Heavy Rains Flood Intersections, Keep County Crews Busy

Maui Lani photo courtesy Nani Whitcher.

By Maui Now Staff

Heavy rains kept Maui crews busy on Tuesday as storm waters flooded several main intersections in Kahului and affected the Maui Bus operations out of the Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center.

Maui County Public Works crews continue efforts to prevent flooding issues by clearing storm drains and drainage canals.

As of 3:30 p.m., no road closures were necessary, but motorists are urged to exercise caution.

“It’s probably too much to hope that people will stay home when holiday shopping is in full swing right now, but please be careful when driving if you have to be out there,” said Managing Director Keith Regan in a county press release. “Try to avoid flooded intersections and take alternate routes if you can.”

A flash flood watch continues for Maui County until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

The National Weather Service advises that the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding continues state-wide, and that excessive run-off may result in rock and mudslides in areas of steep terrain.

Fast-moving and rising water may also create life-threatening situations.

Individuals planning on catching the Maui Bus for affected routes are asked to find alternate means of transportation until high water issues are resolved.

Bus drivers are avoiding the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center and are driving on to their next stops when they can, but some buses are unable to leave the shopping center because of the flooding.

County officials also advise that the Central Maui Landfill will close at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, to address stormwater damage sustained during today’s rains. All other landfills will remain open for regular hours on Christmas Eve.

The Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the weather overnight.