HILO, Hawai'i — Lava flowing in the direction of residential areas of the Big Island currently does not pose a threat, Mayor Harry Kim said yesterday.

Unlike most of the past 15 years, when lava has flowed harmlessly from Kilauea volcano to the sea, a new outpouring is heading to the north.

"At this time, it's just meandering up there," Kim said. "There's no risk or danger to any residential areas."

So far, the lava flow has been cooling and solidifying before it approaches populated areas, Kim said.

Lava has been erupting at a rate of 500,000 cubic meters per day since July 21.

Officials received many calls this week from residents worried that they would need to evacuate towns such as Pahoa, 'Ainaloa, Kaniahiku Village and Leilani Estates, but their fears are so far unfounded, Kim said.

Greater danger would occur only if the lava creates a tube system, which would allow it to travel farther before hardening.

It's impossible to know when or if that will happen, Kim said. "Who knows? Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't," Kim said. "We'll just have to watch."

In the meantime, the public can find updated information about the eruption when a new Web site is launched Monday at www.lavainfo.us.