Maui Mayor: South Swell Could Affect Honoapi‘ilani; County Facilities Expected to Remain Open

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa issued a video update this morning ahead of Oliva as it continues a path towards the Hawaiian Islands.

Mayor Arakawa said he is not anticipating the closure of county facilities because most of the impacts are forecast for the evening and early morning hours over the course of an 8-12 hour period between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

According to Mayor Arakawa, Maui may have 6-10 foot waves along the South shores, which may require authorities to close the Honoapiʻilani Highway at some point.  There’s also a concern about landslides due to the recent West Maui fires and the rains that are forecast.

“Take every precaution to be at home, away from any impending danger,” he said.

According to Mayor Arakawa, there is an approximately 70% chance that the East Maui community of Hāna will be hit with “very close to hurricane force winds.” The rest of Maui County will be inundated with very strong rains of 15 to 20 inches in some locations and very strong winds. *Click here for Monday Olivia Forecast Updates.

“We are taking every precaution, so we would really appreciate it if you were to stay at home, stay off the roads and stay safe,” said Mayor Arakawa.

https://www.facebook.com/countyofmaui/videos/293055964615688/