Video

Video by Spc. Aven Santiago

Hawaii National Guard assist with security during lava flow

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office

May 25, 2018 | 2:06

PAHOA - Fissures are continuing to erupt in Lower Puna, pumping out fountains of lava into the air. While the lava flow may be a sight to see for some, it’s causing a big problem for Big Island residents. With many locals evacuating their homes, it leaves their houses open to burglars and vandals. It’s an issue the Hawaii Army National Guard is hoping to solve.

00:22 - Specialist Chad Chun Fat, 227th BEB, HIARNG: We’ve been activated by the Governor for State Active Duty to assist the Hawaii County citizens with the lava outbreak. Basically just letting in residents into areas that aren’t being currently affected to gather their stuff, help them move out, make sure no people loitering or tipping peoples houses off.

00:42 - Specialist Brant Shiroma, 227th BEB, HIARNG: People of Leilani are facing a really tough situation trying to get all their stuff out; helping their own friends and family. Last thing we need is to worry about all these other guys coming in and stealing all their belongings.

At a checkpoint several miles out from the lava flow, soldiers are working together with Big Island Police to help support efforts here in Hawaii County.

01:05 - Staff Sergeant Christopher Martillano, 227th BEB, HIARNG: They know the area. They know the people here. Especially for me, I’m from Oahu. I’m not really familiar with the area here so having local authority in actually if anything does happen, we have security so that is a plus for us with the police.

For some of the soldiers, this mission affects them personally, with many of them born and raised right here on the Big Island.

01:26 - Specialist Chad Chun Fat, 227th BEB, HIARNG: Being able to have an impact on my community which is why I joined the Guard, just being able to help people and give back just means a lot. I knew that getting into the National Guard at some point I would have to give back to the community. Especially in Hawaii, we’re surrounded by different types of natural disasters and the environment is always changing here. Just means a lot to me to give back to the people.

01:50 - Specialist Brant Shiroma, 227th BEB, HIARNG: So you know helping out this community really means a lot to me because I grew up here. We got to be a family and watch out for everyones back. So I don’t want to let any of the county down in any sort of way.

Reporting from Pahoa, I’m Specialist Aven Santiago.