A leaking 3,000-gallon propane tanker truck prompted police yesterday to evacuate 200 Kihei houses and condominiums for more than five hours.

No one was injured in the incident near Halama and Waiohuli streets, which was reported at 8:15 a.m. Police said the tanker truck experienced mechanical problems and that a leak was detected.

Police evacuated 100 homes and two 50-unit condominiums in a half-mile radius of the tanker as a precaution. Efforts to stop the leak failed and the tanker was moved to another location about 1:15 p.m.

During the transport, police and fire units closed Mokulele Highway from the central Maui baseyard through Pi'ilani Highway to Welakahao Street. Once the tanker arrived at a safe location about 1:45 p.m., the roads were reopened and residents were allowed to return to their homes.