Half of the town of Pahoa is going to be overrun by lava in about a week, give or take a day or so.

People are already getting their belongings out of there and into storage somewhere if they can find some.

The Hawaiian Beaches subdivision may be next and is right in line a few miles downslope. They have a couple of thousand residents and a school there.

Of course you would make sure to get your family and important belongings out of harm's way first.

The only way out of the area once the lava passes through Pahoa is a road that's being set up now, but will take a few weeks to finish. (today's news said that someone already cut the bulldozer's fuel line and took the fuel).

Scientists say that the lava will most likely continue and that road will get covered in about a month. Those that are in, will stay in. The only road that a few thousand people in the lower Puna district will need to get in and out of there.

There will also be some police and the National Guard in there also.

There are people there that want to be left in there behind the flow that will be checking to see what was left behind.

Your home. Do you stay or do you go?

What would you do?

Go.

Go.

+1

There's a few people I know in there that plan on staying. I tell them to go and not leave anything behind that people will take. And if the lava takes it, the insurance companies are saying that the structure will burn before the lava touches it, so they will be covered. Just no land will be useable to rebuild on. IMO it's not worth it to stay, but that's just me

Try to remove anything that is important and irreplaceable.  Take lots and lots of video and pictures of everything else. 

Then, whether it's stolen or destroyed, you'll be covered by insurance. 

Be certain premiums are paid, and there's enough coverage for what's left behind.

Go.

unless you got enough food water to cover you until the lava stops and the roads repaired i would go. why take chance for ur safety and survival. also if u get stuck and need rescued it would prob be the tax payers footing the bill

I would leave..for those that decide to stay, I hope they realize that in the event they need to be saved, they are now putting other people at risk unnecessarily...also have those same people pay for the cost of their rescue. Take responsibility for your own decisions...JMO

I am moving all my little shit out right now.  Waiting a while longer to see what happens before i go full on move out.  Day to day right now but if the shit crosses the highway I am out (with all of my belongings of course).  And it just got back to normal after the storm.   

Good luck BUD and other folks at the Big Island.  Hope you all are safe. 

Nice to see an update from someone on the inside.  I guess the concerns of the people were right, after election, everyone would forget about puna and their struggle.  I haven't seen much information about it lately.  Stay safe out there.

Good luck, BUD.

Been in Pahoa and Hawaiian Beaches working the past few days. These are my observations so far:

The lava has stopped for now, but is pretty close to town. The flow will hit town and continue on eventually Civil Defense says.

Heading into Puna from Hilo, there are lots of trucks heading out of there hauling trailers with their belongings. It's really noticeable.

The shopping center remains open, but 2 banks are packed up and ready to leave. Containers are lining up in the parking lot.

A gas station plans on running it's tanks empty then filling up with water.

2 private schools have already left.

Public school in Hawaiian Beaches has been packing and wlll evacuate as soon as they get word that lava has continued to flow again.

Only my observations so far. Will update on another thread if anyone is interested.

Damn, sad to hear. My friend and his family up there have gone thru quite a bit, first the hurricane (tree fell on his place), no power for almost a week, and now the lava flow possibly cutting them off.. Good luck to all you folks up there..hope everyone stays safe

Been quiet because the lava had "stalled."  As of today, activity has picked up a little.  Everything in holding pattern.  Kid's school still open but that might change now that there is a small increase in activity.  Still have plenty of time to plan exit but getting kind of dicey now. Tons of trucks and containers on the move.  Roads and power lines being put in just in case.  Also noticed a traffic signal (wtf?  that is why I move out here) near one of the new alternate roads.  Not used to that! My house post and pier so can be moved but no where to move it.  For now, we continue slowly packing and moving.  Hopefully in a few weeks have a better idea what will be happening.  Good thing I have insurance!

Stay safe Bud ! 

Good thing I have insurance!

 

Best of luck to you and your neighbors BUD. Gambate!!

Also noticed a traffic signal (wtf?  that is why I move out here) near one of the new alternate roads.  Not used to that!

BUD, that traffic signal will be your way out of there when the main roads are closed down. Look towards the end of that road about a quarter of a mile in, and you will see a gate.

When you see the traffic lights on and the gate open, that means that the main roads out of there have been crossed by the lava.

The lava so far has followed the terrain exactly as the scientists has predicted. HVO's maps and info have been really accurate so far.

They are saying that it will come through town about where the post office is and may be a couple of hundred yards wide from the last look. Then right down through your area somewhere on the north side.

Keonepoko Elem. School will be evacuating soon, well before the lava crosses 130. They've been packing up for several weeks.

Keep track of the speed once it passes though Highway 130.

From there down through your area, there's a lot of drop in elevation. The speed will pick up a lot then.

They are saying to keep calm and not panic. IMO when they see half of Pahoa town on fire, all hell is going to break loose.

Stay ahead of the game, and be ready to get out early.

Any other info I can offer, I will pass your way.

 

Lava crosses Apa’a Street; Pahoa residents given evacuation notice: http://www.kitv.com/news/lava-crosses-apaa-street-pahoa-residents-given-evacuation-notice/29338240?absolute=true

My observations on Friday 10/24:

Was at the transfer station at about noon and was talking with HPD for awhile. Got a good look at the front of the flow as it was coming through some low brush about 75 yards from the road.

Traffic was really bad getting through town. A lot of tours and people were heading in trying to get a look, but were getting turned back at a checkpoint well before the transfer station. Also a lot of air traffic.

Felt bad for the residents as we passed their homes which were inline with the flow. I think that the flow will reach them in about a week.

Pahoa High & Elem. are about a half a mile away, and still have no plans of evacuating. Was there for a bit and could smell the smoke. They have only 5 containers in the parking lot so far. Not sure what it's for. It's a large school.

Will be heading there some time next week. Keep you all posted.