Residents of six homes on Kaula'inahe'e Place in 'Aiea were evacuated today while a Honolulu Fire Department's hazardous materials unit dealt with a leaking propane tank.

HFD spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig said HazMat personnel had the leaking valve from an unused tank secured by 5:15 p.m., about 45 minutes after firefighters responded. No injuries were reported.

The old tank began leaking propane when it was being removed by a landscapping contractor, said Seelig. Firefighters were able to shut the leak by securing the tank's valve assembly.

Seelig described it as "a small release" but said residents were evacuated for safety reasons.