VOLCANO MADNESS: [Geology2] Hundreds of spectators flock to viewing point to watch Hawaii volcano lava flow enter ocean

Friday, December 30, 2011

[Geology2] Hundreds of spectators flock to viewing point to watch Hawaii volcano lava flow enter ocean

Hundreds of spectators flock to viewing point to watch Hawaii volcano lava flow enter ocean

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: December 29, 2011

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii — More than 400 people watched from a Big Island viewing point to marvel at lava flowing into the ocean.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Acting Administrator John Drummond says the lava at Kilauea isn't threatening homes or structures but steam is blasting from the point where it reaches the sea along the coast within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

On Wednesday, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory released new photos of the lava, which is attracting spectators.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Acting Administrator John Drummond says the lava at Kilauea isn't threatening homes or structures but steam is blasting from the point where it reaches the sea along the coast within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

PHOTO: In this Dec. 27, 2011 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, Lava flows in to the ocean at West Kaâ€˜iliâ€˜ili in in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii County Civil Defense Acting Administrator John Drummond says the lava at Kilauea isn't threatening homes or structures but steam is blasting from the point where it reaches the sea along the coast. (AP Photo/U.S. Geological Survey)

In this Dec. 27, 2011 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, Lava flows in to the ocean at West Kaâ€˜iliâ€˜ili in in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii County Civil Defense Acting Administrator John Drummond says the lava at Kilauea isn't threatening homes or structures but steam is blasting from the point where it reaches the sea along the coast. (AP Photo/U.S. Geological Survey)

The Kilauea volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983.

Lava from the volcano's Puu Oo vent reached the ocean earlier this month.