Kaanapali Alii Condo Fire Forces Overnight Evacuation

By Wendy Osher

A kitchen fire at a fifth-floor condominium unit in Kaanapali caused an estimated $5,000 in damage and forced the evacuation of residents overnight, fire officials said.

The fire was reported at 2:52 a.m., on Wednesday, March 20, at the Kaanapali Alii condominium complex, located at 50 Nohea Kai Drive in West Maui, authorities said.

Although the fire remains under investigation, the cause appears to have been accidental due to faulty electrical equipment, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

According to Mainaga, the fire at unit 351, was brought under control at around 3:30 a.m., and guests were allowed to return to their rooms at around 5 a.m.

The building’s sprinkler system was activated by the fire, and fire units remained on scene to help mitigate water damage, said Mainaga.

Units responding to the scene included engine crews from Lahaina, Napili, Kihei and Kahului.

No injuries were reported.