County Issues ‘Situational Update’ Regarding Meetings, Weather

ʻĪao Valley flood restoration. Photo 10.4.16 by Wendy Osher.

The County of Maui has issued a situational update on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, regarding this weekend’s weather forecast.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, heavy rains along with saturated soil led to flooding and damages to property, public infrastructure and private residences throughout Maui County.

The National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued a weekend forecast at 1:55 p.m. today,  Oct. 21,  2016. The NWS is forecasting trade winds and wet weather this weekend.

Showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure located around 800 miles southeast of Hilo on the Big Island remain disorganized.

Environmental conditions will likely inhibit tropical cyclone formation over the next couple of days as it
slowly tracks westward. The formation chance through 48 hours is very low.

As the wet weather reaches Maui, it may cause an increase in the flow of water in the Wailuku River and the flow remains unpredictable.

The county advises residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings and report any rapid stream rise or changes in river flow to Maui Dispatch at 244-6400 or by calling 911.

Weather is expected to return to typical trade winds early next week.

COUNTY ACTIONS

Flood Recovery Forums

Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Velma McWayne Santos Center in Wailuku.

Wednesday, Oct. 26,3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center.

Residents should come with question they have about the recovery process and any needs they may have for help from government and/or private agencies.

Public Works Actions

• Completed repairs to eroded banks and continue with removal of silt/top soil out of Kahoma
• Completed repairs at Levee C and partial completion of bank repairs along Wailuku River
• Expected to continue removal of silt and boulders from Waiehu Bridge area and repairs to bottom of steam banks in of Wailuku River.
• Additional inspections done in the Hana District and new areas identified that will need repairs.

Police Department Actions

• Continuing 24-hour police roadblock at Iao Valley Road.

Department of Water Supply Actions

• Continuing repairs on damaged infrastructure, to include replacement of the intake pipe that was washed away

County Closures

ʻĪao Valley Road remains closed except for residents.

Kepaniwai Park remains closed indefinitely due to damages to infrastructure and instability to the site

Budget

The County Council approved a revised ordinance for a budget amendment allocating $5M from the Emergency Fund.

A request for an additional $5.3M was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee.

Federal Disaster Declaration signed on October 6, 2016

FEMA Public Assistance allows state and county agencies to seek reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible expenses for emergency protective measures taken during the event, as well as a portion of the costs of permanent work.

Funds for Hazard Mitigation are also included as part of the Declaration

Disaster loans may be available through The Small Business Administration to certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations that are not eligible applicants under the Public Assistance Program.

PNPs should contact Lorinda Wong-Lau at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency at (808) 733-4300 ext. 801 or email [email protected]

Information and application forms are available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing [email protected] or through the web.

The county has submitted a disaster declaration request to the USDA/NRCA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program

STATE PARTNERS

DLNR- Parks Division Actions

• Iao Valley State Park remains closed due to damages sustained during the storm
• Green Waste removal is 95% completed from the lower loop trail area. Plan on beginning concrete debris removal from the lower area.

Department of Transportation – Highways

• All state roads are open
• Removal of loose debris from slopes damaged by the storm along Hana Highway continues and some short term road closures can be expected

Department of Land and Natural Resources – Forestry

Damages reported to fencing and some of the streambeds in the West Maui Mountains Watershed.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Keep informed of weather reports and sign up for emergency messaging from by navigating to www.MauiCounty.gov and clicking the link for Maka‘ala.

Keep a 7 day supply of water in case of service interruptions.

Report any significant water level rise by calling police dispatch at 244 6400.

Email [email protected] or call 270-7285 if you require assistance with debris removal on your property. We will coordinate with local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) members to match skills to your need.

The situation is very complex, to include jurisdictional coordination and funding considerations. We will continue to update you on progress. Thank you all for your cooperation and patience.

The County of Maui will send updates at least once a week. To subscribe/unsubscribe please send an email to [email protected].