NEW : There will be an `` opportunity to stay '' as long as it is safe to do so , official says . `` As it gets closer , the key is communication with the community , keeping people informed and everybody continue to work around the clock really hard just to minimize as much as possible the impact on the people of Pahoa , '' he told KHNL . Up to 12 homes and businesses could be evacuated soon , an official says . Lava advancing on Pahoa , a community of about 950 people on Hawaii 's Big Island . -- The U.S. Geological Survey said the lava flow was moving at 10 miles per hour in some areas but slowing down after reaching its maximum speed.
NEW : There will be an `` opportunity to stay '' as long as it is safe to do so , official says . Up to 12 homes and businesses could be evacuated soon , an official says . Lava advancing on Pahoa , a community of about 950 people on Hawaii 's Big Island . -- The U.S. Geological Survey said the lava flow was moving at 10 miles per hour in some areas but slowing down after reaching its maximum speed.