Evacuations as Kilauea Eruption Sends Lava Into Residential Areas

Gov. David Ige has called in the Hawaii National Guard to help with evacuation efforts in lower Puna as a new Kilauea volcano lava outbreak inundates a Leilani Estates neighborhood.

“I am in contact with Mayor (Harry) Kim, and the state is actively supporting the county’s emergency response efforts,” the governor said in a news release tonight. “I have activated the Hawaii National Guard to provide support to county emergency response personnel to help with evacuations and security. I urge residents in Leilani Estates and the surrounding areas to follow instructions from the county of Hawaii’s Civil Defense Agency. Please be alert and prepare now to keep your family safe.”

A Hawaii National Guard spokesman told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that additional soldiers will be called up Friday, however he did not have a specific number.

Acting Hawaii County Mayor Wil Okabe issued a state of emergency declaration earlier this evening. The state of emergency is in effect for the next 60 days or until further action by the county.

Read updates at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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