Highway 19 reopened, power outage closes Honokaa schools

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Highway 19 has reopened in the Honokaa area between the 38- and 39-mile markers, police report this morning.

“There is still evidence of broken power utility poles along Highway 19, but it’s open now in both directions,” Captain Albert Jason Cortez, Hawaii Police Department commander for the Honokaa and North Hilo districts said.

A power outage caused by utility poles downed by a winter storm that caused almost 200 mph winds at the summit of Maunakea has prompted Department of Education officials to close Honokaa High, Intermediate and Elementary schools today, Civil Defense reports.

A wind advisory is in effect until noon. The National Weather Service has cancelled a high wind warning.

This story will be updated, if necessary.