Hawaii Eying Evacuation Plan for Mauna Loa Volcano
June 3, 2021
Hawaii is creating an emergency evacuation plan for the Big Island in preparation for the next eruption of the largest active volcano on Earth.
A state Senate resolution adopted in March asks the state’s emergency management division to develop evacuation plans for impact zones around Mauna Loa volcano, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Monday.
That includes most of the Big Island, which is home to several active volcanos including Kilauea, which erupted in 2018 and displaced thousands of residents.
While the resolution is not legally binding, lawmakers hope a completed plan will be codified into law next year. Kona state Sen. Dru Kanuha, who introducted the resolution, said they will follow up with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency throughout the year.