USGS: Fissure 8 and channel on the afternoon of June 10.

Hawaii County Civil Defense – 6 a.m. June 12

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption continues in the lower East Rift Zone. Fissure 8 continues to produce a large channelized flow that is entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay and producing a large laze plume. Gas emissions from the fissure eruption and at the ocean entry continue to be very high. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also reports that a steam explosion occurred at the Kilauea Summit early this morning, be aware of ash fallout through Ka’u.

Due to volcanic and air quality conditions, the following guidance is given:

• The Department of Health recommends limiting outside activities and staying indoors if you have breathing issues.
• You can monitor the latest air quality measurements through the University of Hawaii’s Vog Measurement and Prediction Project, through the line on our Civil Defense website.
• An eruption community meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. this Tuesday at the Pahoa High Cafeteria.

Due to the current volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:

• Leilani Estates West of Pomaikai Street is open only to residents with official credentials.
• Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road only to residents with official credentials.
• There is no immediate threat, but residents in these areas should heed warnings from Civil Defense officials and be prepared to evacuate with little notice.

The shelter at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly. The Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity.

USGS – Lower East Rift Zone

At 10:32 p.m. on Monday night, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported:

A line of closely spaced vents at Fissure 8 are continuing to erupt producing fountains reaching heights up to 160 feet, just higher than the spatter cone around them. This activity continues to feed the fast moving channelized flow that is entering the ocean at Kapoho. Weak spattering is continuing at Fissures 16 & 18 as has been noted for the last several days. This evening’s over flight showed a strong steam plume on the south end of the ocean entry with frequent steam explosions at the flow front.

Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

USGS – Summit

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Jim Kauahikaua outlined the dramatic changes occurring at the summit during a media conference in Hilo on Monday. (FULL VIDEO)

At 1:52 a.m. HST on Tuesday morning, scientists say another small explosion occurred at Kīlauea’s summit. “This event and many of its precursory earthquakes were widely felt in the Volcano area,” the USGS said. “Ashfall may impact communities in the south part of the island.”

At 10:32 p.m. on Monday night, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported:

Seismicity levels have been increasing since the small explosion this morning. There have been no significant ash emissions since that early morning event. If the pattern of seismic increase seen before previous explosions continues to repeat we expect there may be another event in the next 6-12 hours. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.

Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano’s summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity.

FEMA Meeting

Mayor Harry Kim and FEMA Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton spoke with media during a press conference at the Hawaii County Civil Defense Emergency Operations Center in Hilo on Monday afternoon, following an important meeting between county and federal officials. (FULL VIDEO)

Workshops for Employment Status, Businesses

In conjunction with the State of Hawai’i, the Hawai’i County’s American Jobs Center will be conducting Rapid Response workshops for Hawai’i Island residents whose employment status or business operations have been affected by the lava flow, county officials announced.

These workshops will be held as follows:

Tuesday, June 19, 2018
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cooper Center
19-4030 Wright Road
Volcano, Hawai’i 96785

Wednesday, June 20, 2018
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pahoa Community Center
15-3022 Kauhale Street
Pahoa, Hawai’i 96778

“Residents can receive information about programs and services regarding Unemployment Insurance, State of Hawai’i job vacancies, mental health services, Veterans’ Affairs, housing rental assistance, employment training, emergency food assistance, WIC and medical services,” the county says.