9 acres of brush burned in Kahului fire near Hoʻokele Street, now 100% contained

Update: (Aug. 14, 2022, 3:50 p.m.)

An afternoon brush fire burned nine acres on Sunday near the Hoʻokele Safeway in Kahului, and was 100% contained by 3:50 p.m.  

Maui Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro said the fire quickly spread through dry brush due to strong winds.  

The fire was first reported at 12:26 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2022, behind Safeway near the intersection of Hoʻokele Street and Pulehu Road.  

The fire was also visible from the Hana Highway where motorists reported heavy smoke throughout the afternoon.  

Crews remain on scene, where they are conducting mop-up operations.  Units on scene today included: Engine 1, Engine 10, Rescue 10, Tanker 10, Tanker 14, Relief Tanker 10, the departmentʻs Air 1 helicopter, and Battalion Chief 3. TJ Gomes Trucking also assisted with heavy equipment.  

Previous post:

Maui fire crews were called to an afternoon brush fire off of the Hāna Highway in Kahului at around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. The fire was reported in the vicinity of Hoʻokele Street behind the Safeway grocery store.

Motorists traveling in the area can expect delays and are advised to exercise caution as crews are utilizing nearby areas and road shoulders to access brush.

At around 1 p.m., the fire was near the Hāna Highway and flames could be seen by passing motorists. An update from the Maui Fire Department is pending release.

*Check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available.