HAMAKUA, Hawaii (KHON2) — An evacuation order that was set in place for residents of Waikoloa Village, Pu’u Kapu Hawaiian Homesteads and Waikii Ranch has been lifted, according to Big Island officials who said there is no imminent threat to homes in the once evacuated areas.
The wildfire has already burned over 40,000 acres.
Evacuation shelters are open at the pavilion at Old Kona Airport in Kailua Kona and Waimea District Park. American Red Cross and County officials are at these locations to assist evacuees. Anyone who goes to the Waimea District Park shelter is advised to bring personal food, water and sleeping supplies if possible. The shelter is a pet-friendly facility, according to Civil Defense officials.
Big Island County officials confirmed two homes were destroyed in Pu’u Kapu Hawaiian Homesteads.
FILE – Firefighters battle a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Frank Schenk photo) 
FILE – Hazy brown smoke is is seen miles away from a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Jamie Biele photo) 
FILE – Billowing white smoke is seen miles away from a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Frank Schenk photo) 
FILE – Billowing white smoke is seen miles away from a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Frank Schenk photo) 
FILE – Firefighters battle a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Frank Schenk photo) 
FILE – Hazy brown smoke is is seen miles away from a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Jamie Biele photo) 
FILE – Hazy brown smoke is is seen miles away from a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Jamie Biele photo) 
FILE – Hazy brown smoke is is seen miles away from a brush fire in the Hamakua District of Hawaii Island, Hawaii, July 31, 2021. (Jamie Biele photo)
Highway 190 from Waimea Airport to the Waikoloa Road Junction and the Old Saddle Road is closed.
Residents and motorists may experience poor air quality and visibility due to smoke in the area. Winds are forecasted to increase throughout the day and make fire suppression efforts difficult.
If you live in the Waikoloa Village in South Kohala, officials are asking you to be on the alert for changing conditions, and be prepared to evacuate if the fire or smoke impacts your home.
Hawaii Civil Defense Agency advises you to keep your home safe by removing exposed fuels of dry vegetation, trash and other items that could catch fire.
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