08-23-2007, 02:33 PM
The homes in Royal Gardens got picked off piece meal. The real drama that we have experienced during this eruption, and one that might be used as an example of the myriad of things that would unfold if the lava were to make in down into developed property, was the destruction of Kalapana. During that time, in the spring of 1990, we witnessed how over 150 families dealt with the inundation of their property. And, from that experience I can say there is not one answer, one way, to deal with it. If you have not had the experience yourself I would suggest that a lot of caution be exercised when formulating an opinion of how people should deal with it. I have seen people make leis, leave them on their lani, say a pray and walk away. Others held vigil for days and nights crying to their god 'why us', the sense of grief was beyond words. and this wasnt one of those disasters that shows up one day and is gone the next leaving those effected to recover. it is very slow, it reaches into the heart of the matter, the stresses can be way beyond what those who have not experienced it can imagine. please be kind.