Lava again spreads over Royal Gardens subdivision

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

KAPA'AHU, Hawai'i — The long-running Kilauea Volcano eruption at Pu'u 'O'o in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is again spreading lava through the Royal Gardens subdivision in lower Puna.

In recent days, lava has covered nearly a mile of an unpaved access road, rendering the area virtually inaccessible to the nearly 1,500 people who own lots in the subdivision.

The eruption has destroyed 188 structures since it began Jan. 3, 1983, include dozens of homes in Royal Gardens. The most recent structure in the subdivision to be overcome by lava was destroyed in February. Only about a half-dozen houses remain scattered through the area, and most of them are unoccupied.

The latest damage from lava flows has some Royal Gardens property owners ready to abandon their lots for good.

"I now see all this as a cruel joke on me. I guess my optimism exceeded good rationale," said Coco Pierson, a former Royal Gardens resident now living in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

Robert Stearns, president of the Royal Gardens Community Association, said annual meetings of the association are planned this month on the Big Island and O'ahu.

Arnold Okamura, assistant scientist in charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said there are few uses for the land. A science education project rented one of the remaining houses for three weeks this year, and there are reports that a bed-and-breakfast operation is flying in guests by helicopter.