Traffic detoured because of Kawili Street rubbish fire

UPDATE: Kawili Street in Hilo is now open.

PREVIOUSLY: Police are advising motorists in Hilo to avoid Kawili Street between Laukapu Street and Hinano Street due to a rubbish fire.

At 5:47 a.m. today, the contents in the trash compartment of a commercial rubbish truck caught on fire. The vehicle driver expelled the contents of the truck load on the shoulder of Kawili Street.

Hawaii Fire Department personnel extinguished the burning trash and the Department of Public Works is also responding to the scene to evaluate this incident.

Traffic is expected to be detoured for the next three hours and drivers should expect delays in this area. Motorists are being detoured to East Lanikaula Street.