Big Island Video News

Serving Hawaii County

  • Hawaiʻi Island News Regions
    • Hamakua
      • Mauna Kea
    • Hilo
    • Kau
    • Kona
    • Kohala
    • Puna



Video by Daryl Lee, edited by BIVN

VIDEO: Officials Assess Lava-Severed Highway 137
Avatar photo

by Big Island Video News
on May 20, 2018 at 4:25 pm

Subscribe to Big Island Video News (FREE)

* indicates required

STORY SUMMARY

PUNA, Hawaii - Wil Okabe spoke to media at the location where lava flows crossed the highway en route to the ocean, in the vicinity of MacKenzie State Park.

(BIVN) – Officials and media gathered on Highway 137 near MacKenzie State Park, at the location where lava crossed the Puna road before entering the ocean overnight.

The lava was still hot on Sunday afternoon, as media and their National Guard escorts took photos. While they were there, Hawaii County Managing Director Wil Okabe and a cohort of emergency officials and firefighters arrived on the scene.

“We’re just assessing the situation right now,” Okabe told video journalist Daryl Lee. “We’re trying to keep people out of this particular area.”

As Okabe spoke, an explosion sounded behind him, sending media and soldiers scurrying down the highway away from the lava.

“Definitely, to stay out of the area,” Okabe continued, “be safe, listen to civil defense, get the current information so that we can ensure safety.”

Okabe said that even thought the flow blocked Highway 137, residents on the Kalapana side of the flow “still have access back on Highway 130, so there is a opportunity for them to still get out,” the managing director said. “But they need to really pay attention to what’s happening because anything can happen.”

“Madame Pele… can come out at any time,” Okabe said, “but we don’t want to cause panic. We want them to just be well informed, that’s it.”


Filed Under: Video Report Tagged With: Highway 137, Kilauea, lava

LATEST NEWS

ACLU Demands County Halt Homeless Sweeps Until Shelter Designated

Big Island Video News Update for Monday – June 5th, 2023

11 Lemurs Arrive At Kona Three Ring Ranch

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Notice Of Flight Operations

16 New Treatment Beds Opened For Substance Recovery

Mauna Loa GPS Campaign Continues As Volcano Remains Quiet

About Big Island Video News

  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Dynamik-Gen on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in