(ABOVE VIDEO) On the phone with Darryl Oliviera, talking about the end of the Hawaii National Guard mission in Puna as the lava flow front is no longer advancing.

NEWS BRIEFS

• The last of the Hawaii National Guard troops in Puna withdrew on Friday. Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Darryl Oliveira said he amended his state request for assistance allowing the soldiers to end their mission.
• Key equipment is being kept on the island so the troops can make a quick return if needed.

PAHOA, Hawaii – On October 29, 2014 about 80 Hawaii National Guardsmen were activated and put on State Active Duty to help Hawaii County with the lava flow. The Joint Task Force was made up entirely of Hawaii Army and Air National Guard personnel who are from the island of Hawaii. The unarmed troops assisted with security and presence patrols in neighborhoods that were projected to be directly affected by the lava.

Now that the lava advance has slowed and merchants are returning to Pahoa Market Place, the troops are ending their mission.