As a significant winter storm looms over Maui, the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and other county departments have been actively coordinating efforts to weather the incoming weather conditions. As reported by the Maui County, preparations are underway across the island to ensure the safety and support of residents and to minimize potential disruptions caused by the storm.
Among the preemptive measures, the Kaunoa Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program has been providing nonperishable food to homebound seniors to help quickly prepare for possible power outages. Additionally, Maui Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the American Red Cross to identify shelters that can be opened in vulnerable areas, should evacuations become necessary. These preparations have been essential in trying to proactively alleviate the impacts of the storm, according to the Maui County.
In an effort to protect Maui's houseless population, the County of Maui is collaborating with the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center, which will open its cafeteria as an emergency shelter with limited amenities for 20 to 30 individuals. This move is intended to ensure the well-being of the community's most vulnerable members, as stated in the information provided by the Maui County.
Public advisories have been issued, urging visitors to avoid traveling to Hāna and Haleakalā due to potential road hazards. The County Department of Public Works has been proactively cleaning drains and culverts, as well as staging equipment to quickly respond to areas prone to flooding, like the Kaupō area of Piʻilani Highway and parts of Kīhei. In preparation for the worst, the department is also readying temporary stop signs to swiftly convert traffic signals into four-way stops in the event of signal outages, as per the Maui County.
With heavy rain, flooding, and high winds forecasted, Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett warns of significant weather impacts on Maui County. "MEMA is preparing for severe weather, including heavy rain, flooding and high winds, which is expected to impact Maui County," Lonokailua-Hewett told Maui County. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Watch for all main Hawaiian Islands from 6 tonight until Friday afternoon and a High Wind Warning, indicating south winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts exceeding 60 mph in certain areas, from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. For the latest updates, people can visit the National Weather Service website or sign up for Maui Emergency Management Agency alerts on the Maui County website.
