UPDATE: 4:40 a.m. EDT — A fire department spokesman said the brush fire that burned nine acres in the vicinity of Ka Makana Ali‘i mall has been contained by firefighters. However, the cause of the fire is still unclear. The mall has been re-opened and is fully operational.

Original story:

A large brush fire broke out in Kapolei, Hawaii, Tuesday evening, resulting in the evacuation of the Ka Makana Ali‘i mall due to compromised air quality.

The fire was first reported around 3 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EDT) and Honolulu firefighters responded to the fire between Kapolei and Ewa.

According to Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Kevin Mokulehua, a total of 16 units and 47 firefighters are currently on the scene.

“Due to compromised air quality because of the nearby brush fire, Ka Makana Ali‘i is closing temporarily under the advisement of HFD and HPD. Stay tuned for updates regarding reopening,” Ka Makana Ali‘i tweeted. “We are anticipating regular hours on Wednesday, August 8.”

The mall with more than 125 retailers and eateries including a Hampton Inn, lino Theater, Limon Rotisserie and California Pizza Kitchen was temporarily closed on the advice of the fire department, a spokesperson said. Mall security was requested to evacuate vehicles parked on the Diamond Head side of the mall.

“For the safety of our guests, we have evacuated and closed Olino Theatres due to this large brush fire near Ka Makana Alii,” Olino Theatres tweeted.

Besides the mall, Kapolei Parkway is closed in both directions from Kualakai Parkway to Renton Road and the fire threatens a railway baseyard and other nearby structures.

Initially, the fire headed towards homes along Renton Road. However, firefighters were able to control it.

This is a developing story.

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