Updated at 9:41 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2007
2,600-acre Maui brushfire 100 percent contained
By Christie Wilson
Advertiser Neighbor Island Editor
Officials had earlier requested the services of a Chinook helicopter from the Hawai'i National Guard to help put out the fire burning on the mountainside above Olowalu.
The request was made as "a proactive measure" to intensify firefighting efforts in mauka areas, and not because blaze was in danger of burning out of control, Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said this afternoon.
The fire was reported 100 percent contained at 6:30 p.m.
Launiupoko residents who were evacuated from their homes at about 5 p.m. Thursday were allowed back six hours later.
The fire started Wednesday morning and destroyed an Olowalu home and the Olowalu Nui Farms hydroponic tomato operation, as well as a cottage in the Launiupoko subdivision. Two other homes in the subdivision were scorched, Martin said.
After two days of repeated closures that stranded hundreds of tourists and residents on either side of the fire, Honoapi'ilani Highway has remained open throughout today.
