On Monday night, Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth issued Mayor’s Emergency Rule #1 relating to the ongoing Mauna Loa eruption.  The emergency rule prohibits parking and traversing/walking on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway and its shoulders between the 16-mile marker and the 31-mile marker. This restriction is necessary due to the presently ongoing and active volcanic eruption of Mauna Loa in the Northeast Rift Zone, creating unsafe road conditions and hazards due to increased vehicle and pedestrian activity.

“We understand that many of our residents and visitors are excited to view the tremendous eruption happening on the slopes of Mauna Loa; however, it must be done in a way that ensures the safety of all of our community,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a press release. Roth continued, “Saddle Road presents several unsafe conditions for pedestrians and vehicles along the shoulders, including rain, fog, and other factors that can reduce visibility for oncoming traffic — especially at night. Therefore, we ask that all who seek to view the eruption do so in areas deemed safe and in accordance with the law.”

Specifics of the Rule are as follows:

Parking in the Area shall be limited to County, State, or Federal government employees and verified governmental contractors only.

This Emergency Rule shall have the force and effect of law. Pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Section 127A-29(a), any person violating this Rule shall be guilty of a violation and, upon conviction, fined not more than $1,000.00.

This Emergency Rule shall be effective immediately upon publication of this Emergency Rule and shall continue throughout the present emergency caused by the ongoing active volcanic eruption or until sooner terminated by my Order.

The emergency rule is part of Mayor Roth’s Supplemental Emergency Proclamation, which was also issued last night, which proclaims and declares a state of emergency due to the threat of imminent disaster on Hawaiʻi Island.

As a result of the emergency rules, the Gilbert Kahele Recreational Area, including the lower and upper bathrooms, will remain open 24-hrs a day until further notice. In addition, security guards will be on-site nightly from 6:15 pm – 6:15 am.

For the latest information, visit: https://bit.ly/3GRvCUB.

 

DLNR Photo