When lava began flowing from Kilauea, the most active shield volcano in Hawaii, it displaced many people, including children who had been forced to change schools because of the event. The Hawaii Civil Defense invited these children on a field trip, allowing them to take a closer look at the lava flow that changed their lives.
The activity is expected to bring more than 1,000 children to the site where they can talk to geologists and touch the hardened lava. Officials hope learning more about the lava flow and letting children share their feelings about relocating will help the children come to grips with their situation.
First up were over 300 students from Pahoa Elementary. Tours started on Dec. 8 and will continue until the rest of the children from Pahoa and Keonepoko Elementary have all seen the lava flow that spilled onto the Pahoa Transfer Station and Apa'a Street.
"[Monday's] tour gave students the opportunity to visibly see the magnitude of this episode and why they were forced to move," said Keone Farias, current Keaau Elementary principal, adding that the activity also helps tie in what the students are learning inside the classroom with what is happening outside.
Several stations were set up, seven of which were hosted by experts and scientists from Hawaii Electric Light and Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The Hawaii County Civil Defense also had their own stations where children engaged in hands-on activities such as interactive games.
According to Mayor Billy Kenoi, the lava flow that started in June has changed the lives of so many people from Puna. The adults wanted to ensure that the children who have been most directly affected by the event were the first to see the flow up close so they can come to an understanding about what is happening in their lives.
The mayor said that the field trip is an opportunity for the children to learn more about the incredible power volcanoes have, which has led to the formation of the Big Island and continues to shape it. He added that the community was proud of the children, most especially their resilience as their families and the entire community deal with the challenges of the lava flow.
After the field trip, journalists were also invited to let them see the lava flow. About 20 members of the press were told to come at a different time than the children to prevent stressing out the students.
