Hawaii lava route could spread invasive species, harm rare bird

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii -- An environmental review for constructing an emergency access route along a lava-covered section of Chain of Craters Road identifies concerns including the spread of invasive species and possible harm to endangered nene.

The National Park Service has agreed to accommodate two-way traffic on an alternate route to Puna to prepare for lava flowing over the district's main road. Construction is underway to re-establish the road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to its original width of 22 feet. Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi says the road will be a lifeline.

The review released Tuesday says a potential impact is spread of invasive species such as little fire ants and coqui frogs hitching rides on vehicles from Puna.

The public has until Dec. 5 to comment on the review.

The Hawaiian goose, or nene, were driven to near extinction in the 1950s. Only 30 birds were left in the world -- all on Hawaii Island. In March, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that a pair of nene nested and hatched three goslings at the 1,100-acre James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Oahu.

Meanwhile, CBS affiliate KGMB reports that the lava flow isn't moving forward, but experts say it's still active upslope where it's been expanding -- in one spot by as much as 300 yards.