Waikoloa Village Still Safe For Habitation, But Residents Asked to Remain on Watch

It remains safe for residents of Waikoloa Village to occupy their homes, based on current brushfire information provided by the Hawai´i Fire Department.

HFD continues to battle a blaze that has already consumed tens of thousands of acres across a northern swath of the Big Island and continues to rage three days after it was initially reported to the department.

An evacuation order for Waikoloa Village was issued at noon on Sunday, and subsequently lifted approximately seven hours later. The order remains lifted, meaning people living in the community may come and go safely, and that there is no imminent threat to homes in the area based on current conditions. However, high wind patterns are expected to remain prevalent over the course of Monday and Tuesday, and Village residents have been cautioned to remain on alert, as mandatory evacuation orders could be reinstated if circumstances change.

Hawai´i County asked people to remain at evacuation shelters overnight unless absolutely necessary due to the volatile nature of the situation, and because heavy smoke in the areas near the fire can create health issues, particularly for those with underlying respiratory conditions.

Road closures for the following areas remain in effect: Highway 190 from Waimea Airport to the DKI Intersection, Old Saddle Road, and Waikoloa Road from Paniolo Drive to Highway 190. 

Evacuation shelters at the Old Kona Airport Park in Kailua-Kona and Waimea District Park remain open. American Red Cross personnel and county officials are on site at these locations, according to Civil Defense. Fire crews are expected to continue battling the blaze throughout the day. More updates will be provided as they become available.