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Thursday, September 4, 2014
Puna: Lava Diversion 'Culturally Insensitive'
By News Release @ 6:50 PM :: 6787 Views :: Hawaii County

Puna: Lava Diversion 'Culturally Insensitive'

HNN: More than 500 people packed into the Pahoa High School cafeteria Thursday night for the first community meeting update since Hawai'i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi declared a state of emergency and scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raised the lava threat from an eruption watch to a warning....

Dr. Kauahikaua says if the lava flow continues moving at its current rate of 800 feet per day along its current path underground and within a crack, it would hit Highway 130 in 27 days....

Another topic of conversation that got quite a lot of attention during the townhall discussion was the question of diversion -- and whether or not officials would consider taking action to redirect the lava flow. The repeated requests created a bit of a stir -- from both those who were pushing for it and those who considered it culturally insensitive.

"We living in one place where lava is still existent. Whether you believe in Tutu Pele or you just believe on the scientific fact that it's lava -- you cannot change the direction, it's Mother Nature. That would be like me asking you to move the moon because it's too bright," said Piilani Kaawaloa, a Kupahua resident. (Translation: Right now its going to miss my house.)

Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say historically there has not been success with attempts to divert lava flows on Hawaii Island (Except that time when Harry Kim heroically manned the bulldozers above Hilo racking up lots of OT and propelling himself into the Mayor's office.) and there were no plans to try redirecting the current Puu Oo crater activity.

"Once we attempt any kind of diversion, we don't know where that flow could go. We could be causing a bigger problem of pushing it into another neighborhood or another subdivision -- so we don't want to do something that's going to be worse than just letting Mother Nature take its course. We're also very sensitive to the cultural side of an eruption in our community. This is a special place with a very special unique culture to it and understanding the significance of that and what role nature plays in our culture here on the island," Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said.  (Translation: Let the hippies get cut off by the lava.)

The next community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Pahoa High School cafeteria.

read ... Cultural Sensitivity Hits Hwy 130 in 27 Days

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Mayor Kenoi Proclaims State Of Emergency Related To Lava Flow

News Release from County of Hawaii, September 4, 2014

Hawai‘i County Mayor Billy Kenoi today signed an emergency proclamation for the advancing lava flow in the Wao Kele O Puna area after the flow extended to less than a mile from the edge of the Ka‘ohe Homesteads subdivision.

“We are taking this step to ensure our residents have time to prepare their families, their pets, and their livestock for a safe and orderly evacuation from Ka‘ohe in the event the flow continues to advance,” Mayor Kenoi said.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said the proclamation allows county authorities to restrict access to Ka‘ohe Homestead roadways so that residents can move safely if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Oliveira stressed that no evacuation has been ordered at this time. He urged residents to finalize their evacuation plans and monitor county Civil Defense updates closely in the days ahead.

Civil Defense employees will continue today to conduct door-to-door visits to each home in Ka‘ohe to explain the situation to residents, and to help them to prepare.

“Only residents will be allowed on the subdivision roads starting today, and we ask that non-residents stay away from the area,” Oliveira said. “The lava cannot be seen from the subdivision, and there is no reason for non-residents to be in the Ka‘ohe subdivision at this time. This is a difficult and stressful time for Ka‘ohe residents, and we ask that everyone show respect and understanding for our Ka‘ohe neighbors.”

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are holding a series of public meetings to update residents on the lava flow in the Wao Kele O Puna area, and the next update will be at 6:30 p.m. today, Sept. 4 at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria.

PDF of Mayor Kenoi’s Proclamation

PDF of Mayor Kenoi’s Letter to Governor Abercrombie

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GOVERNOR SIGNS EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION IN ANTICIPATION OF LAVA FLOW CROSSING HIGHWAY 130

News Release from Office of the Governor Sep 5, 2014

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed an emergency proclamation in preparation for the June 27 lava flow crossing Highway 130 near Pahoa, potentially isolating communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawaii County.

The proclamation suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Highway 130. It also activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels.

“State agencies are working with the County of Hawaii to provide alternative access to lower Puna if lava crosses the main highway,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “This proclamation will ensure that isolated communities receive a continuation of services.

“Health officials are also advising all residents living near the lava flow to plan ahead for potential smoke from burning vegetation and low levels of sulfur dioxide. Conditions for nearby communities may vary widely due to the unpredictability of wind and weather.”

The disaster emergency relief period specified in the proclamation begins today and continues through Oct. 15, 2014.

Residents are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems and monitor local radio and television broadcasts.

# # #

STATE ADVISES RESIDENTS DOWNWIND OF LAVA FLOW TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SMOKE

News Release from Hawaii DoH September 5, 2014

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is advising Hawaii Island residents living near the lava flow in Puna that began on June 27 to plan ahead for potential smoke exposure from burning vegetation and low levels of sulfur dioxide. The smoke effect on nearby communities will vary largely depending on unpredictable wind and weather conditions.

Smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that may trigger adverse respiratory conditions.

Additionally, encroaching lava may contain low levels of sulfur dioxide, an irritant gas emitted by the Kilauea Volcano.

DOH recommends that residents in smoke affected areas avoid outdoor activities or physical exertion. People with respiratory illness or heart disease, older adults and children are urged to avoid smoke exposure. Smoke may worsen symptoms for individuals who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals that have these conditions should keep their medication refilled and use daily (controller) medication as prescribed. Anyone who feels they may need medication or medical attention should contact their physician.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the lava flow, residents and visitors are advised to listen to Hawaii County Civil Defense updates and advisories.

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MEANWHILE: Hawaii County to Seek US CDC Help with Punatic Geothermal Anxiety Symptoms



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