Waikoloa Information Update for July 8th, 2019

Green Waste (Mulch) Fire at the Pu'uanahulu Landfill leads to the temporary closure of Green Waste Drop-off.

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with Department of Environmental Management (DEM) - Solid Waste crews responded to Green Waste fire that began Sunday evening (July 7th) and continues to burn this morning (July 8th) at the Pu'uanahulu Landfill.

The initial call came in just after 8:30 pm Sunday evening and crews from the South Kohala and Waikoloa Fire Stations along with Battalion 2 responded to scene located at 71-1111 Pu'u Pohaku Road at the Pu'uanahulu Landfill - Green Waste Disposal site.

Upon the arrival of crews, witnesses who were passing by the area report seeing smoke and orange glow coming from the Pu'uanahulu Landfill.

Once on crews arrived on scene, they determined the Green Waste pile at the landfill was found to be source witnesses reported seeing burning. HFD crews with DEM personnel began work to gain control the green waste fire and prevent the fire from spreading furthermore to the other green waste piles. Crews remained on scene overnight and are still on scene at this time.

Numerous residences around the Waikoloa Village, Puako, and Kawaihae area report smelling smoke in the area, which the source of the smell of smoke was from the Pu'uanahulu Landfill and no other fires have been reported.

DEM reports that the Green Waste Disposal at the Pu'uanahulu Landfill remains closed until further notice while crews work in the area to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time and this incident is still ongoing and we'll provide updates as they become available.