LavaTalk: September 20, 2014 update on Kilauea’s lava flow


Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7, Air transportation by Paradise Helicopters

Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption Audio Update for 2:45 p.m. September 20, 2014
Webcam image taken at 7:56 a.m. Saturday (Sep 20) of Kilauea's June 27th Flow and the Lower East Rift Zone. The camera is positioned near Kapoho looking Northwest.  From left to right on the horizon, one can see Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent near the left edge of the image, the gas plume from Halemaʻumaʻu crater (when clear enough), with Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea farther to the right. The advancing front of the June 27th lava flow is burning vegetation and sending smoke aloft in the left center of the image.  Photo courtesy of USGS/HVO

Webcam image taken at 7:56 a.m. Saturday (Sep 20) of Kilauea’s June 27th Flow and the Lower East Rift Zone. The camera is positioned near Kapoho looking Northwest. From left to right on the horizon, one can see PuÊ»u ʻŌʻō vent near the left edge of the image, the gas plume from HalemaÊ»umaÊ»u crater (when clear enough), with Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea farther to the right. The advancing front of the June 27th lava flow is burning vegetation and sending smoke aloft in the left center of the image. Photo courtesy of USGS/HVO

Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption and Lava Flow Information Update for Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 2:45 p.m.

This is a Lava Flow and Brush Fire Information Update for Saturday September 20th at 2:45pm.

The current lava flow has moved into lighter vegetation and has started a brush fire in a remote area above Apa’a Road to the west or mauka of Highway 130. No structures or properties are threatened. The Hawaii Fire Department and the State Department of Forestry are working to contain the fire and to prevent any threat to neighboring communities.

The lava flow has not advanced since this morning and does not present an immediate threat to area communities. No evacuation is needed at this time and area residents will be given adequate notice to safely evacuate should that be necessary.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption and Lava Flow Information Update for Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 8 a.m.

This morning’s assessment shows the surface lava flow continues towards the northeast and has advanced approximately 100 yards since yesterday. The active edge of the surface flow had exited the northwest corner of the Kaohe Homesteads and has moved from the forested area to open land with lighter vegetation. The leading edge or front of the flow is approximately 150 yards wide. Currently the flow does not pose an immediate threat to area communities and area residents will be given adequate notice to safely evacuate should that be necessary.

There is no brushfire threat at this time and all burning is limited to the vegetation that is in direct contact with the flow. Smoke conditions in the area was light to moderate and expected to improve with the increase in morning winds.

Construction activities on the Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road are continuing.

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

Next Community Meeting Thursday (Sept 25), Lava Flow Information Center Open

The next lava flow community update meeting will be held with representatives from Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pāhoa High School Cafeteria.

In addition, the County of Hawai‘i has established an Incident Command Center and Informational Resource Center at the Pāhoa Community Center. Residents are invited to the information center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday next week for answers to their questions.

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.​

Alternate routes for Lower Puna displayed at the Lava Flow Informational Fair Saturday (Sept 13) in Pahoa. Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Alternate routes for Lower Puna displayed at the Lava Flow Informational Fair Saturday (Sept 13) in Pahoa. Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Hawaii County Mass Transit proposed routes. Displayed at the Lava Flow Informational Fair Saturday (Sept 13).

Hawaii County Mass Transit proposed routes. Displayed at the Lava Flow Informational Fair Saturday (Sept 13).


View Alternate Routes In/Out of Lower Puna in a larger map
Potential evacuation routes/alternative roads DPW, DLNR and DOT are looking at. NOTE: Routes in Pink are aproximate drawings from a County map presented. Railroad Avenue and Beach Road are existing but would need to be improved.


Information Graphics by Dr. Mark Kimura, UH-Hilo
More graphics by Dr. Mark Kimura: https://www.facebook.com/lowerpuna

Joint UH Hilo and Hawaii CC Information on the 2014 Puna Lava Flow

The University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College continue to closely monitor the June 27th lava flow from Kilauea.

We have heard the concerns of people who have contacted our campus and we are putting information on the web that may help those who need assistance.

Updates and general information for both campuses are posted at: hilo.hawaii.edu/puna-lava-flow/

Housing:

The Hawaii County Housing Office provides a housing agency resource guide online. Visit: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/office-of-housing/

We’ve created a bulletin board, UH for Puna Classifieds, where you can post your housing needs and others can post what they can provide. Visit: http://hilo.hawaii.edu/puna-lava-flow/classifieds/

Students without dependents or animals may apply for temporary accommodations in on-campus residence halls. Visit: http://hilo.hawaii.edu/puna-lava-flow/on-campus-housing.php

Transportation: Roads to Hilo are accessible now, but for future transportation concerns should Highway 130 become blocked by the flow, the county plans to continue bus service through the bypass road they are currently preparing.

We also have put up a ride-share section on the UH for Puna Classifieds bulletin board to assist students, faculty and staff with transportation to and from class and work.

Classes and work schedules: At present, classes and work schedules continue as usual at both campuses. Should Highway 130 become blocked by the lava flow, classes will remain open and students are encouraged to continue attending classes on campus.

Should all access roads become impassible, we are establishing on-line course options for people who are dislocated and unable to get to campus. We will work with the county to establish sites where students can access the Internet.

If you have concerns or inquiries about courses, please email uh4puna@hawaii.edu for information. We ask that students connect with their professors and instructors, and that faculty and staff connect with their supervisors or deans, to discuss their situation.

Be prepared, stay informed: We continue to work with County Civil Defense and the Red Cross regarding disaster relief efforts. When the needs become clear, we will be part of the community response to ease this burden on our people in Puna.

Please keep yourself informed. Listening to the latest Hawaii County Civil Defense messages website and on the radio, and follow the instructions.

We encourage everyone who may be affected to review their personal preparations and emergency plans.

Stay safe.

Chancellor Don Straney and Chancellor Noreen Yamane

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

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

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

Email: lava@hphhawaii.org

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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