A fast-growing wildfire in Mokuleia on Wednesday was heading toward the state Mokuleia Forest Reserve and Pahole Natural Area Reserve, threatening significant natural resources and endangered species, state officials say.
The fire threatens the endangered kahuli, or Hawaiian tree snail, a rare dry forest, and a forest with a moderate amount of moisture, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials said in a news release.
The fire grew from 3 acres at 11 a.m. to 400 acres by late afternoon, said fire Capt. David Jenkins. He predicted the fire would last days.
Conditions were ideal for the fire to grow. Stiff winds helped spread the blaze and the steep, rough terrain made it difficult to get at by land, requiring helicopters to make water drops, Jenkins said. Several areas continue to burn.
A DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife crew of 14 firefighters used two water tankers to fight the fire in Mokuleia, east of the forest reserve access road and west of Mount Kaala Road.
The Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department launched two helicopters for water drops.
Forestry and Wildlife also contracted three helicopters for water drops. The fire was not threatening any structures and no injuries were reported.
DLNR officers turned hikers and bikers away from the Mokuleia Forest Reserve access road to Peacock Flats campground. These areas will remain closed until the fire is contained, DLNR said.
The Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station road is also closed.
The Pahole Natural Area Reserve is a complex valley system in the Waianae Mountains known for its ecological diversity. It runs from the summit to the dry lowlands of Mokuleia.
