Hawaii County officials are asking residents and visitors to remain vigilant and to be prepared to evacuate if needed as firefighters continue to battle a 40,000-acre fire that threatened Waikoloa village Sunday afternoon.
“The fire is still very much a threat, but it seems stabilized compared to yesterday,” said Hawaii County Spokesman Cyrus Johnasen. “Don’t let your guard down. Be prepared today. We’re still in an emergency. We do have crews on scene they are managing about things as best as possible.”
Johnasen said the Hawaii Fire Department was able to fly the perimeter of the blaze Monday morning, measuring it at more than 40,000 acres spanning from Mana Road and Puukapu in Waimea to Waikii Ranch and down to within a few miles of Waikoloa village.
Two homes in the Department of Hawaiian Homelands Puukapu Subdivision in Waimea were lost in the fire that broke out at 11 a.m. Friday.
“We’re still battling (the fire) on all fronts,” said Johnasen, referring to the Puukapu region, Waikii Ranch area and above Waikoloa.
Highway 190, also known as Mamalahoa Highway, remained closed as of 10 a.m. today between Ala Ohia and Waikoloa roads, as did the Old Saddle Road from its junction at Highway 190 to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Waikoloa Road is also closed above the village to Highway 190.
“Be on your toes,” Johnasen advised.