Keeping a watchful eye on Pele

Recent over-the-rim lava spills at Kilauea’s summit represent the largest overflow since the vent opened up 10 years ago, and are signaling the possibility of Pele drama. The lava lake has overflowed twice — in fall 2016 and spring 2015, when 37 acres of the 130-acre Halemaumau Crater floor were blanketed in fresh lava.

Scientists are also closely watching Puu Oo, as the crater floor recently uplifted by several yards. In spring 2014 similar activity preceded a six-month flow that threatened (but mostly spared) the Pahoa community when it sputtered out 400 yards from Pahoa Marketplace.

Lahaina Bypass makes shaky debut

A “bypass” is meant to get around something difficult, rather than lead to a mess, right? The hope is that the state Department of Transportation will get to that ideal as the newest phase of the Lahaina Bypass, which opened Monday with gridlock, improves in function. The official word from DOT was that travel times from the southern terminus near Olowalu to Keawe Street at the Lahaina end was 12-14 minutes northbound and 8-9 minutes southbound. Only thing: There were long waits at the southern end to get started, due to the utility work still ongoing. It might have been preferable to delay launch until that was done.