Hina Lani Fire Rekindles, Burns 30 More Acres

A brushfire that burned 450 acres last week north of Kailua-Kona re-kindled around noon Wednesday, jumping a firebreak and burning another 30 acres or so, Hawaii Fire Department officials said.

The new breakout occurred on the north and east side of the fire located between Hina Lani Street, the road providing access to Costco, and Hulikoa Drive.

“It got away yesterday,” said Capt. Lyle Loyola of the Waikokola fire station, the incident commander on location this morning. “We’re cutting new firebreaks. There’s a lot of hot spots.”

Loyola said despite access issues because of rough terrain and location, the fire was being managed with ground crews. He said water drops from a county helicopter might be needed later if the weather prompts more flare-ups.

“It’s calm right now, but during the day it gets hot,” he said.

The remnants of Hurricane Daniel are forecast to bring frequent showers to the windward side beginning as early as this afternoon, although only scattered showers are expected on the leeward side through Friday.

Still, any moisture would help the firefighters’ efforts.

“That would be nice,” Loyola said.