Punishment harsher for crimes committed during lava emergency

PAHOA, Hawaii - Police on Hawaii's Big Island say criminals could face stiffer punishment for crimes committed during the emergency declaration that's in effect for lava flowing in the Puna district.

That means burglary can be punishable by up to 20 years in prison without possibility for probation if committed while the emergency declaration is in effect. Petty misdemeanor criminal property damage would normally be punishable by up to 30 days in jail. But under the declaration, punishment increases to up to 10 years in prison.

Other crimes including theft, robbery and assaulting an emergency worker also come with elevated penalties during this time.

Two Hawaii residents have been arrested for trespassing to see lava, police said last week, amid growing interest from people eager to witness the slow-moving yet destructive flow.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said on Oct. 31, the lava is currently in people's backyards. The county may be able to enable public viewing if and when it enters public land.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna district on Sept. 4.

Meanwhile, lava threatening Pahoa has stopped its slow, forward advance - for now. Civil Defense officials said Thursday the lava flow has been stalled for about a week.

It's still about 480 feet (146 meters) from Pahoa Village Road, which goes through downtown. It's possible the lava could start to be more active in the coming days.

Officials are continuing to monitor other parts of the flow where the lava has branched out.

Residents in the Big Island's Puna district have had weeks to prepare for the slow-moving lava from Kilauea volcano.

On Oct. 26, the flow crossed a country street on the edge of Pahoa. Since then, it's smothered part of a cemetery and burned down a garden shed.