All County of Maui offices on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai will remain closed due to severe weather conditions, officials announced. Essential personnel are the only employees required to report to work. Additionally, all county parks and permitted playing fields are also closed until further notice.
The Maui Bus service is continuing on its normal schedule, but authorities have warned that delays and detours may occur due to the weather. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. "Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) asks residents and visitors to stay off roadways unless travel is essential", officials stated.
Flooding and Weather Impacts
The harsh weather has caused significant disruption in parts of Maui County. Ulaino and Waikoloa roads in Hana are closed due to flooding from a riverbed, along with other weather-related impacts. On the Hana Highway, fallen trees and landslides have restricted access to local traffic only.
Traffic signal malfunctions have also been reported, with lights at Wakea and Kamehameha avenues in Kahului blinking due to an electrical issue. Officials are reminding drivers to treat malfunctioning traffic lights as four-way stops.
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Support for Residents and Visitors
For individuals seeking shelter from the severe weather, unsheltered residents can access the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku. Those in need of assistance must check in at the operations desk upon arrival.
In coordination with MEMA, the American Red Cross, and other departments, a temporary evacuation site has been established at King Kekaulike High School gymnasium. The location, at 121 Kula Highway in Pukalani, opened Sunday at 9 p.m. ahead of potential worsening conditions. "The site will be opened proactively to provide a safe space for residents and visitors should conditions worsen, officials said." Residents have been advised to enter the site from Haleakala Highway. As of 7:50 p.m., no evacuation orders have been issued.
Emergency and Maintenance Efforts
In response to the severe weather, the County of Maui’s Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated since 7:30 a.m. The Maui Police Department has increased staffing during the storm, and the Department of Public Works is actively clearing drains, culverts, and roadways.
Meanwhile, the Department of Water Supply and the Department of Environmental Management are ensuring fuel tanks are topped off and generators are prepared to maintain essential services. These efforts aim to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the ongoing storms.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as Maui County continues its response to the severe weather.
