Makaha brush fire burns 200 acres so far
Ground crews and three helicopters battled a 200-acre brush fire Monday near Makaha, in the mountains across Farrington Highway from Keaau Beach Park.
The fire did not threaten property and remained far from any endangered plants or animals. The fire was at least half a mile from the nearest homes and the highway, fire Capt. Terry Seelig said.
The fire was mainly being fought with the Fire Department’s Air 1 helicopter and two private copters contracted by the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, which dropped water on the flames.
Army wildfire range control personnel and state ground crews were flown up the hillside to create a firebreak using hand tools.
Winds of about 15 to 20 mph were blowing mauka, causing the fire to move away from homes.
The fire generated a lot of smoke and ash, Seelig said.
At 5:30 p.m. the fire continued to burn and spread, moving slowly toward areas with endangered species, Seelig said.
The water drops were expected to continue until dark.
Information on robbery of tourists sought
Hawaii County police are seeking leads in the robbery of two visitors from California late Sunday night in Puna.
The visitors, a 30-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, were sitting in a rented Jeep near Ahalanui Park in lower Puna at about 11:30 p.m. when a rock shattered the windshield, police said.
A bright light obscured the victims’ vision as someone reached into the Jeep and took an undisclosed item.
The robbers mentioned a gun but none was seen, police said. The robbers — at least two — drove away, and the tourists called 911.
The rock hit the man, causing minor injuries, but he declined treatment, police said.
The incident is classified as a second-degree robbery, first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and first-degree criminal property damage.
Police ask anyone with information on the incident to contact Detective Wendell Carter at 961-2378 or wcarter@co.hawaii.hi.us. People can also call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
