Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 67° Today's Paper


Hawaii News

After 10 months, Kapoho residents can drive into their isolated neighborhood surrounded by lava

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Video by Diane S. W. Lee / dlee@staradvertiser.com
A new access road opened April 1 in Kapoho, Hawaii island. Puna Geothermal Venture workers carved a byway across the hardened lava river that blocked road access to residents in Halekamahina and the neighboring subdivisions in Lower Puna. PGV plant manager Jordan Hara escorted the Honolulu Star-Advertiser to view the area.
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Triana Pardon has been living in her family’s home in the lava-bound Kapoho subdivision with her boyfriend since February. Before the new road opened on April 1, “We had to hike in 10 to 15 minutes over the lava, very sharp rock with hot spots underneath,” she said.

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

A road bulldozed by Puna Geothermal Venture through the lava field in Kapoho opened April 1 for residents to access their properties.

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Lono Lyman, manager of Kapoho Land Partnership, used the road Wednesday to check on his farmer lessees.