Project Links
Emergency Access Route along the Lava-Covered Section of Chain of Craters Kalapana Road
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park » Emergency Access Route along the Lava-Covered Section of Chain of Craters Kalapana Road » Document List
Hawai'i Island is experiencing lava flows from Kīlauea Volcano's Pu'u 'Ō'ō vent. The most recent flow began on June 27 and is named for the date it started. The "June 27" flow is likely to cross all routes of access, including Pahoa Village Road, Highway 130, and Railroad Avenue, given the lava's current course; which at that point would isolate the Lower Puna communities from the rest of the island unless an alternate route is established away from the current lava flow path.
The emergency access route will be used over an extended period of time following the original Chain of Craters Kalapana Road alignment and width (combined road and shoulder was 22' wide) with crushed aggregate surfacing for a total of 5.5 miles within the park. The design for this unpaved road will be consistent with the width of the adjoining park roadway and will accommodate essential two-way traffic along its entire length.
The environmental review for the emergency access route (22' width) was completed and a decision based on the environmental review was issued in accordance with alternative arrangements developed by and in consultation with the Department of Interior and the President's Council on Environmental Quality.
We encourage the public to provide comments on the construction, mitigations, and use of the emergency access route. Click on the Document List Link to the side of the page. Select the Emergency Access Route along the Lava-Covered Section of Chain of Craters Kalapana Road link to review and comment.
Comments will be accepted while construction of the road is in progress (current estimated completion date of March 13, 2015) and are intended to affect NPS consideration of adjustments to the proposed action and enhancement of proposed mitigation measures. If construction takes longer, the comment period will be extended.
Interim responses to substantive comments received through 11/24/14 are available, click on the Document List to view them. A final comment response report will be subsequently posted on PEPC after the comment period closes. Results of park monitoring of resources and road use will be posted on PEPC and the park's website, shared at community meetings, or publicized via other means of communication periodically throughout the duration of the emergency.
Environmental Protection Specialist
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
808-985-6073
nps_havo_planning@nps.gov
The emergency access route will be used over an extended period of time following the original Chain of Craters Kalapana Road alignment and width (combined road and shoulder was 22' wide) with crushed aggregate surfacing for a total of 5.5 miles within the park. The design for this unpaved road will be consistent with the width of the adjoining park roadway and will accommodate essential two-way traffic along its entire length.
The environmental review for the emergency access route (22' width) was completed and a decision based on the environmental review was issued in accordance with alternative arrangements developed by and in consultation with the Department of Interior and the President's Council on Environmental Quality.
We encourage the public to provide comments on the construction, mitigations, and use of the emergency access route. Click on the Document List Link to the side of the page. Select the Emergency Access Route along the Lava-Covered Section of Chain of Craters Kalapana Road link to review and comment.
Comments will be accepted while construction of the road is in progress (current estimated completion date of March 13, 2015) and are intended to affect NPS consideration of adjustments to the proposed action and enhancement of proposed mitigation measures. If construction takes longer, the comment period will be extended.
Interim responses to substantive comments received through 11/24/14 are available, click on the Document List to view them. A final comment response report will be subsequently posted on PEPC after the comment period closes. Results of park monitoring of resources and road use will be posted on PEPC and the park's website, shared at community meetings, or publicized via other means of communication periodically throughout the duration of the emergency.
Contact Information
Danielle FosterEnvironmental Protection Specialist
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
808-985-6073
nps_havo_planning@nps.gov