Power strip blamed
for Waimea house fire
Hawaii Fire Department officials say a power strip may have caused a fire Saturday evening at a Waimea home.
Fire crews responded to the two-story home on Laelae Way just before 7 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, they saw smoke coming from the windows. Using portable equipment, firefighters extinguished the fire, which was located in the bathroom, within about 10 minutes.
Fire inspectors are still investigating the fire and its cause, but firefighters said a possible origin was a power strip plugged into an appliance next to the sink.
No one was at home at the time, but the occupants were advised of the fire. The home is insured and the damage was estimated at $10,000, according to the department.
Road work continues around West Hawaii
Alternating lane closures in both directions are planned this week on Mamalahoa Highway for roadway widening work near the highway’s intersection with Waikoloa Road in South Kohala, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Alternating lane closures will also be in effect on Mamalahoa Highway for guardrail installation near mile marker 114 in the vicinity of Kainaliu, according to the department.
Alternating lane closures will also be in effect on Mamalahoa Highway for pavement striping and guardrail installation between Uluoa Street and Old Kona Village Road in the vicinity of Makalei, according to the department.
Alternating lane closures in both directions are also planned this week on Mamalahoa Highway for guardrail installation between Kiloa and Rabbit Hill roads in the vicinity of Captain Cook, according to the department.
Alternating lane closures will also be in effect on Akoni Pule Highway for roadway reconstruction between mile markers 21 and 24 in the vicinity of Hawi and Kapaau, according to the department.
Crews will be working from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday, unless otherwise noted. Road work is weather permitting.
HELCO cable work continues this week
Utility work in the Kilohana subdivision of Kona to replace underground cables is under way, according to the Hawaii Electric Light Co. Work began June 10 and will continue for approximately five to six months.
Work hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Friday. However, the hours may vary.
Work begins at the Lako Street intersection and continues toward Kokoolua Way, and includes all side streets, according to HELCO. Speed is reduced in the work zone and traffic is limited to one lane only.
The community is advised to avoid this area as much as possible and drive with caution through the work zone, according to HELCO. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes if possible.
Power outages will be minimal. HELCO will work with affected customers individually to ensure a safe and smooth transition to the new system. The improvements are being made to provide the community power at a high level of reliability.
If there are any questions or concerns, call 969-6666.
By local and wire sources
