The National Park Service said Saturday that the Keauhou Ranch fire continues to burn within the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park but has not spread thanks to favorable weather and the efforts of firefighters.

The Park Service said the fire is 51 percent contained. The number of acres burned is 3,679, the same as Friday, mostly within the park on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

Mistaken inmate release prompts new rules

A recent blunder that resulted in an accused murderer being erroneously released has prompted a new restriction for Hawaii Community Correctional Center inmate releases.

Deputy Attorney General Laura Maeshiro, representing the state Department of Public Safety, said Thursday during a hearing that because Brian Lee Smith was mistakenly freed on July 24, the department has delegated the responsibility of releasing inmates from the Hilo jail to just two people — the warden and the chief of security, West Hawaii Today reported.

Smith remained free for two days before calling to turn himself in to police around 11 p.m. July 26. He was supposed to be held on $1.15 million bail after pleading not guilty July 20 to multiple charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder and first-degree attempted murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of Thomas Ballesteros Jr.

When the court was advised July 26 of Smith’s erroneous release, a hearing was held and 3rd Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino issued a $2 million bench warrant for Smith’s arrest. Smith remains in custody at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $2 million bail.