Emergency status extended as lava flow slows to a crawl

PAHOA, Hawaii » Lava from Kilauea Volcano was still threatening Pahoa on Hawaii island Monday but continued to slow its approach.

The front of the flow, which was about 100 yards wide, remained on the outskirts of Pahoa about 1.4 miles upslope from Apaa Street.

It had advanced "very little" from Sunday, according to Janet Babb, spokes­woman for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday added to his Sept. 5 emergency proclamation by signing a supplemental emergency proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period through Dec. 1. The supplemental proclamation also allows for the restoration of Chain of Craters Road, which previously was overrun with lava and would be rebuilt as one of three emergency routes out of lower Puna if lava were to overrun Highway 130.

"Even though the lava flow appears to have slowed to a halt for the time being, the state and Hawaii County are prepared and moving forward together with contingency plans in the event the lava does pro­gress farther," Abercrombie said in a statement.

The National Park Service said Monday it would work with state and county officials on the emergency Chain of Craters route.

Before the flow began to slow, volcano scientists Friday estimated that lava could reach Highway 130 in 21 days, increasing the urgency for work to reopen the 19-mile Chain of Craters Road that runs from the summit of Kilauea to sea level.

Since it opened in 1965, Chain of Craters Road has been blocked by lava for 37 years of its 49-year existence, according to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

About eight miles of the coastal section of Chain of Craters Road is covered by lava, park officials said.

An overflight of the area Monday morning showed that the flow had moved little since Sunday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. But a smaller breakout flow had moved upslope in a northeastern direction into a forested area, according to Civil Defense officials.

Volcano scientists theorized that the slowing lava flow may be due to "a reduction in lava supply related to ongoing summit deflation," adding, "if so, the flow advance rate could rise again in the coming days as the summit resumes inflation."

Since the flow broke out from Puu Oo Crater on June 27, it has advanced 10.2 miles.

If lava were to cross Highway 130, the main artery into and out of lower Puna, Hawaii island police plan to have officers on both sides of the flow to keep order.

"They’re in preliminary discussions now with a number of possible sites they could use on the lower Puna side," said county spokes­man Kevin Dayton.

Meanwhile, construction continues on Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road — two roads that will be essential to area drivers if lava severs Highway 130.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi said the roadwork will be done by Wednesday.

On Sunday night more than 100 people gathered behind the Pahoa Community Center to send their prayers and blessings to all those who may soon have their lives turned upside down by the lava flow.

Smoke from the lava heading toward the small town of about 900 people was visible in the sky as pastors from several different area churches led prayers for the attendees.

"You know, the people here are in turmoil," said Morris Niimi, New Hope pastor. "I sense the anxiety. That’s why we want to be available to the people and lift their spirits."

Niimi said that if lava progresses into Pahoa village in the next few days to weeks, he along with other church members are prepared to help those in need by opening up their doors and providing assistance where they can.

"We’re willing to help the people, no matter what it takes," he said.

The next lava flow community update meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pahoa High School cafeteria.

County officials are running an Incident Command Center and Informational Resource Center at Pahoa Community Center. Residents with questions are welcome to visit the center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Megan Moseley is a freelance reporter on Hawaii island.