03-02-2008, 05:06 AM
Hey Dakine, I guess you didn’t read my post under Volcano acting up. I don't agree with your blanket statement, “I am ashamed of our county and state governments decision to restrict people's access to lava viewing.”
For right now that’s the best thing that they can do!
It’s not DUMB, it’s SAFETY first.
Your other comment that it’s a, “relatively safe place to view”. While the area may be somewhat accessible from the highway it’s not safe at night. Have you made the trip?
We went out last Wed night and the trip through Kalapana is very, very dangerous at night. The last mile off the road is a single lane road. If two cars face off one or the other has to back up in the dark that is nearly impossible. Thank god for our 4X4 PU truck, without that we couldn’t have made it. There were about 75 cars at the circle and 25 more parked along the road and we passed about 20 cars on the road in and out.
I do agree with you that the lava flow should be seen by all but not on that road. The county isn’t going to take the liability of serious injury or death to some tourist. The area isn’t and shouldn’t be set up for tourist.
The only way to make viewing save would be to limit the vehicles in and out and that would be nearly impossible. We would have a line of vehicles on 130 back to Leilani Estates. Furthermore, people live and own property in that area it’s not a National or State park. Unfortunately the public should be restricted from this area until it can be made safe. Maybe bulldoze the Chain of Crater Road to the new flow location and let the Fed’s handle the tourist.
BTW, President Bush had nothing to do with road closing of Kalapana Road.
"Many dreams come true and some have silver linings, I look for my dreams and a pocket full of gold" Led Zeppelin
For right now that’s the best thing that they can do!
It’s not DUMB, it’s SAFETY first.
Your other comment that it’s a, “relatively safe place to view”. While the area may be somewhat accessible from the highway it’s not safe at night. Have you made the trip?
We went out last Wed night and the trip through Kalapana is very, very dangerous at night. The last mile off the road is a single lane road. If two cars face off one or the other has to back up in the dark that is nearly impossible. Thank god for our 4X4 PU truck, without that we couldn’t have made it. There were about 75 cars at the circle and 25 more parked along the road and we passed about 20 cars on the road in and out.
I do agree with you that the lava flow should be seen by all but not on that road. The county isn’t going to take the liability of serious injury or death to some tourist. The area isn’t and shouldn’t be set up for tourist.
The only way to make viewing save would be to limit the vehicles in and out and that would be nearly impossible. We would have a line of vehicles on 130 back to Leilani Estates. Furthermore, people live and own property in that area it’s not a National or State park. Unfortunately the public should be restricted from this area until it can be made safe. Maybe bulldoze the Chain of Crater Road to the new flow location and let the Fed’s handle the tourist.
BTW, President Bush had nothing to do with road closing of Kalapana Road.
"Many dreams come true and some have silver linings, I look for my dreams and a pocket full of gold" Led Zeppelin
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it cost when it’s free...now here come the taxes.....