Lava flow from Kilauea picks up activity and advances northeast

An overflight assessment Sunday morning showed an increase in activity at the Kilauea Volcano lava flow, with the front advancing about 25 yards since Saturday, Hawaii County Civil Defense said.

The small breakout upslope from the leading edge also remains active and has advanced about 30 yards since Saturday, Civil Defense said.

Both advances reflect an overall increase in activity of the so-called June 27th flow since Friday.

The June 27th flow, which continues to advance toward the northeast, poses no immediate threat to residential areas, but could reach Pahoa within weeks, scientists estimate.

Smoke conditions were light to moderate Sunday with light rain and no threat of fire.

Meanwhile, Hawaii Electric Light Co. crews are working in the Government Beach Road area, digging holes to allow for the installation of power poles. Access is limited to residents to minimize disruption and delays.

Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision also remains restricted to area residents.

The next lava flow community update meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Pahoa High School cafeteria. Representatives from county Civil Defense and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will be on hand to answer questions.

Also, the county has set up an Incident Command Center and Informational Resource Center at the Pahoa Community Center, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.