Electrical incident in Kapa‘a resolved; batteries removed and self-evacuation recommendation lifted
KAPA‘A – The Kaua‘i Fire Department gave the all-clear to residents on Hekili Road on Friday, lifting self-evacuation recommendations.
“Mahalo to our partners with the Hawai‘i Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and the residents of Hekili Road for their patience and cooperation,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Although no threat of fire or smoke was observed, our highest priority is the life and safety of our residents and visitors.”
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, in coordination with the Kauaʻi Fire Department, safely removed 115 nickel-ion batteries from the Hekili Road home. The work began on Thursday, September 11, and was completed on Friday, September 12. The batteries are being stored in a secure location, away from homes and the community, and will be shipped off-island for disposal.
“The removal of the batteries has eliminated any hazardous substance risk to the primary and nearby homes in Kapaʻa,” said Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho. “This incident serves as an important reminder that proper maintenance and disposal of batteries are essential to preventing potential hazards.”
On Tuesday, firefighters had responded to Hekili Road in Kapa‘a after aging solar storage batteries began bursting inside a home. Crews discovered more than 100 nickel-ion batteries but no fire or smoke, shut off power, ventilated the area, and confirmed through air quality testing that conditions were safe.
Fire personnel returned to the location on Wednesday and, in collaboration with personnel from the DOH and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, conducted further air quality tests. Out of an abundance of caution, residents in surrounding homes were recommended to self-evacuate while the Department of Health coordinated proper disposal.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights the importance of handling and maintaining battery-powered systems safely to help prevent dangerous incidents.
Fire Prevention Week will be observed from October 5–11, 2025, providing an opportunity for families and communities to learn more about fire safety and prevention.
For more information on the Fire Prevention Week kick-off event on Kaua‘i, please view our news release at kauai.gov/fire.
For questions or more information about fire prevention, please contact the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.
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