UPDATE – (9:30 a.m.) – The evacuation order for Kawaihae Village is no longer in effect, although the wildfire near Kawaihae Road remains active.
“Residents will be permitted to return home, however, Kawaihae Road and Queen Kaahumanu Highway remain closed to all other traffic to facilitate firefighting operations,” the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reported on Sunday morning. “The Shelter at the Waimea Community Center will close today at noon.”
UPDATE – (6:30 a.m.) – The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense provided the following updates on the Kawaihae wildland fire:
- Kawaihae Road between Wailua Drive and Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Queen Kaahumanu Highway between Kawaihae Road and Mauna Kea Beach Road, remain closed.
- Roads that remain open are Highway 190, the upper road between Waimea and Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Road, and Kohala Mountain Road.
- For access to Kawaihae Harbor and Akoni Pule Highway, a detour has been established through Kohala Ranch Road.
- As fire crews continue to actively fight this fire, motorists, expect traffic delays and please avoid the area, where possible
- The evacuation order that was issued yesterday for Kawaihae Village subdivision remains in effect.
- A public shelter has been opened at Waimea Community Center for evacuees.
(BIVN) – An evacuation order was issued for the Kawaihae Village subdivision on Saturday evening due to a wildland fire.
According to the County of Hawaiʻi, the evacuation area covers approximately 50 residences near the junction of Kawaihae Road and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.
A shelter has been opened at Waimea Community Center located at 65-1260 Kawaihae Road in Waimea.
The fire was first reported at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. As of 9 p.m., the blaze has burned about 500 acres on the south side of Kawaihae Road.
The following roads are closed as of 9 p.m. Saturday evening:
- Kawaihae Road from Waiula Drive to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.
- Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway from Kawaihae Road to Mauna Kea Beach Drive.
“Emergency personnel are actively responding to the fire, and residents are urged to prioritize their safety by avoiding hazardous areas,” a County news release stated. “If you encounter emergency responders or road crews, please allow them space to operate safely.”
