FEMA and Hawaii Civil Defense Update Senator Hirono on Lava Flow Impact
Senator Hirono received a comprehensive briefing from Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, State Civil Defense, and Federal Emergency Management Agency on the June 27th lava flow progressing towards Pahoa on Hawaii Island. Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, provided an update via videoconference. Hawaii County continues two daily fly-overs and provides regular updates to the community via social media, radio, recorded messages and media briefs.
Preparations continue as the lava flow impacts the livelihood of Pahoa. Some have moved but the majority of residents have remained. Businesses including Longs Drugs, Malama Market, Ace Hardware and the Aloha Petroleum gas station have closed. Utilities including electrical power have not yet been impacted. Puna residents remain concerned about their postal delivery.
Senator Hirono receives a briefing on the lava flow in Pahoa
at Hawaii State Civil Defense conference room in Diamond Head crater.
Civil defense officials are monitoring smoke and vog and advising residents who have trouble breathing to take precautions and remain indoors. The Hawaii Department of Health has installed three temporary air quality monitors to collect data, which is available online. Two monitors are located in Pahoa and another is in Leilani Estates, but officials say they can be relocated as the lava flow moves or additional breakouts occur.
Hawaii County has opened Railroad Avenue as an access route when the lava closes SR130.
