unhealthy outside air.
• Avoid exercising outdoors, particularly if you smell smoke or experience eye or throat irritation.
• Individuals with asthma are encouraged to contact their physician regarding any changes in medication they may need to cope with smoky conditions. The American Lung Association advises asthma patients who cannot reach their doctor to continue to take their medication and closely follow their asthma action plan as prescribed.

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 –

• Crate
• Leash
• Food
• Water
• Towel
• Identification
• Medication (if applicable)

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