Volcanic Emissions Cover State

HONOLULU -- Volcanic emissions from the Big Island blanketed the entire state for another day, posing problems for people who have difficulty breathing.

Volcanic emissions made for another very hazy day in Hilo. You could barely see from one end of Hilo Bay to the other.

In Honolulu, it wasn't much better.

"This year we've had many days like, but I think it's getting -- this is one of the worst," American Lung Association of Hawaii Executive Director Jean Evans said.

The organization estimates there are 154,000 people in the islands with respiratory problems who could be affected by the vog.

Evans said the hazy weather has increased the number of calls to the association.

"We give them the information about staying indoor, reducing exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, keeping meds handy," she said.

Fortunately for some Hawaii residents, dangerous sulfur dioxide gas does not make it to Oahu or Kauai from the Volcano area of the Big Island.

While the danger is not as bad for the northern island, the haze is still heavy.

There is a light breeze from the south that is helping to fuel the haze. This has happened often enough that calls to the American Lung Association are not just from people with breathing problems.

"Actually, interestingly enough, we got a lot of calls from people on the mainland, wanting to know if they should go on their vacation. Is it going to have vog that day?" Evans said.

It is hard to predict that far in advance. The lung association said just be prepared and stay inside more often.