Hualalai Road is open, residents of Hualalai Elderly Housing are returning to their homes and firefighters are continuing to battle a brush fire that has consumed about 8 acres in Kailua-Kona.
The fire, which broke out shortly after noon in vacant land north of Kamaaina Hale, was about 60 percent contained as of 3 p.m., said Acting West Hawaii Battalion Chief Kaipo Parish.
More than two dozen firefighters are working to quash the blaze with the assistance of two Hawaii County helicopters. A bulldozer is also on the ground to establish a perimeter.
Crews will remain on scene throughout the night, Parish said.
