Social Impacts of the June 27th Lava Flow

On September 14, 2014 Dr. Mark Kimura, a researcher in economic geography at UH-Hilo, launched the Facebook page “Lower Puna Infographics” to provide information about the social impacts of the June 27^th lava flow.  Within days it became one of the most popular online resources among residents of the affected areas of Puna district … and for others equally interested in the effects of the flow on the community.  Join Mark tonight as he presents highlights from his infographics and the results of his June 27^th Lava Flow Social Impact Survey.  Mark will also share his thoughts on the emerging roles of social media in natural disasters, and some of the life lessons his Facebook page’s subscribers revealed to him.