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Posted: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 1:12 PM HST
High sulfur dioxide levels force closure of national park
By Associated Press
HILO, Hawaii (AP) _ Elevated sulfur dioxide levels from Kilauea have forced the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The park had earlier closed parts of Crater Rim Drive.
Civil Defense officials say they are closely monitoring sulfur dioxide levels.
Particularly high levels of the gas were recorded in the Fern Forest subdivision and at the Volcano Village Fire Station.
Officials are warning residents living northeast of the venting Halemaumau crater to be prepared to evacuate if sulfur dioxide levels continue to rise.
One school, Volcano Charter, is closed today due to the heightened sulfur dioxide levels.
(Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remains closed today after high levels of sulfur dioxide vented from Kilauea. Continuing southeastern winds will exist through most of the day, causing much of the contamination to exist elsewhere on the Big Island.

In addition to the park, the Volcano House hotel and Kilauea Military Camp remain evacuated. Volcano Charter School remains closed for a second day.

Sulfur dioxide can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and respiratory tract. Residents in the area are recommended to avoid smoking, stay indoors, and drink plenty of fluids, among other suggestions. Residents living northeast of the volcano should be prepared to evacuate, mainly those living in Mauna Loa Estates, Ohia Estates, Volcano Village, the Keauhou Ranch area and the Volcano Golf Course region.

Trade winds on Thursday may return the conditions to normal. However, people in the region should remain prepared to evacuate if necessary.