Maui Fire Department Responds to Numerous Storm-Related Incidents

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Fire Department personnel responded to numerous storm-related incidents on Jan. 2, 2015. Significant incidents included:

– Engine 3 and Ladder 3 from Lahaina station responded to an incident involving a 40-foot catamaran that had broken free from its mooring in waters fronting Lahaina Town at approximately 11 p.m. The vessel washed ashore and damaged portions of the ocean front businesses/structures in the area of 825 Front St. The vessel is now grounded along the shoreline. DLNR and the owners have been notified. Damages to the structures have not been assessed and there were no rescues or injuries associated with this incident.

– Partial collapse of a residential building in Pi‘iholo. There were no injuries to report and tenants were able to shelter in place.

– Vehicles were involved in two incidents of downed power lines. Engine 5 of Makawao station responded.

In the first incident, which occurred at 9:25 p.m. on Lower Kimo Road in the Kula area, a vehicle was covered by utility lines that were brought down by a felled tree. The driver was able to free the vehicle of what turned out to be cable lines.

In the second incident, which occurred at 10 p.m. on West Kuiaha Road in the Ha‘ikū area, a vehicle was mistakenly driven over power lines that were down by felled tree. A MECO representative was able to deactivate the line and the vehicle was freed from the incident.

The tally of storm-related incidents involving trees and electrical lines, but not including several fire alarm calls due to power shortages and rain is as follows:
Wailuku: 7
Kula: 6
Haiku: 5
Makawao: 2
Kahului: 1
Wailea: 1
Lahaina: 2