Maunaloa Eruption Summary, Day 4: Longest Lava Flow Slow & Spreading

4:18 AM · Dec 2, 2022

On the fourth day of Maunaloa's eruption, its longest lava flow continued to slowly advance at 0.025 miles or 40 meters per hour as it slowly approaches the Saddle Road, also known as Daniel K Inouye Highway (DKI), still more than 3 miles away. The flow front has widened as it moves onto flatter ground, while also building height as it continually amasses lava supplied by its feeder channels. Without further changes, there is little threat to people or property, though the potential closure of the cross-island highway would have significant impacts on transportation travel times. A "Traffic Hazard Mitigation Route" where people can view the lava flow safely off the DKI on the Old Saddle Road was announced today, realizing a partnership between the County, State, and US Army Garrison at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). We review the potential flow paths and impact to the DKI and the new viewing road, as well as the response from PTA as lava has moved onto the corner of their property, as well as share visuals the typify the current activity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=287TqqGrF5I