Department of Defense

The vital importance of effective mission accomplishment by ourDepartment was proven by our participation in the joint Civil Defense-Hawaii National Guard operations during Kilauea’s volcanic eruption in September 1977. By their efforts, State Civil Defense and elements of the Army and Air National Guard helped to avert a potential tragedy. . . Helicopters and crew members assisted U. S. Geological Survey scientists in their monitoring activities near the summit and caldera of Mauna Loa.

– 1978 Annual Report pp. 1

On September 12,1977, Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii erupted along its east rift zone, culminating in a massive outpouring of lava that traveled within a quarter-of-a-mile of the village of Kalapana . Hawaii County Civil Defense, with the assistance of the Hawaii National Guard, evacuated residents from the area. Pahoa School was opened as a shelter for the evacuees. Roadblocks were set up and security patrols were provided for the village of Kalapana. No casualties or damage was reported.

– 1978 Annual Report pp. 5

During the fiscal year, helicopters and crew members were tasked to provide assistance to the United States ecological Survey scientists to expand their monitoring activities near the summit and caldera of Mauna Loa . . . Members of the Hawaii National Guard helped the County of Hawaii civil authorities during the Kalapana volcanic eruption by providing: communications support; manpower and equipment in the evacuation of the populace from the endangered area; roving patrols to prevent looting; and aerial observation support to monitor the flow of magma.

– 1978 Annual Report pp. 11