Despite the threats of hurricanes, tsunamis, vog, earthquakes — and now another eruption from Mauna Loa — people continue to move to the more affordable areas of Hawaii's Big Island, including a subdivision previously overrun by lava.
Lava that flowed down a driveway stops short of destroying a home inside Leilani Estates, Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 in Pahoa, Hawaii. Lava from Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds of homes and overtook two oceanfront communities this past summer.
The risks that people are willing to take under the threat of multiple natural disasters ultimately underscore the need for more affordable housing all across Hawaii, said Democratic state Rep. Jeanne Kapela. Since 1843, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times in a history filled with unpredictability. Lava has erupted all the way to the Kona Coast to the west in “a matter of hours,” according to the USGS — and twice in the 1800s covered land now within the Hilo city limits in the opposite direction.Over the past 1,000 years, eruptions have covered areas equal to the size of Oahu and Maui, according to the USGS.
FILE - In this June 10, 2018 file photo, lava from the Kilauea volcano flows in and around Pahoa, Hawaii. Homes in Leilani Estates had a median sales price of $275,000 over the past three months, Gauthier said. “It tells me that people are willing to take the risk to be in this beautiful, unique place,” Gauthier said. “People make emotional decisions and are willing to take risks. But if it comes back and they lose it, it’s gone. There is no insurance.”
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Molten lava on Hawaii's Big Island could block main highwayThe molten rock could make the road impassable and force drivers to find alternate coastal routes in the north and south. That could add hours to commute times, doctor's visits and freight truck deliveries.
Read more »
Lava From Mauna Loa Threatens to Block Major Highway on Hawaii's Big IslandMany people on the Big Island of Hawaii are bracing for major upheaval if lava from Mauna Loa volcano slides across a key highway and blocks the quickest route connecting two sides of the island.
Read more »
Molten lava on Hawaii’s Big Island could block main highwayLava from Mauna Loa volcano could block a key highway on the Big Island of Hawaii. The molten rock could make the road impassable and force drivers to find alternate coastal routes.
Read more »
Lava flow threatens to cutoff main thoroughfare on Hawaii’s Big IslandMauna Loa is the world’s largest active shield volcano and has been erupting for around a week.
Read more »
Lava flow threatens to cutoff main highway on Hawaii’s Big IslandAt last report, lava was around two miles from the busy roadway, but the flow had slowed significantly because of the flatter terrain.
Read more »