DLNR will post lava danger warning signs
May 22, 2010 – Kalapana, Hawaii
The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that it has closed to the public the adjacent State lands to the northeast of the lava flow in the area of Kalapana on the Big Island of Hawaii.
“Signs have been posted at various access points on the state land warning the public of the closure,” stated a DLNR press release. “The public is asked to respect the signs for their safety and not trespass.”
The latest surface flow has encroached on the public viewing area in recent weeks, forcing a relocation of the layout of the makeshift attraction. Many visitors have tried to circumvent the viewing area in an attempt to get a closer look at the lava, treading on state and private lands in their quest.
“The State has the utmost concern for the safety and welfare of the people wishing to view the lava flow and therefore feels it is in the best interest of the public to close these areas,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “We are directing people to the Hawai‘i County’s new lava viewing area at the end of Kalapana road (Hwy. 130).”
“Lava from the TEB vent flowed through tubes that carried lava down-slope east of the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision,” wrote the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Saturday’s Kilauea activity update, “and fed scattered breakouts from the top of Pulama pali to the coast, where lava has been entering the ocean since April 29. At least 8 active areas were mapped on either side of the newest flows during yesterday’s overflight; the lowest breakout was about 250 m (820 ft) to the northwest of the Public Viewing Area. A few thermal anomalies visible in MODIS and GOES-WEST satellite imagery through dawn suggested that scattered flows continue to be active.”
very danger
I could stare at this lava flow for hours. It is unbelieveable how mother nature has formed these beautiful islands. I was there at this time and I could not see enough of it. Mother Nature thanks to her higher power has done a magnificent job. I thank him every day.