HFD on Scene of Brush Fire Near Hawai’i CC Palamanui

Photo credit:
Kaʻea Lyons.

Hawai’i County Fire Department fire fighters are on the scene of a brush fire burning in the Hawai’i Community College Palamanui area of West Hawai’i.

The fire began at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday mauka of Kamanu Street, according to HFD Batallion Chief Gerald Kosaki. He says that in total, the fire has burned as estimated area of 15 to 20 acres.

“The fire is not threatening any homes, but a south-southeast wind is blowing smoke,” Chief Kosaki said.

Thatcher Moats, External Affairs Coordinator at Hawai’i Community College, said the fire has caused the Kaiminani Street entrance to the Palamanui campus to close.

The Hawai’i Police Department reports that the closure is from Ane Keohokalole Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Chief Kosaki said the Palamanui campus has been evacuated as result of smoke in the area.

Officials are also reportedly working to close the upper portion of Kaiminani Street, up to Highway 190.

No homes are being evacuated.

Stay with BigIslandNow.com as we bring you the latest on this brush fire.