Maui County is currently assessing the damage and working on restorations after a harsh winter storm brought heavy rain, high winds, flooding, and thunder across the area. MEMA (Maui Emergency Management Agency) is engaging with local and state partners to evaluate the damage, as reported by Maui County's website. Mayor Richard Bissen responded proactively, issuing an emergency proclamation to ensure that necessary resources could be promptly mobilized.
According to Maui County's recent update, the American Red Cross thankfully was able to close its emergency shelters in various locations due to diminishing need with the storm's progression. On the infrastructure front, the storm has made its mark, fracturing water mains and disrupting services in parts of Kula and South Kīhei. To combat this, water buffalos have been deployed to support the community, while utility crews are working diligently to restore services and are expected to continue their efforts throughout the weekend.
Facility closures are in effect across Maui County, with many parks and recreational areas off-limits until further damage assessments can be carried out and the areas made safe. The Department of Parks and Recreation specified the list of affected areas, which includes popular spots like Baldwin Beach Park and Kalama Park. To ensure public safety, recycling centers in several regions also remain closed until further notice due to the storm's impact.
Two main roadways, South Kīhei Road and Piʻilani Highway, have been closed due to impassable conditions and flooding respectively, with crews prepared to re-establish access as soon as possible once conditions permit. Hawaiian Electric is also on the scene to address power outages, providing an online outage map for residents to stay updated. In the meantime, the County urges the public "to stay informed through credible sources such as the National Weather Service, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and MEMA," as stated in the official storm update.
