Lava Creeps Toward Last Royal Gardens' Homes

HILO, Hawaii -- Scientists on the Big Island said early Friday that a lava flow from Kilauea Volcano continues to advance toward the Royal Gardens subdivision.

Jim Kauahikaua, the scientist in charge at the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said the lava was expected to reach the subdivision overnight. Officials reported on Thursday afternoon that the flow was less than 1 mile from the upper boundary of the subdivision.

Kauahikaua said only two homes in Royal Gardens in lower Puna are occupied. The eruption has destroyed 60 homes in the subdivision since 1983.

Royal Gardens originally had 1,827 lots.

After lava covered the highway to Royal Gardens, a path was bulldozed for residents, who are the only people allowed to enter the subdivision.

The eruption has destroyed a total of 190 structures, covered nearly nine miles of roadway and was responsible for the deaths of five sightseers.

The Civil Defense is monitoring the movement of the lava and warning the few remaining residents about the danger of smoke and fire.