Hawaii officials encourage tourism despite volcano

VOLCANO, (AP):

Hawaii tourism officials are hoping Kilauea's eruption won't deter travellers from visiting the state's largest island, even as geologists warn the volcano could soon shoot large boulders out of its summit.

Travel industry executives note most of the Big Island is free of eruption threats from Kilauea, which began spurting lava into a residential neighbourhood last week.

George Szigeti, CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority says Kilauea is being monitored constantly and says the Big Island is "immense" and there are large parts that are unaffected by the volcano.

US President Donald Trump last Friday declared a major disaster exists on the Big Island.

The move will make federal financial assistance available to state and local governments as they repair roads, public parks, schools and water pipes damaged by the eruption.