Brush fire along Honoapiʻilani in Waikapū now 75% contained

Maui fire crews are responding to a brush fire reported at around 12:22 p.m. on Saturday makai of the Honoapi’ilani near the Kahili Golf Course in Waikapū. By 1:15 p.m., crews had gained 75% containment on the fire and forward progress was stopped at around 1:50 p.m. Department officials estimate the size to be around four to five acres.

At 1:24 p.m., the Maui Police Department issued a road closure notice saying northbound traffic is closed on both Honoapiʻilani Highway and Kūihelani Highway. Southbound traffic on Honoapiʻilani Highway is being turned around at the Maui Tropical Plantation. Emergency officials are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible to allow firefighters to work.

The Maui Emergency Management agency issued an emergency alert at 1:08 p.m. advising area residents that if they see smoke or fire, to avoid the area. The County of Maui reports MEMA issued an information Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) to impacted areas, along with informational messages to MEMA subscribers, asking motorists to avoid the area.

As of 1:23 p.m., no evacuations had been ordered, but heavy smoke was reducing visibility in the area. No structures are being threatened at this time and there are no reports of injuries. 

The Maui Fire Department has four engines, two tankers and two helicopters on scene, along with three private tankers and two private cement loaders that are assisting.

All islands are currently under a Red Flag Warning until 4 p.m. due to a combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds resulting in critical fire weather. Maui Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center was activated at the onset of the Red Flag Warning yesterday.

Hawaiian Electric reports that crews remain ready to proactively shut off power, if necessary, as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Power remains on in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk, however PSPS determinations can change at any time based on weather conditions.