UPDATE 4 p.m.: HFD has controlled the brush fire in the area of Punaluu Beach Park. Due to hotspots in the area the highway remains closed until approximately 6 p.m., when another assessment will take place. A detour has been setup through the area by using Ninole Loop for essential vehicles only. The public is reminded to be aware of emergency personnel in the area.
UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: HFD has controlled the brush fire in the area of Punaluu Beach Park. Excessive smoke and hot spots remain a dangerous concern to the public. For that reason the highway remains closed for an undetermined time period while fire crews work on hotspots in the area and the smoke clears. A detour has been setup through the area by using Ninole Loop for essential vehicles only. This detour may closed should the fire start back up. Please be patient during this time. Be aware of emergency workers in the area and drive with aloha.
Hawaii Police Department and Hawaii Fire Department are advising motorists to avoid Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) by Punaluu Black Sands Beach Park in Ka‘u because of a brush fire,
The highway will remain closed for the next several hours and a detour has been setup through the area via Ninole Loop. This detour may have to be closed should the fire get larger, so stay informed for additional road closures or modifications to the traffic pattern.
Be aware of emergency workers in the area and drive with aloha.