When Kilauea Volcano, a volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, erupted last week, the flow of molten lava represented a huge danger to the inhabitants of the island, several thousand of whom lived in areas directly in the path of the lava. For example, in Leilani Estates, a subdivision that has experienced a full dozen fissures, all leaking lava, since the eruption started, residents have evacuated and do not expect to be able to return to their homes. The last time a major eruption occurred, the neighboring town of Kalapana was completely covered in lava, which cannot be “cleaned up” in the wake of the eruption the same way cleanup can occur in the wake of other natural disasters because when lava cools, it becomes hard rock. USA Today reporter Trevor Huges described Kalapana as looking “like someone paved over it with lumpy asphalt.”
So why do people choose to live in such a risky area? In Hawaii, where the median home prices hover well in excess of $600,000 (nearly three times the national median home value), housing affordability trumps nearly any risk. In fact, a plot of land in the area around the volcano could cost less than $8,000, although the home would likely have to remain “off the grid” and rely on solar panels and batteries for power and other innovative devices for plumbing and water. Many evacuees dismantled and either removed or sold many such devices before leaving their homes. “I’m so sad for people who didn’t get that chance,” said one resident, who expects the lava flow to permanently block her access to her home.
Authorities have allowed some residents to return to their homes briefly to attempt to recover supplies, medicine, pets, and other valuables. However, they cannot return to live in the area, although some have refused to leave. Most are ineligible for homeowner’s insurance because Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983. The question is not if the volcano will release more lava, but where that lava will flow. Those who remain in their homes believe they will be able to leave faster than the lava flows from the fissures in the area, and said they are packed and ready to go.
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