Map courtesy Hawaii County

(BIVN) – Parts of the Leilani Estates subdivision, torn apart by ground cracking, volcanic fissures, gas and downed poles, have been designated as a no-entry zone by the electric utility servicing the area.

HELCO, the Hawai‘i Electric Light Company, announced that it will no longer be sending crews to a portion of Leilani Estates and all of Lanipuna Gardens.

HELCO says:

These areas are hazardous to enter due to continued ground swelling and cracking, sudden fissure activity, and unsafe levels of SO2. Crews were working in the subdivision in the last few days and have narrowly escaped situations that could have resulted in severe injury. Hawai‘i Electric Light’s priority continues to be safety and can no longer allow its employees to enter hazardous areas.

Poles and wires continue to fall due to changes in the ground formation and seismic activity. Hawai‘i Electric Light continues to warn residents to assume that all downed lines and equipment are energized and dangerous. Stay at least three cars lengths away from downed lines and use caution around all poles and overhead lines.

The following areas are in the no-entry zone, HELCO says, adding that the area may need to be extended.

• Leilani Avenue from Pomaikai Street to Pohoiki Road
• Malama Street, east from Pomaikai Street
• Kahukai Street from Nohea Street to Leilani Avenue
• Pomaikai, Moku, and Kupono Streets south of Leilani Avenue
• All streets east beginning with Nohea Street
• All of Lanipuna Gardens including Hinalo, Lauone, and Honuaula Streets, and all connector roads into Lanipuna Gardens