Police arrested two Puna residents Thursday evening who allegedly trespassed to see the June 27 lava flow in Pahoa up close and personal and to claim some lava-covered souvenirs.
Police arrested two Puna residents Thursday evening who allegedly trespassed to see the June 27 lava flow in Pahoa up close and personal and to claim some lava-covered souvenirs.
The pair, 59-year-old Stephen Paul Koch of Pahoa and 65-year-old Ruth Crawford of Keaau each were charged with second-degree criminal trespassing.
Prior to their arrests, the two were shown on television, displaying an egg beater and golf clubs that had been dipped in lava.
Police said in a written statement they saw the alleged trespassers on county property beyond a fence within 5 feet of the flow, taking pictures, and the path of travel indicated they had crossed over private property to reach their viewing location.
Officers later found a pickup truck and sport-utility vehicle in the Pahoa Community Center parking lot registered to each arrested individual, and saw household utensils dipped in lava on the dashboard of one of the vehicles, police said.
“It’s for their own safety that they’re not supposed to go out there,” said Puna Patrol Sgt. B.J. Duarte. “The geologists are saying there are methane explosions and all other kind of things going on” in the active flow.
Both were released after posting $250 bail apiece and have Dec. 11 court dates to answer charges.
Under normal circumstances, the crime is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, but it’s possible they could face stiffer criminal penalties because the alleged act occurred during a declared state of emergency.
“There is a possibility they could be facing a charge under the mayor’s proclamation,” County Prosecutor Mitch Roth said Friday afternoon.
He said if prosecutors decide to press an enhanced charge for the alleged trespass, it would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 upon conviction.
Police officers and unarmed National Guard members are manning barricades attempting to keep trespassers out of the active lava flow area around Apa‘a Street.
Police also are asking for the public to report sightings of anyone who might be trespassing near the active lava flow or in areas beyond police barricades.
Anyone who needs to report information to the authorities can call the police nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com