Kilauea Lava Flow Update Meeting at Pahoa High School Cafeteria Thursday, September 4, 2014.

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Small-scale map showing the June 27th flow in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone as of September 4, 2014. Lava on the surface at 1 PM, outlined in red, was 13.3 km (8.3 miles) from the vent and 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from the east boundary of the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve. The front of the flow was spilling into another crack, which was steaming. The blue lines show potential flow paths calculated from a 1983 digital elevation model (DEM). All older lava flows (1983–2014) are shown in gray; the yellow line marks the lava tube. For an explanation of potential flow path calculations see: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1264/. Click on the map for a larger view

Large-scale map showing the distal part of the June 27th flow in relation to nearby Puna communities. Flow advancement is illustrated with black dots which show the flow front on specific dates. The most distant surface lava at 1 PM on September 4, outlined in red, was 13.3 km (8.3 miles) from the vent and 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from the east boundary of the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve. September 4 point Lat/Lon position: 19.446211/-154.990149 Decimal Degrees; WGS84. The blue lines show potential flow paths calculated from a 1983 digital elevation model (DEM; for calculation details, see http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1264/of2007-1264.pdf). Click on image for larger view.

This shaded-relief map, courtesy of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, shows some of the cracks and faults that are present in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone. The June 27th flow is partly transparent and shown in pink, while the active surface lava at 1 PM on September 4 are outlined in red. The front of the western of these three pads of lava was entering another ground crack, which was steaming. Click on map above for larger image.

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Governor Abercrombie signs emergency proclamation in preparation for lava crossing Highway 130 in Puna

Click here for the proclamation

The proclamation suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Highway 130. It also activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels.

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Possible paths of Kilauea’s lava flow discussed (9/4/14)

USGS/HVO Geologist Tim Orr answers questions about the Kilauea lava flow heading through Puna. Orr was one of the HVO staff members answering questions after the formal portion of the lava flow update meeting at Pahoa High School cafeteria Thursday night (Sept 4). More video of the meeting will be posted later.

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Hawaii County Civil Defense lava update for 11:30 a.m. September 5, 2014

Daily helicopter over flights and assessments are continuing. This morning’s assessment shows the surface lava flow continues and is moving very slowly in a east/northeast direction with very little vegetation burning. The surface flow has advanced approximately 150 yards since yesterday. Subsurface flow activity remains evident with the presence of steam plumes being emitted from the crack system. The surface flow is moving very slowly and does not pose an immediate threat to area residents. The surface flow is located approximately .8 miles southwest or upslope of the Wao Kele Puna Forest Reserve boundary and moving in an east/northeast direction.

Due to the proximity of the lava flow activity to the nearby residential areas, the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory has elevated the eruption alert level to an Eruption Warning yesterday, Thursday September 4th. Presently, the current activities and flow does not present with an immediate or imminent threat to area communities. No evacuation is required at this time. Eruption activity will continue to be monitored and additional updates will be provided.

Although the current flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, residents are encouraged to continue to review their emergency plans in the event conditions change and should an evacuation be necessary.

The public is reminded that the flow cannot be accessed and is not visible from any public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision will be restricted and limited to subdivision residents only.

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USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Friday, September 5, 2014 Lava Flow Update

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: The June 27th lava flow remains active. An HVO overflight yesteray afternoon observed lava continuing to issue onto the surface from a ground crack, and moving slowly through thick forest. The most distant active lava was approximately 13.3 km (8.3 miles) from the vent and 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from the eastern boundary of the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve. Another overflight is scheduled for this morning and an updated map will be posted later today.

Small breakouts also remain active closer to Puʻu ʻŌʻō, roughly midway along the length of the June 27th flow. None of these breakouts have been very vigorous recently, and there was no significant change overnight based on webcam views. Some of these breakouts are also creeping into the forest and producing smoke plumes.

Image from a camera positioned northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, near the east margin of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō lava flow field, monitoring the June 27th lava flow. The camera looks northeast, down the East Rift Zone. The cone near the right side of the image is Heiheiahulu. Photo courtesy of USGS/HVO

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HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY

Unpredictable lava flows in the Puna District have seemingly stalled, however they 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

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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