Storm Updates for Maui County on 3/9/12

By Wendy Osher

***A photo collage is now posted of the East Maui storm damage thanks to Maui Now readers.

East Maui storm damage, courtesy photo by Karley Kahalehoe.Hana storm damage 3/9/12, courtesy photo by Karley Kahalehoe.

Hana Highway OPEN:

The Hana Highway (Hwy 360) was reopened in both directions by 11:45 a.m.  Motorists are advised that crews continue work, and traffic may be limited to a single lane for contraflow in some areas.

County authorities advise motorists to be alert that the situation can change at a moment’s notice if the weather worsens again.

Uakea Road between the Hana Police Station and Waikoloa Road is CLOSED due to a 6-foot deep gully across Uakea. The road will remain closed until Public Works engineering staff can assess the damage and recommend repairs.

Photo Courtesy Kunihi Boeche. Click to view image in greater detail.Photo Courtesy Kunihi Boeche. Click to view image in greater detail.

Hana Structural Damage:

The Department of Parks and Recreation reported damage to two structures in Hana. Strong winds tore off a portion of a pavilion roof located at Hana Bay Beach Park.

The severe weather also caused the partial collapse of the Hana Community Center lower building next to the Hana Ball Park. The building was being used by Kamehameha Schools officials who were operating the Hana Preschool there. No injuries from either incident have been reported.

Molokai Debris Removal Continues:

Crews from the Public Works Department continue to assist the state DOT with cleaning debris off of Kamehameha V Highway and Maunaloa Highway. Both roads are OPEN.  Lanai reported heavy rain but no major incidents. County authorities say Public Works crews spent the morning checking and cleaning storm drains.

Power Restored to East Maui:

MECO reported a 1:20 a.m. power outage in East Maui affecting an estimated 400 customers from Nahiku to Hana Town to Koali.  MECO officials reported power restored as of 9:03 a.m.

Pellet-size hail fell over parts of Hana on Friday, 3/9/12. Photo courtesy Jo-Lei Redo.

Waiehu, Polipoli, Waianapanapa Park Closures:

Waiehu Golf Course reopened this morning after weather forced parks workers to close it yesterday.

On the island of Maui, ‘Iao Valley State Park was reopened late this morning, after county crews cleared the park access road of large amounts of debris and rocks. DLNR Chair William Aila Jr. said, “We thank the Maui County Public Works department for their assistance to reopen the road.”

Polipoli Spring State Park will remain closed at least until the beginning of next week. The road is still very muddy and there still is a potential for falling trees in the Kula forest reserve. Parks staff will assess conditions on Monday.

Also, Waianapanapa State Park will be closed today due to flooding, debris and fallen trees in the park, and no electricity. Hail also fell at the park last night.

Photo of 'Iao on Maui on Thursday afternoon 3/8/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Boil Water Advisory Continues:

The Department of Water Supply continues to advise customers in the Central and South Maui areas to boil water before consumption due to possible contamination from rainwater.  Affected areas include Kahului, Wailuku, Paia, Spreckelsville, Waikapu, Puunene, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Maalaea.

County officials say that the DWS is concerned only about possible sediment from storm runoff, which got into the system.  There has been no contamination from wastewater, according to County Communications Director, Rod Antone.

“Although work crews believe they flushed the storm water out last night residents are asked to boil their water as a precaution,” said Antone.  At this time, DWS authorities say there are no water quality violations; the advisory is a precautionary measure for public health and safety purposes.

Customers should bring water to a rapid boil for three minutes or more prior to consumption or use, or use bottled water.

DWS personnel are out in the water system flushing waterlines to ensure clean water. Laboratory personnel will take samples to verify water quality tomorrow.  Another update will be provided once samples show no contamination.