U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told a large crowd in Pahoa on Thursday night that they’re doing all they can to press the federal government to pay attention to the small town on Hawaii island being threatened by lava.

"People don’t understand Hawaii, so when we tell them there’s an active volcano heading to one of our towns, they don’t understand. We need to get people to understand Hawaii," Gabbard said during a community meeting about the lava threat. "We’ll continue to turn up the volume of your voices to see that the federal support is there."

Comments from the two members of Congress came after a debate on whether to make Chain of Craters Road a two-lane emergency route or one lane. The road would be one of three emergency access routes for the 8,000 residents of Lower Puna.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have said the 5.4-mile section of the road on federal land should be one lane of unpaved highway to reduce damage to ancient archaeological sites and endangered species.

However, residents are suggesting having one-lane access is not wise.

"It sounds like we’re falling on deaf ears. And what’s worse is that they’re not looking at it as a priority," said Kale Gumapac of Hawaiian Beaches. "The lava is giving us time by slowing down for us to prepare for this stuff, and Washington, D.C., needs to be looking at this. It’s a problem."

As of Thursday the lava was advancing at about 65 yards a day. It was about 0.9 mile from Apaa Street in Pahoa, said Steve Brantley, acting scientist-in-charge with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Meanwhile, Hawaii County officials are advising residents in need of medical treatment to prepare.

"We are suggesting those in need of regular health care services to consider relocating, but we’re not doing it to cause fear or panic. Just to let people know if they need to get to Hilo on a regular basis, it may become difficult," said Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira.

And although the threat is serious and the need to prepare remains critical, some residents were doing their best to make light of the situation.

"I’m not abandoning my house unless it comes close to my front door. Then I’ll leave. I’m too young to die, I’m only 80," joked Pahoa resident Theresa Zendejas.