(BIVN) – Hawai‘i Governor David Ige was on the Big Island Friday, as the state mobilizes to assist the Puna area as it faces an ongoing volcanic eruption within the Leilani Estates subdivision.

Governor Ige signed an emergency proclamation Thursday evening, saying “the danger is of such magnitude that it warrants preemptive and protective action in order to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the residents of Leilani Estates and surrounding areas.”

The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for quick and efficient relief caused by the volcanic eruption. Governor Ige said he is also working on federal avenues for assistance.

Big Island Video News interviewed the governor outside the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense headquarters in Hilo on Friday morning.