The Mana Road Brush fire continues to burn, however Hawaiʻi County officials have lifted the mandatory evacuations for Waikoloa Village, Waikiʻi Ranch and Puʻu Kapu.
The County of Hawaii issued the following statement:
Press Release
Hawaiʻi County officials have lifted the mandatory evacuations for Puʻu Kapu Hawaiian Homestead, Waikiʻi Ranch, and Waikoloa Village, effective immediately. At this time, there is no imminent threat to homes in the evacuated areas. However, both Highway 190 from Lalamilo Farm Road to Waikoloa Road and the Old Saddle Road remain closed at this time, making Waikiʻi Ranch inaccessible to residents. Waikoloa will only be accessible from the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway portion of Waikoloa Road. The top portion of Waikoloa Road will remain closed due to the brushfire. Puʻu Kapu will be accessible from all normal entry and exit points. Residents will be notified promptly of any changes to current road closures.
County officials ask all residents of the affected areas to only return home if absolutely necessary. Smoke and other conditions may make returns unsafe for those with prior and underlying respiratory conditions. In addition, the Waimea and South Kohala areas are still very much under threat of the ongoing brushfire, and residents are asked to remain on high alert through the evening. Updates will be made regularly as crews continue to battle the blaze through the evening.