(ABOVE PHOTO) Police had a detour preventing motorists from entering onto Bayfront Highway in Hilo on Friday because of high surf.

NEWS BRIEFS

• Hilo’s Bayfront Highway from Pauahi to Waianueue Avenue was closed to traffic on Friday due to high surf.
• According to the National Weather Service, “the combination of a long period north northeast swell combined with locally generated wind waves is causing higher than normal surf along east facing shores.”
• Police warn that traffic could be further complicated over the weekend if the high surf continues, due to the KWXX Ho’olaulea planned for Saturday.

PRIMARY SOURCES

Bayfront Highway in Hilo is closed to traffic between Pauahi Street and Waianuenue Avenue due to high surf and might be closed through the weekend, depending on surf conditions.

The public is advised that due to the KWXX Downtown Hoʻolaulea block party, portions of Kamehameha Avenue will be blocked between 5 a.m. Saturday (September 27) and 3 a.m. Sunday (September 28).

Motorists will be directed to use Waianuenue Avenue to Kinoʻole Street.

Police recommend that commercial vehicles use Wainaku Avenue near Alae Cemetery to access and exit the Downtown Hilo area.

Police thank the public for their patience.Hawaii County Police on Sept. 26

A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. HST Saturday.

* Surf… 6 to 8 ft along east facing shores.

* Timing… Through Saturday afternoon.

* Impacts… Moderate… Expect strong breaking waves… Shore break… And strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Beachgoers… Swimmers… And surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas.National Weather Service High Surf Advisory issued 3:34 p.m. on Sept. 26