Hawaii National Guard’s Big Island lava mission ends
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Breakouts were active in the upper portion of the lava flow Thursday.This pahoehoe lava is flowing over 'a'a erupted from Puʻu ʻO'o in the 1980s.
HILO >> The Hawaii National Guard is no longer needed to help deal with a lava flow threatening Puna.
The lava remains active but has been sluggish.
Hawaii County officials on Monday allowed the withdrawal of National Guard soldiers who were deployed to Pahoa in October to help maintain security.
More than 80 unarmed members of the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard were sent to help police with road blocks and other security tasks.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Saturday Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira says he’s been assured the soldiers can return quickly if they’re needed again.
The lava hasn’t gained ground since it advanced 50 yards on Jan. 26.
