HAWAII residents in the Leilani Estates subdivision in lower Puna have been given 24 hours to evacuate the area as the Big Island continues to be devastated by Mount Kilauea, it has emerged.
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim issued the mandatory evacuation order on Thursday that warns anyone who refuses to abide by the order does so at “their own risk”.
It reads: “This Order is effective at 12.06pm on May 31.
“All persons have 24 hours from the effective date and time of this order to evacuate the mandatory evacuation area.
“Persons remaining in the mandatory evacuation area beyond the effective date and time of this order do so at their own risk with the knowledge that emergency responders may not respond.”
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The order starkly warned any stubborn residents refusing to leave they could be subject to arrest and left liable to any costs incurred for rescue operations.
It went on: “Persons in violation of this order are subject to arrest and liability for any recovery costs associated with rescue operations in the mandatory evacuation area.”
Mr Kim also instigated mayor emergency rule, effective immediately that means only residents, government staff, contractors, non-government employees and volunteers would be allowed in the areas of Kapoho Beach Lots, Vacationland and Kapoho Farm Lots.
These areas are bordered by Kaphoho-Kumukahi Lighthouse Road, Kapoho Kai Road, Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road and the ocean.
Anyone violating the rule could be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned.
Earlier, residents had been told to prepare for an evacuation on short notice by the County of Hawaii that noted fissure 8 on the Big Island was producing “the most active flow” as the island continues to be ravaged by natural disasters.
The county said: “Fissure 8 is producing the most active flow with a channel that may overflow at any time.
“Hawaii Fire Department reports that a flow in the area of Noni Farms Road is heading toward the Waa Waa area.
“Residents of Government Beach Road, Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are at risk for isolation or lava inundation should a flow reach that area and are advised to be prepared to evacuate due to the possibility.”
Mount Kilauea has been erupting since May 3 and has caused permanent changes to the landscape of Hawaii.
Lava has continued to spew and mass evacuations have been ordered in a desperate attempt to prevent injuries.
Over 82 homes have been destroyed as the volcano continues its rampage across the Big Island.
Mount Kilauea has been erupting since May 3 and has caused permanent changes to Hawaii’s landscape.
Over 82 homes have been destroyed as the volcano continues its rampage across the Big Island.
Lava has reached peak speeds of 600 yards an hour and poses incredible danger to those on the island.
Magma has also spewed into the sea and sent fears skyrocketing that harmful gases could plume across the island.
