KAPAA, Kauai (KHON2) — An electrical incident has been resolved in Kapaʻa on Kauai.
The Kauai Fire Department gave the all-clear to residents on Hekili Road on Friday, Sept. 12, 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 safely removed 115 nickel-ion batteries from a Hekili Road home.
“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.”
This comes after firefighters responded to an incident on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after aging solar batteries began bursting inside a home.
Crews discovered more than 100 batteries, but after testing, confirmed the conditions were safe.
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The batteries are being stored in a secure location and will be shipped off-island for disposal.