County Updates: Water Conservation Urged, Buses Resume

East Maui storm impacts. Photo courtesy Jo-Lei Redo.

By Maui Now Staff

The following are updates issued throughout the night by the County of Maui:

8:48 p.m. 7/29/13: MAUI BUS SERVICE RESUMES:

The Maui Bus service began its final run to get riders to their destinations at 8:30 p.m. Bus drivers were forced to stop their routes because of the low visibility caused by the heavy rain at 6:30 p.m. After reassessing the situation drivers are continuing their routes but will stop the service tonight after this final run. Three routes have already ended for the night, including the Kahului Reverse, Wailuku Reverse and Kula routes. Maui Bus service will resume its regular schedule on Tuesday. Otherwise any possible changes to tomorrow’s schedule will be announced via media and bus riders are urged to stay tuned for the latest updates.

7:52 p.m. 7/29/13 WATER CONSERVATION REQUEST:

Maui County residents are asked to conserve as much water as possible until further notice. Widespread power outages have affected water service in Hana, Central and South Maui, along with portions of Upcountry Maui, and there is no estimated time when the power will be restored. This means that although the county prepared for this eventuality by filling water tanks, there may be no way to refill the tanks until power is restored. So please conserve water, especially if you live in the areas of Hana, Central, South and Upcountry Maui, until further notice.

7:48 p.m. 7/29/13: ROAD CLOSURES/DOWNED POWER LINES

Road closures are reported on Baldwin Avenue between Paia Mill and Puakou Place due to downed power lines. Also Hana Hwy (360) between mp 25 to 29 is closed due to power lines and trees blocking the roadway, according to MPD Lt. William Juan.

6:47 p.m. 7/29/13: BUS SERVICE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

The Maui Department of Transportation announced that as of 6:30 p.m. they were shutting down the Maui Bus system due to the storm. Drivers are unable to complete their routes because of low visibility from the rain and are right now parked in place while waiting for the storm to pass. Drivers have been told to wait for two hours then to reassess the situation. If at all possible, drivers will then take their remaining passengers to their destination. The Maui Bus service should continue tomorrow on its regular schedule unless this weather continues. An announcement will be made to the media tomorrow if that happens, but otherwise bus service continues as usual.

6:06 p.m. 7/29/13: COUNTY EMPLOYEES TO REPORT TO WORK ON TUESDAY

Maui County continues to monitor Tropical Depression Flossie throughout the night while road crews and other workers respond to any emergencies. A flash flood warning remains in effect until 8:15 tonight and a high surf warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. tomorrow, July 30. Residents with trash pick-up tomorrow are reminded to please keep your garbage bins inside until the storm passes. There are reports coming in of storm winds sending trash bins down the street. Maui County employees are to report to work tomorrow as usual, although they should continue to monitor news tonight and tomorrow for any updates.