Media Release

Hawaii County police and fire personnel responded to a report of a fire at 10:21 p.m. Sunday (September 7) on the south side of Kawaihae Road (Route 19) near the 63-mile marker.

The fire, fueled by strong easterly winds, moved quickly through the lower end of the Anekona subdivision and surrounded the Ouli Ekahi subdivision off Waiula Street. It was contained after consuming approximately 40 acres.

Thirty-three homes in the Ouli Ekahi subdivision had to be evacuated for the night due to flames and heavy smoke. Police received no reports of injuries or of damage to the homes. An emergency shelter was opened at the Waimea Community Center for evacuees.

Police closed Kawaihae Road from Anekona Street to Queen Kaahumanu Highway for about three hours to assist in extinguishing the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.