County issues supplementary disaster declaration

The eastern portion of Leilani Estates is seen in this Nov. 7 photo from USGS.
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Mayor Harry Kim has changed some of the restrictions for lava-affected areas of Puna in a supplementary emergency declaration issued Thursday.

According to the declaration, prohibitions on entering or altering the lava flow field have been removed but it also adds conditions for such activity.

For instance, “loitering, loafing or idling” on the flow field are still not allowed unless authorized by county Civil Defense.

It further states that property owners may make “limited restorative physical modifications to the lava flow field surface” as authorized. It adds that clearing, crushing or removal of lava rock from the eruption to establish roads, trails or driveways is prohibited unless authorized by the county.

The emergency declaration will remain in effect for 45 days unless extended.