Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is monitoring a Kilauea lava flow that recently threatened a residence in the Royal Gardens subdivision.

Last week, the six-mile lava path from Kilauea through Royal Gardens to the sea began pouring more lava into the ocean. The flow had slowed by yesterday, but it could pick up again.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist-in-charge Jim Kauahikaua said plans to fly to the area are scheduled for Thursday, unless changes in the conditions require an earlier flight.

The Royal Gardens subdivision has been threatened or hit ever since eruptions began in 1983. The most recent eruption occurred in February.

"This is only the latest of many, many lava flows through Royal Gardens," Kauahikaua said.

Today, he said, "It seems like most of the activity is up slope a bit, in an area that we can't see very well. So, a new flow could've made it down there by now."