UPDATE (7:30 a.m.) – Highway 130 between Highway 132 and Kalapana is being closed again pending further evaluation, police say. We will have more information when it is available.
UPDATE (8:20 a.m.) – Residents on the ground say police are now letting residents into Leilani Estates via Highway 130.
(BIVN) – Hawaii County Civil Defense provided the following update on the ongoing volcanic eruption Monday morning.
According the 6 a.m. civil defense message:
The East Rift Zone eruption in Leilani Subdivision continues. Hawaiian Volcano observatory confirms that active venting of lava and hazardous fumes continue in Leilani Estates Subdivision. Since the onset of this eruption, a total of 10 fissures have emerged, and 35 structures have been destroyed.
Due to the eruption, the following are issued:
The County of Hawaii thanks Leilani Estates residents for their cooperation and patience during yesterday’s property retrieval effort.
Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their property from 7 AMto 6 PM each day until further notice. Follow the instructions of the authorities on scene. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Hawaii Electric Light Company is working to try to keep power online. Treat all downed lines as live. Under no circumstances are you to approach or touch downed lines.
The Department of water Supply is working to establish a temporary bypass waterline to restore water service to the areas of Pohoiki, Vacationland, and Kapoho, we will keep you updated on this progress.
A water truck for public use is located near the Vacationland mailboxes.
No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens due to dangerous volcanic gases.
Please, the residents of Leilani need our help. This is not the time for sightseeing. You can help tremendously by staying out of the area.
Department of Education announced Pahoa High, Intermediate and Elementary schools will be open today. Kua O Ka La, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences, Nawahiokalaniopu’u and Ke Ana La’ahana are closed today.
The Hawaii County Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office have established a policy of zero tolerance towards looting or vandalism. Under Emergency Provisions, any looting or vandalism will be treated as a felony.
The residents of Leilani Estates are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your understanding. We ask for your help
County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.
According to the Hawaii Red Cross: “As of midnight, there were about 250 people at the Pahoa Community Center and 15 people at the Keaau Community Center shelter. About 40 Red Cross volunteers have been working tirelessly to assist all evacuees with their immediate emergency needs, including distributing comfort kits (toiletries), towels, blankets, and snacks, and offering mental health and health services.”
by Big Island Video News7:09 am
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STORY SUMMARY
LEILANI ESTATES, Hawaii - Although the eruption continues, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to check on their property from 7 AM to 6 PM each day until further notice.