Hawaii’s Big Island readies as Hurricane Hector approaches

FILE: The rugged south coast of the Big Island within the Volcanoes National Park is frequently the place where lava can be seen dripping into the ocean. (Photo By Christopher Chan/Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

HONOLULU — Hawaii emergency officials who have been contending with Kilauea volcano’s lava flow were preparing for a hurricane that was expected to pass to the south of the islands this week.

Hurricane preparations were underway just as lava from the last active eruption site in a Big Island neighbourhood decreased dramatically over the weekend and fewer earthquakes were felt.

The significance of the change was not yet clear, scientists said.

“It is common for eruptions to wax and wane or pause completely,” said an update from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. “A return to high levels of lava discharge or new outbreaks in the area of active fissures could occur at any time.”

Meanwhile, a tropical storm watch was in effect Monday for waters south of the Big Island as Hurricane Hector was expected to pass Tuesday night and Wednesday as it moved westward.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said officials would be prepared for whatever nature brings.

Neighbourhoods that would likely feel the brunt of the storm have been covered by the ongoing lava flow, he said.

“The volcano, Madam Pele, has totally wiped out all the homes that would have been in danger,” he said, referring to the Hawaiian volcano goddess, and noting that those neighbourhoods suffered a lot of damage when Tropical Storm Iselle hit the Big Island in 2014.

“You accept it. This is nature’s way,” he said.

The southern half of the island should brace for winds of 35 mph (56.3 kph) or higher, said Melissa Dye, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. There could also be a few inches of rain into Thursday as Hector passes the island, she said.

Hector is small, but strong, she said, adding that the storm’s size could help lessen how far it extends.

The forecast wasn’t allowing Punaluu Bakery Bake shop general manager Connie Koi to let her guard down. Even a slight deviation in Hector’s path or strength could mean flooded roads and torrential rains and strong winds for Naalehu, a remote southern community.

“I am worried about it approaching our neighbourhood,” she said. “It’s kind of too close for comfort.”