HAWAIʻI COUNTY MONITORING TWO BRUSHFIRES IN N. HAWAIʻI
HAWAIʻI COUNTY MONITORING TWO BRUSHFIRES IN N. HAWAIʻI
Hawaiʻi County officials are monitoring two active brushfires in North and South Kohala — one in the North Kohala District off Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270) near Kohala Ranch and the other in the South Kohala District in Waimea. Fire personnel are on the scene, and smoke may be visible in these areas. As a result of the brushfires, Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270) is closed between the 6 and 7 Mile Markers until further notice. Kohala Mountain Road was previously closed due to fallen trees but is now open.
Due to the proximity of the fires to various structures, Hisaoka Gym in Kapaʻau and the Waimea Community Center in Waimea have opened as evacuation shelters. A mandatory evacuation was called for in the Kohala Ranch area, and 2 residents have taken shelter at Hisaoka Gymnasium.
Power outages in the area may affect communication streams to the public.
