Fire damages park bathroom
A pickup truck caught on fire, which ignited a brush fire at the entrance of Puukohola Heiau and Spencer Beach Park Thursday afternoon, the Hawaii Fire Department said in a press release.
Firefighters responded to the 2:15 p.m. call which burned approximately 25-30 acres. The fire was brought under control amidst 25-35 mph winds with higher gusts.
A restroom facility was affected by the fire and by water from a sprinkler system. The visitor center was also affected by water.
Power outage closes Kohala school
Kohala Elementary, Kohala Middle and Kohala High schools were closed Thursday due to a power outage in North Hawaii, according to the state Department of Education.
More than 2,000 customers were without power between Waimea and North Kohala, including along Kohala Mountain Road, Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Thursday. The company said about 7 a.m. that power lines were down in the Hawi area, near Kynnersley Road.
By 8 a.m. power had been restored to 650 customers. Shortly before noon, the company reported repairs were complete and power was being restored to the remaining customers.
The cause of the outage is under investigation, according to spokeswoman Kristen Okinaka.
A wind advisory was in effect for the area at the time, according to the National Weather Service. Winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph were forecast.
Opihi picker rescued from ocean
Hawaii County Fire department rescued an opihi picker Tuesday afternoon north of Haena Beach.
Responding to a 4 p.m. call rescue personnel found a 32 year-old male was swept off a cliffside by a large wave while picking opihi fronting Shipman Estates property.
High surf warning was in effect for parts of the Big Island at the time of the incident.
Chopper 1 was first on scene and was able to locate the man in the water. A rescue swimmer entered the water from Chopper 1 and was able to retrieve him utilizing a rescue net and bring him to land.
The opihi picker sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
HFD reminds the public to be aware of weather and surf conditions and heed warnings for their own safety.