Some two dozen Pahoa High student athletes whose families were displaced by the lava flow are being allowed to participate in athletics at Kea'au High, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association announced in a press release.

The affected students were granted instant eligibility since the HHSAA Board unanimously approved the recommendation by HHSAA executive director Chris Chun in November.

The press release said that Kea'au athletic director Iris McGuire said the Pahoa athletes that are participating in sports have moved into the Kea'au district.

However, 180 students remain at Pahoa, 50 of them athletes. Pahoa is still fielding athletic teams in winter sport. "I will not close our athletic programs," Pahoa principal Darlene Bee said.  "Athletics is a huge part of Pahoa and is the spirit that helps keep Pahoa going.  Our booster club is a great help and we are hoping to continue what we have now."