Kona Brush Fire Forces Evacuations of 2 Subdivisions

2:01 p.m. UPDATE:

The Hawaiʻi Fire Department is battling an active brush fire in Kailua-Kona, between Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and Kuakini Highway, near the University of Nations. The brush fire prompted evacuations of the Kona Hillcrest subdivision and the Pottery Terrace Industrial Area, county officials reported this afternoon.

Additionally, Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway is closed between Hualālai Road to Puapuanui Street, and Kuakini Highway is closed between Oni Oni Street and Nakukui Drive. An evacuation shelter has been set up at the Kailua Park Gymnasium at the Old Kona Airport.

“Fire and Police are going door-to-door in the affected neighborhoods to get residents out safely,” county officials stated. “At this time, there is no information related to the cause of the fire.”

As the blaze is not yet contained, residents in the area are advised to remain cautious and visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administration Hazard Map here for up-to-date information.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Original Post:

A brush fire off Kuakini Highway is forcing the evacuation of two subdivisions in Kailua-Kona.

Kuakini Highway is closed between Onioni Street and Nakukui Drive, as well as Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway from Hualalai Road to Puapuanui Street, due to the blaze. Motorists are advised to avoid this area as fire crews are using the roadway to fight the fire.

Evacuation orders have been issued for Kona Hillcrest Subdivision and Aloha Kona Subdivision. An Evacuation Shelter has been set up at Old Kona Airport Park Gymnasium.

This is a developing story and more information will be provided once it becomes available.