‘Structurally compromised’ banyan tree causes safety concern; public advised to avoid portion of Banyan Drive in Hilo

Hawai‘i Police Department advises the public to avoid Banyan Drive near Banyan Way and the Reeds Bay parking lot because of a structurally compromised Banyan tree causing safety concerns.

Authorities ask people to stay away from that section of Banyan Drive for the next 6 hours. Use alternate routes.

At least one video shared on social media just before 9:30 p.m. tonight (Feb. 5) shows that the banyan tree in question was previously on fire.

Another video shared on Facebook at about 9:30 p.m. shows firefighters at the scene, with the post saying the blaze was extinguished.

No further official information has yet been released by police or Hawai‘i Fire Department officials.