Photo courtesy HVO web cam Photo courtesy HVO web cam Photo courtesy HVO web cam Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms there was a large explosion around 8:30 a.m. in the “overlook crater” within Halema‘umaʻu at the summit of Kilauea volcano, creating an enormous plum of ash. HVO spokeswoman Janet Babb said preliminary observations show it was not a steam explosion, and there was no water involved. Babb said it was likely […]
Gov. David Ige will issue a supplemental emergency declaration to provide authority for him “to do everything he needs to do” to secure the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant, which is increasingly threatened by the Lower East Rift eruption of Kilauea volcano. Ige declined to discuss the specifics of the proclamation until he has met with lawyers who are helping to draft the document, but noted that he visited a […]
Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are warning that the steady lowering of the Halemaumau lava lake at Kilauea volcano’s summit overlook crater indicates that explosive eruptions are possible in the coming weeks. HVO said that there is typically “very little warning” of steam-driven explosions at volcanoes. “If the lava column drops to the level of groundwater beneath Kilauea Caldera, influx of water into the conduit could cause steam-driven explosions,” […]
UPDATE: 8:30 a.m. The Hawaii National Guard will be increasing their patrol of Leilani Estates. An additional 20 National Guardsmen will be assigned to the subdivision, bringing their complement to 95. The Guard says this is in response to community demand for more security following an evacuation order by Hawaii County Civil Defense. Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira reports there was a burglary in the evacuation area. 7 a.m. […]
As of 3pm they said it will be at least another 3 hours. They are not able to get pass the tree on Halawa Gulch to work on the land slide in the Makapala area. The tree has a diameter larger than a pick up truck. And the land slide is quite large as well. ETA is at least another 3 hours. Emphasis on “at least”
Eruption update: EVACUATION - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms 2 new vents. All Lanipuna residents must evacuate now. Evacuate towards the ocean Isaac Hale Beach Park. Vent number 13 has opened near the intersection of Leilani Avenue and Kahukai Road and Vent number 14 near Kaupili St. and Leilani Avenue. Both are actively erupting. Hazardous fumes continue to be released.
UPDATE: 2:30 p.m. Hawaii County Civil Defense said this afternoon that two more fissures have opened up in Leilani Estates and another home has been confirmed destroyed, bringing the total to 27 in the lower Puna neighborhood. Officials said the two new vents, No. 13 and 14, around midday. One of the fissures fizzled out, but the other put out enough lava to burn a 27th home in Leilani Estates. […]
Spencer Park in Kawaihae will be closed May 15-17 for maintenance and repairs to the high-use park. Monthly closures are necessary to maintain and repair high-use parks without exposing park patrons to potential hazards associated with large-scale maintenance work. The Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the public for its cooperation during this temporary closure.
