PUNA, Hawaii – The Railroad Avenue emergency access route has been re-opened, as high winds have toppled trees and power lines on Kahakai Boulevard above Keonepoku school in Hawaiian Beaches/Shores.

The road, which was constructed as an alternate access in and out of Puna when the June 27 lava flow approached Highway 130, was opened on December 20, 2014 but then closed again a shirt time later to do some needed maintenance and to preserve the road until it was needed again.

High winds are being reported across the Big Island right now, especially in Puna and North Hawaii. A number of power outages have been reported. HELCO crews are working hard to restore power to affected areas.

2:30 p.m. | CIVIL DEFENSE MESSAGE

Kahakai Closed in Puna