Cleanup Underway Following Overnight Storm

The Hawai’i Police Department said that as of 4:05 p.m., two new road closures have occurred, both along Highway 11.

Highway 11 at the 68 mile marker is closed due to a fallen tree and power lines. Delays are expected for the next four hours. South Point Road and Kamaoa Road are being used as alternative routes.

Highway 11 at the 70 mile marker is closed due to a downed tree. Delays are expected for the next six hours and no alternative routes have been established.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense noted at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon that the overnight weather conditions that brought wind and rain throughout the Big Island continue to improve.

Damage and impact cleanup is being performed by county officials as a high wind warning has been renewed for the summit areas, as well as areas above the 5,000 foot elevation. The warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 12 p.m. Sunday.

Crews from the State Highways and Department of Public Works are  currently working to clear all roadways. Due to downed trees, the following roadways and highways remain closed:

– Highway 250, also known as Kohala Mountain Road

– Wood Valley Road in Pahala

In addition to the road closures, Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona between Hualalai Road and Walua Road is a one-way road and restricted to only north-bound traffic. High surf in the area and erosion damage to the road along the coast is the cause of the partial closure. Traffic traveling south along the road is being detoured.

Individuals driving in the area should be prepared for hazardous road conditions and the possibility of unexpected road closures.

High and hazardous surf conditions have also caused the closure of beaches, including: Laaloa, also known as Magic Sands Beach, Kahaluu Beach, and Mahukona Beach Park.

Hawai’i Electric Light crews had restored power to most customers in West Hawai’i who lost electricity during the overnight and morning weather conditions.

According to a release, officials say that as of 11 a.m. Saturday, about 5,900 customers in North Hawai’i and Hamakua, as well as in some areas of Hilo, lower and upper Puna and Ka’u were experiencing power outages. High winds caused trees to fall into power lines, breaking lines and poles.

Customers in West Hawai’i who are experiencing power outages and have not reported them are asked to call Hawai’i Electric Light’s trouble line at 969-6666. Due to the high volume of calls, call wait times have been increased.