The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory upgraded the alert level for the lava flow in Puna from a watch to a warning.
Scientists say the lava is advancing about 820 feet a day and is less than a mile from homes.
"We project the lava could reach the boundary of the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision within 5-7 days should the lava resume advancing within the crack system," scientists said in a Kilauea update at 10:45 a.m. Thursday.
Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi signed an emergency proclamation, but no evacuation order has been issued yet.
"We are taking this step to ensure our residents have time to prepare their families, their pets, and their livestock for a safe and orderly evacuation from Kaohe in the event the flow continues to advance," Kenoi said in a written news release.
Civil Defense workers are going door-to-door in the Kaohe subdivision to explain the situation and help residents prepare.
"Only residents will be allowed on the subdivision roads starting today, and we ask that non-residents stay away from the area," said Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira in a news release. "The lava cannot be seen from the subdivision, and there is no reason for non-residents to be in the Kaohe subdivision at this time. This is a difficult and stressful time for Kaohe residents, and we ask that everyone show respect and understanding for our Kaohe neighbors."
A morning overflight of the lava flow from Kilauea Volcano showed surface lava advanced only about 100 yards since Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
The so-called June 27th lava flow was about .7 miles southwest, or upslope, of the Wao Kele Puna Forest Reserve boundary and the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision Thursday morning. It was moving east-northeast.
The observatory's Thursday update said steam rising from an underground crack suggests that lava is moving below the surface. The ground crack extended a short distance east of the surface lava.
Another community meeting on the lava is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pahoa High School cafeteria with civil defense and observatory officials
"The public is reminded that the flow cannot be accessed and is not visible from any public areas. Please do not attempt to access the area as there are many cracks and dense vegetation. In addition please refrain from attempting to do so through the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision and respect the privacy of area residents. Enforcement officers of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources will be conducting patrols and reminding persons in the area of the restricted access," Big Island Civil Defense officials said.
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