Honoapiilani Highway open, water drops continue

(Updated 10:05 a.m. 5/4/10 by Wendy Osher)

The Honoapiilani Highway is now open in both directions.  Motorists can expect a delay as traffic resumes its normal flow.  The Road was open a couple of minutes before 10 a.m.  It was closed overnight as crews battled an 1,100 acre brush fire that advanced to Olowalu overnight and was near the main roadway early this morning.

The Honoapiilani Highway was reopened at 9:55 a.m. on Tuesday after being closed overnight. A 1,100-acre brush fire advanced near the Highway. Fire crews this morning set a fire break near the roadway, allowing motorists to pass. Photo courtesy MPD Lahaina Patrol Commander, Charles Hirata.

At least three helicopters are resuming water drops this morning, with additional air support expected, as crews work under variable wind conditions.

County officials say shifting winds overnight resulted in the door-to-door evacuation of an estimated 100 residents in the Olowalu area at around 1 a.m.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)