A lava flow from the Pu'u 'O'o area has resumed at least partial ocean entry, according to a report issued by volcano scientists yesterday.

The flow was previously stymied by a blockage in the lava tube upslope.

Jim Kauahikaua, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist in charge said: "With how quickly it made it to the ocean, it must have resumed going through the lava tube." He added, "If it was a flow that was going to re-establish, it would've taken days to a week or two."

Scientists plan to fly over the flow area today.

Two small explosions at Halema'uma'u's fuming vent and spectacular fountaining in a lava flow upslope of Royal Gardens subdivision marked an increase in activity Monday and Tuesday at Kilauea volcano on the Big Island.

The flow inside Royal Gardens subdivision that threatened one of its remaining structures evidently picked up vigor at the beginning of the week because the lava tube that had been transporting molten rock from the Pu'u 'O'o area to the ocean at Waikupanaha had become clogged upslope, briefly stopping the flow into the sea.

Royal Gardens subdivision has been overrun a number of times since the eruption began on Jan. 3, 1983. The most recent surface breakout started in February.