Hawaii businesses seek lava viewing site to reignite tourism
HONOLULU (AP) — Stunning images of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano have captivated people around the world. But ironically it's nearly impossible for residents and visitors on the ground to see the lava — a fact that's squeezing the tourism-dependent local economy.
Big Island businesses are calling for a lava viewing site, but authorities say they're finding it difficult to set one up while keeping people safe.
The risks posed by the volcano came into sharp focus this week when lava flowing into the ocean triggered an explosion that sent a hot rock the size of a basketball crashing through a tour boat's roof. One woman broke her leg, while nearly two dozen others suffered minor burns and scrapes.