Evacuations Ordered, Honoapiilani Highway Closed due to brush fire

Photo courtesy County of Maui.

(Update: 2/5 a.m. Tuesday 5/4/10)

The Honoapiilani Highway is closed this morning as firefighters continue to battle a brush fire that scorched at least 100 acres since it was first reported Monday afternoon.  The fire also forced the evacuation of an estimated 100 residents in the Olowalu area at about 1 o’clock this morning.

The American Red Cross has opened a second shelter on Maui at the Lahaina Civic Center for anyone who was unable to get home due to the road closure.  War Memorial Gym in Wailuku also remains open this morning.

No injuries were reported, however one structure was burned in the fire.  Authorities say it was unoccupied and under construction.

The only way out of Lahiana at this time is taking the back road through Kahakuloa. It is being made available for Wailuku bound traffic only.  For those unfamiliar with the roadway, it is very narrow and windy.  If travel can be avoided, motorists should wait until the main route is reopened.  There is currently no access into West Maui from Central Maui.