Fires in North and South Kohala spurred evacuations and road closures in the area.

Hawaii County officials announced closures and evacuations amid a severe weather emergency proclamation on the island.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, acting as governor while Gov. Josh Green was traveling, issued a state emergency proclamation early Wednesday and called the event “an unprecedented disaster.” Green, who represented the Kona area for a decade as a legislator, cut his trip short and was scheduled to return Wednesday night, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth issued mandatory evacuation orders Tuesday as firefighters battled flames fueled by the dry winds of a hurricane passing south of the islands.

Hawaii County fire department patch during a gathering of fire chiefs at Governor David Ige's Governor David Y. Ige held a ceremony today with fire chiefs from across the islands, issuing a proclamation designating October 9-15, 2022, as Fire Prevention Week in the State of Hawaii. Governor Ige was joined by the State Fire Council. Led by the four county Fire Chiefs, the State Fire Council advises the Governor and Legislature on fire prevention and protection.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth had issued two mandatory evacuation orders as of Tuesday due to ongoing fires on Hawaii Island. (Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022)

The “strong and gusty winds” from Hurricane Dora were expected to die down throughout Wednesday, National Weather Service officials said in its early morning forecast.

Here’s the latest on Big Island road closures, evacuations and shelter openings.

Big Island Evacuation Orders

  • Upper and lower Kohala Ranch, below Kamakani Loop and Mauna Kea Resort Fairways North.
  • Kohala Estates.
  • Kohala Waterfront.
  • Kohala By The Sea.

Big Island Evacuation Centers

  • Hisaoka Gym.
  • Waimea Community Center.

Big Island Road Closures

  • Queen Kaahumanu Highway, between mile markers 67 and 69.
  • Akoni Pule Highway 270, between mile markers six and 17.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates or visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency hazard impact map.

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