10-08-2007, 04:13 AM
Julie, Sorry if you find my comments rude (off point?). I'm just using the forum to express my opinion. But I can state a couple of reasons the Government won't try and divert lava: 1). It's disrespectful to the hawaiian culture and religion. 2). They don't understand the can of worms it would open. A "shield " type volcano is different than Iceland or Mt St. Helens. As studied as Kilauea is, we haven't a clue as to the fractured magma system underneath. If diverted, where is it going to go or pop up next? I live in Kalapana. Is my home less valuable or important to me than yours? Are you (the county) going to buy me a nice new place because you diverted the lava in my direction? Are the rights of the many more important than the rights of the few? Did you know that you were moving onto an active volcano?
The county does have a responsibility to keep people safe, but not to change nature. We have lifeguards at the beach, but there's no pressure for the government to stop deadly wave action. It's true; Many more people are killed by waves than lava. Should we be building artificial reefs to flatten the surf, or just try and make people aware of the danger? Aside from the cultural ramifications, diverting lava would rank in terms of human folly, right up there with the introduction of the mongoose.
The county does have a responsibility to keep people safe, but not to change nature. We have lifeguards at the beach, but there's no pressure for the government to stop deadly wave action. It's true; Many more people are killed by waves than lava. Should we be building artificial reefs to flatten the surf, or just try and make people aware of the danger? Aside from the cultural ramifications, diverting lava would rank in terms of human folly, right up there with the introduction of the mongoose.