Mauna Loa erupting

[Chas]

Just got back from Saddle Rd, near Mauna Kea Access Rd intersection. Was there from about 6 to 7pm. It was cloudy but the glow was quite bright. I assume that you would've been able to see the flow if it wasn't for the clouds, hard to say for sure though.

[kalianna]

Thanks for the recon, Chas. I'm determined to get there tomorrow and was thinking about going up the access road a bit to get a good view. What did you see from the Saddle Road? Hilo? How's the vog?

[Chas]

Not much except glow. It was really cloudy. I could also see the glow (not as good, but could see it) when coming back driving past Puainako center.

Not sure if parking will be allowed anymore. Just got this from the HDOT. I don't know how many "designated parking areas" there are. There was at least 75 cars up there when I was there. Nothing to see here... move along!

"HILO – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) reminds the public to use caution and common sense on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200, formerly known as Saddle Road) during the ongoing Mauna Loa eruption. During this event, the no parking zones between mile marker 16 and mile marker 31 will be enforced.

DKI Highway is a high-speed facility with some sections posted at 60 mph. It was designed as a safe, efficient, cross-island route with access across Hawaii Island between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The route is not meant to support high volumes of vehicles parking on the highway and its shoulders or pedestrians walking in the roadway.

Due to the increased activity and dangerous behaviors, HDOT is reminding motorists that shoulders are meant as a safety feature for disabled vehicles. Do not park along the highway to observe the volcanic activity, especially in areas where vehicles unexpectedly leaving or reentering may pose a hazard, or in areas where motorists may not be expecting people outside vehicles.

Designated parking lots may be used and are a safer option for those looking to observe the activity at Mauna Loa.

HDOT appreciates everyone doing their best to keep themselves and their fellow road users safe."

[TomK]

I was wondering if something like this would come up. We had various meetings today regarding the effects the eruption might have on MK observatory operations and someone brought up the point that there may be a lot of spectators on the DKI highway. So I briefed summit staff in yet another meeting to be careful when driving on the highway because there may be a lot of pedestrians around so drive a little slower and be aware that some idiot might walk out in the road while taking photos.

Then again, I or other supervisors who deal with staff driving the highway can't tell the general public to be careful, so I understand why this warning was posted, especially if there's fog in the Saddle which is likely over the next couple of days. I think one very cheap option the HDOT or police could take is just to put up a couple of those mobile electronic signs saying "beware of peds in the road, drive slowly".

[kalianna]

I do solemnly swear that I will not be one of the idiots wandering on the road. Breaking my leg trying to find a better view? Maybe.

[Obie]

I can see the glow from my house in lower HPP.

[TomK]

I do solemnly swear that I will not be one of the idiots wandering on the road.  Breaking my leg trying to find a better view?  Maybe.

I don't believe for one second you would do something like that, but I'm sure you would agree that you've seen enough idiocy on the island, including PW, that there enough idiots here that will walk out in front of traffic.

[kalakoa]

Maybe someone should create a "lava viewing area"...

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

DKI Highway is a high-speed facility with some sections posted at 60 mph. … The route is not meant to support high volumes of vehicles parking on the highway and its shoulders 

Word Problem 1A:
If parking is not allowed on a 60 mph highway with the attractive nuisance of a lava flow visible from the roadway, will drivers not travel on that highway because of the parking restrictions?

2B:
If a driver from Kona heads east at 60 mph, and a driver from Hilo heads west at 60 mph because they both would like to see what has been described as an “historic once in a lifetime event” unfolding on a mountain to their south, what is the effective impact speed from a head on collusion when they are not allowed to safely pull off the roadway and instead look away from the road at an angle of 90 degrees?
A: 60 mph
B: 120 mph


create a "lava viewing area"...

Word Problem 2:
Without a designated lava viewing area, will drivers from Hilo all find a HDOT designed and approved turn around roadway after they have viewed the lava at 60 mph, or will they choose an infinite number of potential U turn areas along the highway, constantly surprising other drivers that they would pick hills, curves, private gated roads, and other unexpected locations where they will attempt to reverse course back to Hilo?

A: Drivers will safely choose previously designed and HDOT approved highway exits, which did not take into account a Mauna Loa lava flow visible from the roadway 
B: Anyplace individual drivers feel is a “good spot.”

[Ccat]

Maybe someone should create a "lava viewing area"...

Good idea!  Maybe 2, actually.  One that you could drive to and park to see, and another one that would be a hiking trail to get closer to the lava for a better view.

But that takes time (and $$) and many of the Mauna Loa events haven’t lasted long enough.  The 1984 flow was over in 3 weeks. 

The 2018 lava flow viewing area required a ridiculously long walk.

Ccat