Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2018
2018-0504A

HAWAII ISLAND — Hawaii County police, fire, and county agencies, along with the National Guard and partners, continue to assist with an evacuation of the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions in the face of a volcanic eruption in the area. All Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivision residents are ordered to evacuate immediately.

Hawaii County Fire Department reports that extremely high levels of dangerous sulfur dioxide gas have been detected in the evacuation area affected by recent volcanic activity. Elderly residents, young people, and others with respiratory issues should leave the area immediately.

The Pahoa Community Center and the Kea’au Community Center are open for shelter. Residents evacuating should bring an emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.

Kua O Ka La Charter School, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science, Keonepoko Elementary and Pahoa High, Intermediate, and Elementary will be closed today.

A temporary flight restriction is in place for most of lower Puna. The Hawaii Police Department reminds the public that drones can be confiscated in the Temporary Flight Restriction Area (TFR). More information is available at tfr.faa.gov

Pohoiki Road is closed from the intersection at Highway 132 down to Highway 137 to support the ongoing evacuation efforts.

Puna Geothermal Venture remains closed and power production is suspended until further notice.

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Contact:
Richard Rapoza
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
808-392-0780

Arlina Agbayani
Public Relations Officer
[email protected]
808-620-5423

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
[email protected]