(ABOVE VIDEO)Hawaii County Civil Defense message issued Friday afternoon with overflight video from the same day filmed by Mick Kalber of Tropical Visions Video aboard Paradise Helicopters.

NEWS BRIEFS

• The lava flow front has not advanced since yesterday and remains 480 feet from Pāhoa Village Road.
• A new breakout located upslope from the flow front on the north side is active and advancing in a northeast direction and will be monitored closely. Additional breakouts above the Apaʻa street area along the north side of the flow are also being monitored closely.
• Aerial footage from Tropical Visions and Paradise Helicopters today shows lava burning an animal shelter, as well as active lobes in the trees near the cemetery. It also shows the HELCO pole on Apa’a Street that had been holding up under lava inundation has been severed. The lines above still stand.
• The Hawaii Insurance Commissioner issued a consumer alert today, urging Pahoa residents to contact their insurance companies in light of coverage questions regarding “Abandonment of Property,” “Loss of Use and Alternative Living Expenses” and Vandalism” that have occurred on the Big Island. More info below.

PRIMARY SOURCES

The flow continues to remain active however has not advanced since yesterday. The flow front remains 480 feet from Pāhoa Village Road. The front continues to show signs of widening with breakouts along the flanks or margins and is approximately 60 yards wide. A new breakout located upslope from the flow front on the north side is active and advancing in a northeast direction and will be monitored closely. Additional breakouts above the Apaʻa street area along the north side of the flow are also being monitored closely.

Smoke conditions continue to be light with trade winds from the northeast pushing the smoke in a south southwest direction. Presently burning activity is involving a variety of materials and smoke conditions may increase in some areas. Residents down wind that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors. Additional health advisories may be issued depending upon materials involved with any fires associated with the lava flow.

Based on the current flow location, direction and advancement, residents in the flow path were placed on an evacuation advisory and notified of possible need for evacuation. The evacuation advisory for those residents down slope of the flow will continue and residents will be kept informed of the flow status and advancement.

The Pahoa Village Road between Apa’a Street and the Post Office Road will remain closed and limited to area residents only. Motorist should use caution and slow down on Highway 130 near the Post Office Road intersection. Residents of the restricted area should not bring unauthorized persons into the restricted area. In addition, Civil Defense and public safety personnel will be operating in the area round the clock to maintain close observations of flow activity. Additional updates will be broadcasted as conditions change.Hawaii County Civil Defense on Oct. 31 at 8 a.m. HST

STATE URGES PAHOA RESIDENTS TO CONTACT INSURANCE COMPANIES

Coverage Rumors Cause Confusion for Homeowners Affected by Lava Flow

HONOLULU – Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito urges Pahoa residents to contact their insurance companies in light of coverage questions regarding “Abandonment of Property,” “Loss of Use and Alternative Living Expenses” and Vandalism” that have occurred on the Big Island.

“Our thoughts are with the residents in Pahoa during this very difficult time. We want to remind people to focus on their safety and well-being instead of worrying about coverage rumors,” said Ito. “If homeowners have any questions or concerns about their coverage, we ask them to reach out to their insurance company as soon as possible.”

Pahoa residents who still have questions or concerns after contacting their insurance company can reach out to the Insurance Division using the toll free Big Island number, (808) 974-4000.

For more information, a lava informational brochure is available at cca.hawaii.gov/ins.

The DCCA Insurance Division oversees the Hawaii insurance industry, issues licenses, examines the fiscal condition of Hawaii-based companies, reviews rate and policy filings, and investigates insurance related complaints. For more information about the Insurance Division, visit cca.hawaii.gov/ins or call (808) 586-2790. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on Oct. 31