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Crews fight brush fire near Kohanaiki

A helicopter makes a water drop on a brush fire near Kohanaiki. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Andrew Cooper)

A helicopter makes a water drop on a brush fire near Kohanaiki. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Andrew Cooper)

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

UPDATE, 9 a.m., Sunday, July 21

According to the latest information from the Fire Department, the blaze has scorched an estimated 1,000 acres of dead trees and tall dead grass burning on the northeast side of Hulikoa Drive, running into Kaiminani Drive.

A defensive attack was made from the foot of the fire and Kaiminani Drive to protect surrounding subdivisions.

Dozers, helicopters and other resources still are working to contain the fire. It is not considered under control.

No injuries have been reported and no structures are threatened.

Cause of the fire, which was reported shortly before noon Saturday, is not yet known.

UPDATE 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20

The fire, first reported shortly after 11 a.m., now is in excess of 100 acres and as large as perhaps 400 acres.

Authorities earlier ordered an evacuation of the nearby Lokahi Makai apartments, but residents were being allowed home by about 9 p.m.

The fire is located near Kohanaiki Business Park, along Hulikoa Drive, and Wainani Estates off Kaiminani Drive.

Bulldozers are continuing to plough a perimeter around the fire, which appears to be burning in a northerly direction toward Kona Palisades.

Fire crews are battling a runaway brush fire in the area of Hulikoa Drive near Kohanaiki.

As of 4 p.m., the fire was not contained and there is no estimate on acreage yet.

The fire is mauka of Queen Kaahumanu Highway between the 95 and 96 mile markers.

No structures or properties are threatened, although West Hawaii Civic Center has been opened as an evacuation shelter for residents of Seascape Condominiums and Lokahi Apartments who might be bothered by the smoke and fire conditions.

Hulikoa Drive is closed to all traffic and authorities advise motorists to use caution or avoid the area if possible.

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