MITCH D. ROTH

MAYOR

August 9, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hawaiʻi County is working to contain two new brushfires that just flared up in Kaʻū — one in the Nāʻālehu Area and the other in Pāhala. The Nāʻālehu brushfire is reported to be under control, as Fire crews shift focus to Pāhala.  

The Akoni Pule Highway brushfire remains at roughly 60% contained and maintains a threat to structures in the southern portion of Kohala Ranch between Kamakani Loop and the highway. Access is available to the northern portion of Kohala Ranch, above Kamakani Loop, via Kohala Mountain Road. Akoni Pule Highway remains closed between the 6 and 17-mile markers.  

Multiple fires in the Mauna Kea Beach area continue to threaten structures, with one support structure having sustained significant damages. Guests at the Mauna Kea Resort continue to shelter in place. Emergency Medical personnel are on the scene to monitor the situation and provide medical services if needed. Access to the resort area will remain closed until further notice. Residents have returned to the North Fairways at Mauna Kea, while the South Fairways and the Villas at Mauna Kea remain evacuated. 

Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway is now open between the 69-mile marker and the Kawaihae Road Junction. 

The flare-up near Spencer’s Beach Park has made no progress toward the park overnight. Campers in the area were evacuated as a precaution prior to any threats in the immediate area. 

The Lalamilo fire in Waimea has been contained, though crews remain on scene to monitor in the scene if a flare-up occurs.

Hawaiʻi Fire Department (HFD) crews are on the scene at all incidents and working to contain the fires. Further evacuations may be necessary. Individuals in and around the area should remain on high alert.

Shelters remain open at Hisaoka Park in Kapaʻau and Waimea Community Center in Kamuela. Additional shelters may be opened based on need. 

Breezy, dry conditions are causing a continuance in the Red Flag Warning for the County of Hawaiʻi. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.  

To receive timely and essential alerts, the County urges residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense. This service allows individuals to receive critical notifications directly through their preferred communication channels, enabling them to make well-informed decisions in real-time. To register for this service, please visit https://member.everbridge.net/371914103062563/login. 

The public is also encouraged to visit the official County of Hawaiʻi Hazard Map at https://tinyurl.com/3edh6xfn. 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Cyrus A.K. Johnasen

Public Information Officer

County of Hawaiʻi

Office of the Mayor

cyrus.johnasen@hawaiicounty.gov

808.345.9434