2 shelters open on Hawaii Island as some residents opt to voluntarily evacuate

KAILUA-KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) - Scores of residents have opted to voluntarily leave their homes following the eruption of Mauna Loa, but authorities stress no mandatory evacuations are in place at this time.

Despite that, two shelters have been opened to accommodate residents. The shelters are at:

• The Robert Herkes Gymnasium in Pahala
• and the Kukuaokalani Gym at Kailua Park

Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Michelle Hiraishi said while people have come to the shelter parking lots, no one has checked in yet.

“That is all voluntary evacuations,” Hiraishi said.

The shelters are pet-friendly.

Basic sleeping accommodations are provided as needed, however residents are still urged to bring their own essential items like medication, immediate needs for water and food, toiletries and personal documents.

For more information, residents are urged to monitor the Hawaii Civil Defense Hazard map by clicking here.

This story will be updated as the situation develops.

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