Legislator wants Lingle to offer help
Associated Press
KAILUA-KONA » A state lawmaker is asking Gov. Linda Lingle to assist Big Island residents affected by the volcanic smog, or "vog," from Kilauea volcano.
Rep. Bob Herkes (D, Volcano-Kainaliu) says despite the concerns over sulfur dioxide levels, state agencies have been ineffective in providing up-to-date information or any meaningful assistance or alerts.
Herkes says many Big Island residents fear for their health, animals, water systems, crops and businesses.
Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant that is also generated by burning coal and oil, can lead to asthma and other respiratory illnesses and aggravate lung and heart disease.
When combined with dust and sunlight, it makes vog. Mixed with atmospheric moisture, it produces acid rain.