Brush Fire at Launiupoko Temporarily Interrupts Traffic

A brush fire along the Honoapiilani Highway at Launiupoko temporary forced the closure of the highway on Monday afternoon, May 28, 2012. Photo courtesy Kaniala Masoe.

By Wendy Osher

A brush fire in Launiupoko temporarily forced the closure of the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) on Monday afternoon, May 28, 2012.

The fire was reported at 1:33 p.m. on the mauka side of the highway.

The highway was closed in both directions at 1:41 p.m. while fire and police responded to the scene.

Fire companies from Engine 3, Ladder 3, and Tanker 3 responded, arriving on scene at 1:44 p.m., according to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Officials say the fire was called under control by 1:56 p.m., and the highway was reopened at 2:32 p.m.

Mainaga said the area involved was approximately 100 yards long by 20 feet wide.  The cause, he said, is undetermined at this time.