Less-visited area of Hawaii Volcanoes sees more activity

HILO, Hawaii – The closure of the main area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has driven more people to visit the less-frequented Kahuku Unit, leading to more resources being directed into that area.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports most of the Big Island park closed in May because of the Kilauea volcano eruption, prompting officials to open the Kahuku Unit for five days each week.

According to the park, about 350 people visited the unit in April before the eruption. Nearly 4,500 people visited it in June.

Kahuku area manager Keola Awong says more resources have been directed for maintenance and other projects as a result. Roads have been improved, brush has been cleared and new gates were installed at park entrances.

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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/