Out of This World

Video by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson

Hawaii National Guard assists volcanic eruption response

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office

May 10, 2018 | 3:40

As a Hawaii Island community was inundated with lava erupting from the Kilauea volcano, the Hawaii National Guard was activated. Calling Soldiers and Airmen to perform their state mission to insure the residents of Hawaii County are safe and that their property remains secure.

LT. Col. Shawn Tsuha - Commander Task Force Hawaii

The security teams provided 24-hour support of communities at specific checkpoints

Pfc. Mariel Calivoso

Command and Control was provided at a joint emergency operations center, where the ever-evolving conditions on the ground changed as new volcanic fissures opened each day.

LT. Col. Shawn Tsuha - Commander Task Force Hawaii

A public affairs team was also dispatched to assist Hawaii county authorities with on-site lava coverage and also coordinating media inquiries from international, national and local media outlets.

National Guard Civil Support Teams from Hawaii’s 93rd CST and Arizona’s 91st CST, provided around-the-clock monitoring of sulfur dioxide levels that protects first responder and residents of Puna.

Members of the community were very grateful for the support.

LT. Col. Shawn Tsuha - Commander Task Force Hawaii

Plans are also being developed, in the possible case scenario where a large section of the community gets cut off by an active lava flow.

(U.S. Air National Guard Video by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson)