Update On President’s Day Incident

The park continues to deal with the President’s Day Incident – the previously reported rapid increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from a new vent on the volcano, plus a small explosive eruption that occurred on Wednesday. In the latter event, rock debris from a small explosive eruption inside Halemaumau damaged the crater’s fenced overlook, and rocks fell on Crater Rim Drive and trail and Halemaumau trail. The area impacted by this explosion has been closed since February 20th due the elevated SO2 levels. Management of the incident is transitioning to the Western Incident Management Team, lead by incident commander Denny Ziemann. Team members heard employee concerns and were introduced to park staff at an all employees meeting yesterday, their first full day in the park. The team attended a briefing by USGS scientists from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory on the increased sulfur dioxide emissions and the explosive eruption. Discussions on the transition process were also begun. The transition to the team is planned for today.