No fire or injuries were reported following propane leak in Kawaihae

A propane leak at the Kawaihae harbor Friday afternoon resulted in the evacuation of harbor workers and civilians at a half-mile radius in all directions.

Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the incident at 2:06 p.m. When they arrived on scene, crews found a 5,000-gallon commercial propane tank rapidly venting from a relief valve at the harbor, 61-3601 Kawaihae Rd.

Firefighters were concerned as the temperatures were high on Friday afternoon and light winds were blowing the gas toward Highways 19 and 270.

Hawai‘i Police Department responded to the scene and provided traffic control while HFD maintained control of the propane tank area. They stayed on scene 50 minutes after the cylinder stopped venting.

HAZMAT company made entry and checked for signs of gas accumulation and to make sure the atmosphere was not within any flammmabilty ranges. No fire or injuries were reported.

The cause of the propane valve leak is under investigation. All traffic and businesses opened shortly after.