pahoa post office closed

[kalianna]

Lobby is open to check boxes but no package pickup/mailing, stamps, etc, Closed because of bad air. Save yourself a trip.

[terracore]

Maybe somebody can explain these air-related closures to me. We are going to close X because of the bad air, but the person is at Y breathing the same quality air? I guess maybe the air could be better at Y, but maybe it's worse. Even if the air at X is worse, would the HVAC system make it better than Y?

My first thought on the school closures is that if the students are breathing the same air regardless, why deny them the free lunch and opportunity to learn? And burden the parents with finding daycare. Of course, cancel the PE class or whatever and/or make them take recess inside if that is an option.

[ironyak]

Not sure I followed the bouncing X and Ys, but I am sure employers and schools are concerned about having workers and customers/students subjected to levels of SO2 that are definated as having some health effects to most people (and more serious health effects for sensitive individuals)

As kids at home may have AC and/or closable windows (which most Pahoa schools do not) it's probably best to give them the option to stay at home or travel as needed to better air elsewhere - there was a clear gradient to the dealing air quality travelling from Hilo to Pahoa yesterday so moving away from the source or towards the upwind coast can make a huge difference. All air is air but some air is more air than others