Saddle Road Reopens, Old Saddle Still Closed as Brush Fire Burns On

Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, has reopened to traffic in each direction after authorities closed the highway due to a large brush fire in the area.

As of approximately 5:45 pm Saturday, July 17, the Hawai´i Police Department announced that both Hilo-bound and Kona-bound traffic could resume. However, HPD said that Old Saddle Road remains closed to through traffic between Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Māmalahoa Highway (Route 190) due to threats posed by the fire.

Authorities said it is not known at this time how long the closure will last. Only local traffic to Waikii Ranch is allowed from the Old Saddle Road/Māmalahoa Highway intersection as safety permits.