FICKLE FELICIA FIZZLES OUT: MAYOR THANKS COMMUNITY PARTNERS (VIEW VIDEO)

MAYOR THANKS COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR ROLE IN STORM PREPARATIONS UPDATE ON COUNTY PARKS, FACILITIES

Following an adjusted forecast from the National Weather Service that predicted dissipating storm conditions, the County of Maui de-activated at noon its emergency operating center set up to coordinate response operations to Tropical Storm Felicia. The American Red Cross closed its emergency shelters as of 8 a.m. this morning.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ7qqgsnqgU[/youtube]”We’ve kept a close watch on ‘Fickle Felicia’ for several days now,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “First as a hurricane headed our way, then as a tropical storm that has lessened to a depression, bringing much-needed rain to our county. It’s because of the expertise of the National Weather Service and the support of the State Civil Defense that we’ve been able to adapt and plan accordingly for an ever-changing course of this storm. I’m glad that the situation did not develop into something much serious, but I’m confident that we would have been well-prepared if it did. I want to thank the many state and federal agencies as well as our community partners for their incomparable work in support of the County’s efforts. Together we planned and stayed vigilant for the benefit of our communities. I am especially grateful that our residents, visitors and businesses heeded safety advisories and took steps to prepare themselves and their families.”

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced today that all County parks, beaches and park facilities will be open for normal park hours beginning tomorrow, and swimming pools will open for regular use at 9 a.m. Waiehu Golf Course will be assessed in the morning to determine whether conditions will allow for play. The public is advised to call the Waiehu Golf Course starters booth at 243-7400 for updated information.

The County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns announced that Kaunoa Senior Center and all County-operated congregate lunch sites will be open for normal hours.

(Posted by Wendy Osher @ 5:15 p.m.; Information provided by County of Maui, Office of the Mayor)