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Big Island firefighters shut down a portion of Highway 130 Tuesday morning due to concerns about an unattended 5-gallon propane tank in Keaau.
The Fire Department responded to a 9:29 a.m. call of a tank on the side of the highway, 200 yards east of the Keaau Transfer Station. Nine fire personnel responded and discovered a hole at the top of the tank.
The Hilo-bound lanes of the highway were closed to eliminate the possibility of an ignition source.
Police contra-flowed the Hilo-bound lane for more than an hour.
The Hazmat Co. conducted a controlled release of propane, and firefighters stayed at the scene until 10:50 a.m. in case fire suppression was needed.
Police seek public’s help to recover stolen bonsai
A rare bonsai tree that had been kept and cared for by its owner since 1962 has been missing from a nursery in Puna since August, when Big Island police initiated a theft investigation. Police are now asking for the public’s assistance with the case. Anyone with information regarding the theft of the Brassaia bonsai is asked to contact Officer Kaipo Aurello at 965-2716 or the police nonemergency number at 935-3311. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.