Hilo, Hawaiʻi – A massive banyan tree has fallen across all lanes of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, also impacting a portion of Calvary Chapel Hilo and damaging a vehicle. Hawaiʻi Fire Department (HFD) and Hawaiʻi Police Department (HPD) units responded to the scene at 885 Kilauea Avenue.
Upon arrival, first responders found the large banyan tree had completely blocked Kilauea Avenue. One vehicle was located on the roadway beneath the fallen branches, though its occupants had safely exited prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.
The tree collapse also brought down multiple utility poles and power lines, which landed across the roadway, creating additional hazards. Responding units immediately searched and evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety. Calvary Chapel Hilo, which sustained damage from the fallen tree, was also thoroughly searched and cleared.
Investigators reviewed bystander videos of the tree falling to ensure all pedestrians or other vehicles that might have been in the area were accounted for. HFD’s drone was deployed to obtain an aerial survey of the incident site, providing a comprehensive view of the damage and debris field.
The scene has since been turned over to HPD, Hawaiian Electric (HELCO), the Department of Public Works (DPW), and Hawaiian Telcom for ongoing management, utility restoration, and debris removal. The closure of Kilauea Avenue in this area is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions.