An evacuation order has been issued for residents of the Kawaihae Village subdivision Saturday night as firefighters respond to a wildland fire that has burned about 500 acres on the south side of Kawaihae Road, according to Hawaii County officials.

The evacuation area includes about 50 residences near the intersection of Kawaihae Road and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.

Residents are being directed to evacuate using Kawaihae Road toward Waimea. An emergency shelter has been opened at the Waimea Community Center, located at 65-1260 Kawaihae Road.

The fire was reported at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Emergency crews remain on scene battling the blaze.

Road closures include:

Kawaihae Road from Waiula Drive to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway
Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway from Kawaihae Road to Mauna Kea Beach Drive

Officials urged residents to avoid the area and allow emergency responders and road crews space to operate safely. Additional updates will be provided as conditions change.

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