(BIVN) – Since the new eruptive activity began in the lower East Rift Zone – and the summit – of Kilauea volcano, business in Volcano Village is down.

“Ever since the eruption down in Leilani Estates, we have definitely seen a constant trend of cancellations coming through,” said Janet Coney, the office manager for the Kilauea Lodge. “Prior to this whole event happening our rooms were running probably a good 96% occupancy for the month of February. We will be lucky if we finish up this month with 40% occupancy.”

The mood in Volcano Village is a little uncertain, Coney said. “Guests are not coming,” she said. “People are not going to be spending money. Our employees are getting affected because we’re having to cut back on hours. It’s all going to be a trickle-down effect.”

To make matters worse, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has had to close due to the ongoing threat of explosions at the summit. “The National Park is definitely a highlight of our area,” Coney said, “but it’s not the only highlight of the area. We do have other activities on the east side of the island that guests can take advantage of. Here in volcano alone we’ve got our wineries, we have art galleries, we have our orchid farm. We do have little nature
trails as well here in the village.”

“There are a handful of guests that are still coming in spite of what’s happening here on the Big Island,” Coney said, “and we’re so grateful and thankful for them to not cancel. The rest of the Big Island is open for business.”