Hawaii lawmakers probe vog damages

HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers are going to examine the damaging effects of volcanic smog on public health, agriculture, water quality and wildlife.

Speaker of the House Calvin Say has established a committee to investigate problems that may be caused by the gasses known as vog erupting from Halemaumau Crater on the Big Island's Kilauea Volcano.

When the trade winds subside, the vog has been causing hazy conditions as far away as Kauai.

The committee will be led by Rep. Bob Herkes, a Democrat representing the town of Volcano and surrounding areas.

Herkes says the vog should be treated like a natural disaster. He wants lawmakers to address safety, crop losses and tourism impacts.

The committee's findings are due at least 20 days before next year's legislative session in January.