Obama signs disaster declaration in Hawaii

HONOLULU - President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for a lava flow that's threatening a rural Hawaii town.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie last month requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration that allows for federal emergency help with lava issues such as repairs, restoration, and re-establishing alternate routes.

According to Abercrombie's office, Obama signed the declaration Monday.

Lava flowing from Kilauea volcano has been moving slowly toward communities in the Big Island's lower Puna district.

County civil defense officials say the lava's flow front remained stalled Monday, about 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road, which goes through downtown. A breakout of the flow remains about 100 yards from a house.

So far the lava has smothered part of a cemetery and burned down a shed, some tires and metal materials.