Brush fire halts Honoapiilani traffic

A brush fire burned about a quarter-acre along Honoapiilani Highway near Maalaea, closing the highway for about a half-hour Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

A Wailuku engine company and Kahului tanker responded to the fire, which was reported at 2:52 p.m. near Milepost 8 on the highway, according to the Maui Fire Department. The fire was contained at 3:10 p.m. and extinguished at 3:30 p.m.

The cause was unknown, according to the Fire Department.

The highway was closed at about 3 p.m. and reopened at 3:30 p.m., according to police.

Trade winds were blowing at 15 mph when the fire occurred, according to the Fire Department.