Huge Eucalpytus Tree Blocking Road in Ahualoa

Police say a fallen tree has closed the Old Mamalahoa Highway in Ahualoa.

The road is closed to traffic in both directions, and the closure is expected to last through Thursday.

Capt. Andrew Burian of the Hamakua District said the tree fell last night west of the road’s junction with Kapuna Road.

He said it was a eucalyptus tree at least six feet in diameter.

The tree also took out a water line and possibly damaged telephone lines.

Burian said the blocked road has not stranded any residents, but its location presents problems for motorists unfamiliar with the area heading on the old highway in the Waimea direction.