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Tephra Information Center Opens in Volcano, Hawaii
Center to provide guidance on cleanup and assistance following Kilauea eruption
Published on Mar. 12, 2026
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Hawaii County Civil Defense, along with partner organizations like the Red Cross and CERT, is opening a Tephra Information Center at the Cooper Center in Volcano, Hawaii today and Thursday to help residents with guidance on tephra cleanup, water catchment protection, and requests for assistance following episode 43 of the Kilauea volcano eruption.
Why it matters
The eruption of Kilauea has blanketed parts of Hawaii's Big Island with volcanic tephra, including ash and Pele's hair, which can pose health risks and damage water collection systems. The information center aims to provide critical support to affected residents.
The details
The Tephra Information Center will be open from 12-4pm today and 9am-5pm on Thursday. Residents can get guidance on cleaning up tephra, protecting their water catchment systems, and requesting assistance from Civil Defense. The eruption began on Tuesday, with Pele's hair and fine ash reported in Hilo and Puna, and larger tephra up to 3 inches in diameter falling near the volcano in Volcano Village and Mauna Loa Estates.
- The Tephra Information Center will be open today, March 12, 2026 from 12-4pm.
- The Tephra Information Center will be open on Thursday, March 13, 2026 from 9am-5pm.
- Episode 43 of the Kilauea volcano eruption began on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 9:17am.
The players
Hawaii County Civil Defense
The local emergency management agency leading the response efforts.
Red Cross
A partner organization providing assistance and resources to affected residents.
CERT
Community Emergency Response Team, a partner organization helping with the response.
What’s next
The Tephra Information Center will be open for two days to provide guidance and support to residents. After that, Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any ongoing cleanup or assistance efforts.
The takeaway
The opening of the Tephra Information Center demonstrates Hawaii's proactive approach to supporting communities affected by the Kilauea eruption, ensuring residents have access to critical resources and information to protect their health and property.
