HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — The Department of Land and Natural Resources is urging caution near lava lands in coastal areas on Hawaii Island.
Officials say newly formed lands from the 2018 Kilauea lava flow are cracking and could collapse after DLNR recently found a large crack in a lava delta at Kapoho in Puna.
The warning includes, but is not limited to, the communities of Kapoho, Pohoiki, Malama and Kalapana.
“The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority, and we must emphasize that these newly created lands are not safe to traverse,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “The land is still settling and is unpredictable.”
Officials warn that the land is unstable, and visitors to those coastal areas should take extreme caution.
Officials add that the terrain can be deceptive as thin layers of molten rock appear as solid ground, with vegetation also potentially hiding deep cracks.
“The report of the crack at Kapoho is a stark reminder that even years after eruption, areas in the lava flow hazard zones are active and can be dangerous. Please exercise caution and remain alert when visiting these coastal areas,” Chang added.
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Officials also note that a collapsing delta can trigger explosive activity, potentially hurling rocks and debris hundreds of yards.