Maui Firefighters Battle Kihei Brush Fire

By Wendy Osher

Damage from the Piilani Hwy brush fire. Photo by Kristin Hashimoto.

(Update: 4:23 p.m. 5/25/11)

The Piilani Highway (Hwy 31) in Kihei is now open in both directions.  It was closed earlier this afternoon because of a fire that had burned brush on both sides of the highway.

(Update: 4:06 p.m. 5/25/11)

Due to a brush fire south bound traffic on the Piilani Highway is being routed down Ohukai Rd; north bound traffic is being routed down Kaonoulu Rd.

(Update: 4:00 p.m. 5/25/11)

A brush fire reported this afternoon in South Maui burned brush on both sides of the Piilani Highway before being brought under control.  Maui police were still re-routing traffic down side streets to South Kihei Road at around 4 p.m. to alleviate congestion in the area.  Kaiola Street was being used a staging area for fire trucks

and equipment, and was not available as an alternate route at last report.

*** We will post more information as it becomes available.

A fire truck at the scene, Piilani Hwy, Kihei. Photo by Kristin Hashimoto.

A fire truck at the scene, Piilani Hwy, Kihei. Photo by Kristin Hashimoto.