Maui Officials Urge Public to Stay Alert as Madeline Advances

Background image credit: Renee Cress. Kīhei near Sugar Beach at 6:15 p.m. on 8.30.16.

MAUI FORECAST UPDATES: http://mauinow.com/?p=209968
MAUI CLOSURE UPDATES: http://mauinow.com/?p=209862

The Maui County Civil Defense Agency today announced that the impacts of Hurricane Madeline are anticipated late tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016) through tomorrow morning (Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016), and Hurricane Lester continues to threaten the islands on a track that could bring the storm near the islands. The public is advised to actively monitor both storm systems and to stay alert and prepared.

Due to the anticipated effects of Madeline, Hāna School is scheduled to be closed Thursday, while County parks remain open. Officials are not anticipating opening any shelters, but shelter teams are on standby should the need to open shelters arise. Expeditions’ Lānaʻi Ferry has canceled the 6:45 a.m. boat from Lahaina and the 8 a.m. boat from Lānaʻi for Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016; crews will assess weather conditions at 8 a.m. to determine whether the Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, 9:15 a.m. boat from Lahaina will depart.

Image credit: Haleakalā NP. 8.31.16

At 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8/31/16, a tree had reportedly fallen on the county road, just before the entrance to Haleakalā National Park’s Summit District. Be advised that people are not able to enter or leave the park at this time. The County has been notified. No estimate as to when the tree will be removed.

“It’s imperative that we do not inundate the Maui Police Dispatch call center, even the non-emergency line, which is still answered by dispatchers,” said Anna Foust, Maui County Emergency Management Officer.  The public is urged to call Civil Defense with any questions or concerns, at (808) 270-7285.

“We will have staff and call-takers available to answer calls from the public, and there will be a damage reporting form available online to help keep the 9-1-1 lines clear for actual emergencies.”

Storm-related damage may be reported to help ensure that the County has a complete picture of the scope of damage. The data collected will allow County officials to determine if our jurisdiction qualifies for any State or Federal assistance, as well as to assist with flood plain mapping. However, it should be noted that completion of a Damage Assessment Survey does not constitute an application for assistance. If your home or property sustains damage, you will still need to file a claim with your insurance company.

To report storm damage, visit www.mauicounty.gov and click on the link to the online form.