Community Rallies Support after Fire at Oceanside Restaurant in Māʻalaea

UPDATE: 6/24/16

*Update now posted: Arson Investigation Launched into Māʻalaea Fire, Suspect Arrested

A structure fire at the Oceanside restaurant in Māʻalaea on Thursday night, June 23, 2016, forced the temporary closure of the Honoapiʻilani Highway.  The highway was reopened at 9 p.m. and the restaurant was cordoned off with yellow tape while clean up gets underway.

Oceanside made its debut in the Harbor Shops complex on December 22, 2015, in the building that formerly housed Saltimbocca.

Executive chef/owner Gary King was reportedly working to find a home for products from the restaurant.  In a Facebook message posted late Thursday night, owners said, “We are so thankful that everyone is safe tonight. Mahalos to Maui Police Department, Maui Fire Department, and all of our amazing friends across the island. The restaurant will be closed until further notice, but this will not be the last you hear of Oceanside.”

Members of the community were also rallying forces last night to organize a fundraiser to help King in the aftermath of the fire.  Resident Dania Katz said that within just a couple of hours, 20 chefs had already stepped forward to show support.

Details of the fundraising effort are forthcoming.  In the interim, organizers are asking those wanting to support to leave a message on social media with the ‪#‎SupportOceanside‬ hashtag.

UPDATE: 9 p.m. 6/23/16

The Honoapiʻilani Hwy (30) is now OPEN in both directions.  Firefighting operations continue in Māʻalaea where a structure fire was reported earlier this evening.

7:45 p.m. June 23, 2016 Honoapiʻilani Hwy (30) is CLOSED at Kapoli Street and Māʻalaea Road due to a structure fire at the Oceanside Restaurant. Traffic is being routed through Māʻalaea Road.

*Check back for updates which will be posted as they become available.

Structure fire at the Oceanside Restaurant in Māʻalaea (6.23.16) Photo credit: JonaBeth Russell

Oceanside Restaurant at Māʻlaea. Photo (6.24.16) credit: Kiaora Bohlool.

Oceanside Restaurant at Māʻlaea. Photo (6.24.16) credit: Kiaora Bohlool.

Oceanside Restaurant at Māʻlaea. Photo (6.24.16) credit: Kiaora Bohlool.

Oceanside Restaurant at Māʻlaea. Photo (6.24.16) credit: Kiaora Bohlool.