Will Pele determine the future re-development of Kalapana?

July 30th, 2007

Filed Under Current Events, Hawaii Activities |

Volcano goddess Pele is at it again this past weekend, amping up activity at the new eruption site. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s 7/28 volcano status report,

“The 7/21 eruption has resumed its earlier vigor and is feeding flows advancing to the northeast and southeast. Fissure segment B has been active at several different locations and has been alternating in style between 2 m dome fountains, spattering, and quiet effusion. The focus of activity seems to have moved slightly eastward on the fissure segment overnight and a new flow is advancing slowly to the southeast. Fissure segment D was dominant in activity and fed a 100 m wide channel that was moving lava toward a 200 m wide `a`a flow front. The flow has advanced more than 1 km to the northeast across predominantly Kupaianaha (1986-1992) lava flows. Vent areas are hazardous and conditions can change rapidly.” An update posted 7/29 said, “Fissure segment D was again dominant in activity and fed a 100 m wide channel directed north then northeast. The flow front has advanced another 1 km to the northeast across predominantly Kupaianaha and Pu`u `O`o (1983-1986) lava flows. At about 1 am, the flow reached a moderate-sized kipuka that started burning.” (A kipuka is a small patch of forest)

If you look at the map of the current activity you can see both the July 21st and 25th flows are heading southeast. If it continues its current path and makes it to the ocean, it would likely affect Royal Gardens subdivision which is no stranger to the power of the fickle volcano. March 2, 1983, lava destroyed its first house in Royal Gardens and has revisited and skirted the subdivision many times. Access to the subdivision is covered by lava and is only for the hearty hikers or some use dirt bikes. There is no water or utilities that are hooked up in this area. Some property owners who are trying to get rid of their lava covered pieces of paradise may have trouble selling if people are keeping track of Pele’s recent moves. $9,000 for over an acre in paradise sounds too good to be true and in this case, it may be given the frequent visits by the glowing ooze over the years. Others may be willing to roll the dice.

Lots listed for the Kalapana Vacation Lots (formerly Kalapana Gardens which was covered by lava completely in 1990) are being sold in the $10,000+ range. Some listings are touting the ocean and mountain views but don’t mention anything about it being roughly 5 miles southeast downslope of Kilauea. Don’t get me wrong, Kalapana is a town that deserves to be rebuilt. Many of the former residents of the town live miles away from the area they used to call home and are waiting for it to be safe to go back. But the question is, is now the time? The recent resurgence of land being sold in the area may give the impression to outsiders or those who don’t stay up with the current volcanic activity that it is relatively safe to rebuild.

Living on a volcanic island carries its own set of risks. Those who choose to live closer to the seismic action are usually well aware of the pros and cons of choosing that location. Many locals know its Pele’s land and she can reclaim it at will. Only time will tell if Pele will revisit the Kalapana area or if she will allow this small community to rebuild. Until then all anyone can do is watch and wait and pray.

To follow the daily activity at Kilauea Volcano, go to this link.

What are your thoughts? Does the low price of land in paradise outweigh the risk involved? Are you a former (or current) Kalapana resident and if so would you consider moving back now?

Comments

3 Comments so far

Karen on March 12, 2008 8:00 pm
My husband and I have a small home out on the 1990 lava field, presently 2 miles east of the flow to the ocean. It is beautiful, sitting out on the balcony with friends, drinking beer, and watching the beautiful red glow. How long will our place last? Only Pele knows.
Were you one of the ones who bought into the dream? : True Aloha on March 13, 2008 7:15 am
[...] I wondered about it in this post when the 7/21 flow started and here we are 8 months later and the people who invested in Kalapana [...]
chuck von Schmidt on April 1, 2008 5:56 pm
I am interested in some vacant land out thaqt way, anyone have any info?