Hawaii lava creeps closer to marketplace

PAHOA, Hawaii -- Lava from a volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has moved another 10 yards toward a shopping center since Saturday afternoon.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says in an online update Sunday that the lava from Kilauea Volcano that the molten rock is about 690 yards from the Pahoa Marketplace and 1,050 yards from the intersection of Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road.

The observatory says the lava flow is active in several places.

Authorities say the flow doesn't pose an immediate threat to residents or businesses.

The lava previously had been on pace to hit the marketplace around Christmas Day. It stopped moving until advancing 25 yards between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Several businesses in the Pahoa Marketplace have begun evacuating, according to CBS affiliate KGMB.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said he understands why businesses are making the choice to voluntarily evacuate at this time, but wants the community to know the merchants have all committed to returning as soon as they can.

"Even though the timelines may have changed and may continue to change, the businesses have an interest to protect their services and inventory so they're doing what they can. Every single one of the businesses has stated that they are committed to returning and restoring normal business operations as soon as it's safe to do so," said Oliveira.