The lava flow in Pahoa has stalled but Hawaii officials said it is still active. However, no signs of advancement were seen close to Highway 130 and the Pahoa transfer station is scheduled to re-open.
It would appear a catastrophe as the lava spilled into the transfer station but officials saw an opportunity in the event, turning the facility last month into a public viewing area. The public will have access for viewing the lava Wednesday as well as Friday and Saturday. Thursday is allotted for schoolchildren to give the last batch of students to view the lava flow up close. The transfer station will be closed off to the public in preparation for its re-opening starting Sunday.
Since Monday, the lava flow has not advanced, remaining 0.36 miles away from Highway 130. Across the highway, the Pahoa fire and police stations are located. Little fire activity has been reported in the area and those that broke out have been cleared. Firefighters, however, remain vigilant to ensure all fires are attended to immediately.
"Smoke conditions were light with a light variable wind blowing the smoke in a west/southwest direction. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and individuals who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors," added the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency in an eruption information update.
With the lava flow near the highway stalling, the agency is focusing in the meantime in areas closer the front.
"We don't see any activity on the distal edge, but just back from it, [about] 50-100 yards, we do see within the crack system that there, as well as occasionally from surface breakouts, presence of lava at least within 100 yards of the distal edge," explained Darryl Oliveira, civil defense administrator.
Lava started flowing June 27, 2014 when the Kilauea volcano erupted. Since then, the lava flow has consumed homes along its path, only stopping recently as activity stalled close to Highway 130. However, a short distance upslope, breakouts are still happening, which is what's keeping the lava flow active. However, the lava flow is not increasing in volume. The breakouts are simply creating new openings, widening the flow of lava.
A portion of the lava flow is on track to hit the Pahoa Marketplace if activity intensifies. According to satellite images from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory though, lava flow has stalled in the portion threatening the commercial area as of Jan. 22.
