A brush fire in the vicinity of Nani Kailua Drive is under control, but not contained, said Hawaii Fire Department Battalion Chief Aaron Arbles.
The fire, which broke out between 1:30 and 2 p.m. today, consumed approximately 35 acres, he said.
Queen Kaahumanu Highway, between Henry and Lako streets, remains closed. Hualalai Road, between Kuakini and Queen Kaahumanu highways, also is closed.
Pines I subdivision, Hualalai Elderly and lower Kailua View Estates were evacuated earlier, said Sgt. Bradley Freitas. Police had also asked other residents in those areas to be prepared in the event evacuation is required.
The Hawaii Red Cross opened the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium (Kona gym) as an evacuation center for residents who had evacuated their homes.
The initial fire was about 30 feet away from homes, and some residents voluntarily evacuated. County helicopters were doing water drops over the fire and personnel were trying to create fire breaks.
For more information, see tomorrow’s West Hawaii Today.