Lava From Kilauea Flows Into Sea; Eruption Shows No Signs of Easing

KALAPANA, Hawaii — A lava flow from Kilauea Volcano spread into three streams of molten rock over the sparsely settled hillsides of southern Hawaii Island on Friday and flowed into the sea, sending clouds of smoke and steam billowing skyward, officials said.

But scientists said that the volcano showed no signs of ending its eruption, which started in 1983.

One stream coursed into a tidal pool within view of tourists on a nearby hiking trail, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Harry Kim said.

Residents of the area had been evacuated, and no injuries were reported from the eruption, which already has destroyed nine homes and threatens six others, authorities said.

Roadblocks have been set up along the two-lane Kalapana Highway, which has been crossed by the lava.

Residents watching the flow were mostly philosophical.

“It adds to the land, until it gets bigger and bigger,” said lifelong Kalapana resident Sam Kaavaloa, 72, whose home was destroyed Wednesday night. “I guess she goes on and on until she figures enough is enough.”

Puna District patrolman Bruce Ferreira, working a 12-hour shift at the roadblock, described the feelings of area residents forced to evacuate.

“They are taking it pretty well, but some of them are taking it hard,” he said. “These are families that have lived here and have roots, have parents and grandparents, were born and raised here.”