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Tropical Storm Darby: MAUI WARNING CANCELLED

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Below is a list of advisories and updates from various agencies with coverage focused on Maui County.  Please check frequently for updates, which are posted as they become available throughout the day.

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TS Darby Storm Warning for Maui CANCELLED. Photo/graphics by Wendy Osher.

Updated Forecast/Situation Overview: as of 5 p.m. 7/24/16
TROPICAL STORM WARNING CANCELLED FOR MAUI COUNTY AS OF 5 P.M.

All emergency shelters are closed as of this time. Piʻilani Highway in East Maui will be closed overnight due to flooding.

Darby will continue moving northwest for the next couple of days. Darby is expected to pass over or near Kauai tonight as it weakens to a tropical depression, then become a post-tropical remnant low pressure area in a couple of days. Abundant moisture to the east and southeast of the center could result in excessive rainfall tonight and Monday until Darby moves farther away.

At 5 p.m., on Sunday, July 24, 2016, the center of TS Darby was located near latitude 21.7 North, longitude 158.9 West, or about 200 miles WNW of Hāna; 165 miles WNW of Kahului; 130 miles WNW of Kaunakakai; 140 miles WNW of Lānaʻi City; 65 miles WNW of Honolulu; 65 miles WNW of Joint Base PHH; 60 miles ESE of Barking Sands; 35 miles SE of Lihue; and 80 miles E of Niihau

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Darby is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue over the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Darby is expected to pass over or near Kauai tonight.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Darby is expected to weaken to a tropical depression tonight and become a post-tropical remnant low in about 2 days.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1011 mb (29.86 inches).

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TS Darby, 11 a.m. 7.24.16. Wind Field. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

WIND: Tropical Storm force winds are expected over Oahu and Kauai tonight.

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SURF: Swells generated by Darby will impact Kauai and Oahu tonight and diminish on Monday.

RAINFALL: The 24 hour total for rainfall for the period ending at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, Maui had: 4.32 inches at Kaupo; 3.73 inches at Kula; 2.3 inches at West Wailuaiki; 2.03 inches at Ulupalakua; 1.7 inches in Haiku; and 1.6 inches at Puu Alii on Molokai.

Storm total rainfall of 6 to 10 inches, with isolated amounts of up to 15 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Passing rainbands will bring periods of showers. There is a chance for heavier downpours or thunderstorms to develop this afternoon or this evening. If heavier storms develop, they could cause significant flash flooding. See the flash flood watch for more details.

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TS Darby satellite imagery, 11 a.m. 7/24/16. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

Forecast Discussion 5 p.m. 7.24.16

Sea surface temperatures should be decreasing along Darby’s forecast track and vertical shear is expected to remain relatively strong through the next couple of days. This should result in steady weakening of the tropical cyclone. Thus, the forecast call for Darby to remain a tropical storm through today then become a tropical depression tonight or Monday, followed by post-tropical remnant low status in about 72 hours. This is close to the previous forecast but is a bit lower than intensity consensus which holds on to tropical storm intensity a bit longer. -Forecaster Kodama/Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

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Maui Electric Power Outage Update: (6 p.m. 7/24/16)

Power Restored to 387 on Maui During Darby

Power Restored to 387 Customers During Darby (6 p.m. 7.24.16)

Maui Electric crews restored power to all 120 Upper Olinda/Piʻiholo customers at about 1:38 p.m. today after retrieving and repairing electrical lines that fell into a gulch last night due to Tropical Storm Darby.

Since Saturday morning, as the storm’s gusty winds and heavy rains impacted Maui County, Maui Electric crews restored 387 customers in pockets of Lower Nāhiku, Upper and Lower Olinda/Piʻiholo and parts of Hāliʻimaile and West Maui.

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TS Darby. The Department of Parks & Recreation has reopened all county park facilities today, however Kepaniwai Park remains closed due to the weather. Photo: Kepaniwai at ʻĪao, 2 p.m. 7.24.16 by Wendy Osher.

Maui County Sees Elevated Rain Levels as Darby Departs (County Update: 12:07 p.m. 7.24.16)

Maui County is expected to receive more than 10 inches of rain over the next 12 hours as Tropical Storm Darby passes south of the islands. A burst of rain this morning in the Kaupō area triggered a Flash Flood Warning that is set to expire at 12:30 p.m.

Residents should still keep in mind that a Flash Flood Watch is still in effect for the county as well as a Tropical Storm Warning. A High Surf Advisory also remains in effect for Maui and Molokai’s east shores.

Although Darby is currently more than 130 miles from Maui County, storm conditions continued to affect the islands overnight and this morning.

Piʻilani Highway near mile marker 37 is closed due to flooding near Nuanualoa. A fallen tree and utility pole blocked Hāna Highway near mile marker 22 earlier this morning but has since been cleared.

Due to the many road closures along Hāna Highway due to fallen trees and landslides over the last week, Maui Police are recommending that motorists stay off the road until the storm is over.

About 120 Maui Electric customers were out of power this morning because of an outage in the Upper Olinda/Piʻiholo area. Another 73 people in Kapualua do not have phone service due to complications from yesterday’s power outages in West Maui.

Two flights to Molokaʻi were canceled this morning due to the weather. Ferry service operations to Molokai and Lānaʻi are still suspended.

The Department of Parks & Recreation has reopened all county park facilities today, however Kepaniwai Park remains closed due to the weather. The rain also delayed the opening of the Waiehu Golf Course this morning but the course is now open.

At noon the Red Cross closed the emergency shelter at the Eddie Tam Memorial Center in Makawao, however the rest of the shelters remain open. The last report from the Red Cross was that there were 40 people total in the shelters overnight.

Residents are urged to stay indoors and monitor the news for updates. The public can also call the Maui Civil Defense Agency at 270-7285.

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Haleakalā Darby updates. Image/grapic by Wendy Osher

Haleakalā National Park Updates: (9:20 a.m. 7.24.16)

The Summit and Kipahulu Districts of Haleakala NP will re-open to visitors at 12pm on Sunday, July 24. In Kipahulu, the pools of `Ohe`o will remain CLOSED due to extremely high water, flash floods, and rock falls. At 12 p.m., visitors will be able to:

use the Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu campgrounds.
check-in for back country campgrounds and cabins.
use other visitor facilities, including visitor centers and restrooms.

Visitors will be able to hike all trails (unless signs are posted closing an area due to downed trees or other hazards). Please stay out of closed areas.

The park will be open for sunrise on Monday, July 25.Visitors are advised to be prepared for inclement weather.

At 8 a.m., the Summit reported light rain and 15-25 mph wind gusts.

Hāna Highway OPEN: Update 9:07 a.m. 7.24.16

Hāna Highway (360) at Mile 22 in Wailua is now OPEN following removal of a downed tree. It was initially blocking both lanes, forcing the complete closure of the highway at 6:30 a.m.  By 7:45 a.m. police had reopened the highway to contraflow traffic, and both lanes were open by 9:07 a.m.

Piʻilani Hwy Mile 37 at Nuanualoa OPEN: 9:06 a.m. 7.24.16

The Piʻilani Highway (31) at Mile 37 in Nuanualoa is now OPEN.  The road was initially closed at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2016 due to impassible conditions from running water.

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TS DARBY Maui Updates.

Tropical Storm Darby Disorganized But Still Threatening Maui County:
County of Maui Update: (9:24 p.m. 7.23.16)

Tropical Storm Darby shows signs of disorganization after reaching land in Hawaiʻi County, however the storm is still active. Maui County managers urge residents and visitors to remain cautious and to be prepared for a significant amount of rain and wind.

A Tropical Storm Warning and a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for Maui County until tomorrow afternoon. A High Surf Warning for the Maui’s east shores and a High Surf Advisory for Molokaʻi’s east shores also remains in effect.

Storm related incidents include the closing down of Hāna Highway for the second time today. Fallen trees were reported blocking both lanes between mile markers 5 and 6.

Another incident involved the rescue of an 11-year-old boy who had been stranded in the middle of Wailuku River (ʻĪao Stream). The boy had been swept away after he tried to go after his boogie board. His father later walked out to the island and waited with his son for rescue crews to arrive. Air 1 airlifted the boy and his father without incident. Both were unharmed.

11-Year-Old Boy Swept into Wailuku River Rescued, Unharmed

Click here for video of the swift water rescue reported late this afternoon at the Wailuku River (ʻĪao Stream).

Maui Electric reports one outage area left in Olowalu consisting of less than 100 customers and another outage in the Upper Olinda/Piʻiholo area affecting 50 customers.

The Department of Parks & Recreation plans on reopening all park facilities on Saturday morning except for campgrounds, which will stay closed until Monday.

“Edge of Cone; But Not Out of the Woods”

(7:41 p.m. 7.23.16)

County officials say Maui County is still bracing for lots of rain and moderate wind associated with Tropical Storm Darby.  The County’s Emergency Operating Center continues to monitor storm impacts as Darby passes over the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.  County officials say that as long as there is a potential of harm to life and property, the EOC will remain in operation.   A statewide briefing for emergency management on Sunday morning is expected to provide further data and information on the timing and track of Darby as it makes its way down the island chain.  While the latest track shows Maui County right along the outer edge of the cone of uncertainty, County Communications Director, Rod Antone said we’re not out of the woods just yet.  Tropical Storms can be very unpredictable, so forecasters and meteorologists will continue to monitor the system into the overnight hours.

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Brown Water Advisory. Honokahua Bay 7.23.16. Courtesy: DOH.

Brown Water Advisory – Honokahua:

A Brown Water Advisory is being issued for Honokahua, Maui, due to heavy rains. The advisory has since been extended to include waters for the islands of Hawaiʻi and Maui due to heavy rains. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Not all waters may be affected, however if the water is brown stay out and continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns. care physician if you have any health concerns.

Tropical Storm Darby MAUI Darby Impacts (3:52 p.m. 7.23.16)

Tropical Storm Darby Photo Album

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TS Darby storm impacts, 7.23.16. Flooding at ʻUlaino Road, photo credit Maui Police Department

Tropical Storm Darby has turned south but is still on track to hit Maui this afternoon. Residents should see elevated storm conditions at around 4 p.m.

Darby is expected to bring about 10 to 15 inches of rain, 15 to 20 foot waves on eastern shores and sustained winds of 35 mph and gusts of up to 65 mph. The public is urged to stay indoors during the storm and to keep non-essential travel down to a minimum.

Wind and rain preceding Darby has already caused some damage on Maui. Hāna Highway was closed earlier today due to landslides and downed trees in several different locations between mileposts 9 and 20.

Other weather related incidents reported today include:

– Kaupakalau Road in Haʻikū – flooded
– Meha and Kealaloa roads in Makawao – fallen tree blocking both lanes
– Waikoloa and ʻUlaino roads in Hāna – flooded
– The closure of Molokaʻi Landfill due to winds of more than 30 mph

(Please keep in mind that emergency crews are responding to all road closures and at the time of this writing some of these locations may already be cleared.)

Maui Electric reported multiple storm related outages around the island, including those in Lower Nāhiku, Upper Olinda and Hāliʻimaile.

All outdoor county park facilities remain closed although community centers and gymnasiums remain open. Haleakala National Park is also closed. Both the Lanai and Molokai ferry operations have shut down while the storm is active.

All emergency shelters remain open. The list of shelters are: Lānaʻi High School, Molokaʻi High Schol, Lahainaluna High School, Maui High School, Lokelani Intermediate, Eddie Tam Memorial and Center and Hāna High School.

Road Closures:

Hāna Highway (360) is closed at the following locations:

-Mile-post 9.8 in the area of Waikamoi Ridge Trail, two trees are down across the roadway blocking the Hāna-bound lane, one lane is open to traffic.

-Mile-post 13, a landslide is blocking the Hana-bound lane, one lane is open to traffic.

-Mile-post 19.9 near Waikane, a tree is down across the roadway blocking the Hāna-bound lane, one lane is open to traffic.

State Highways crews are already responding to clear the roadway as well as any other debris they come across on the way out.

A reminder to motorist to stay off the roadway until the storm has passed as the weather is unpredictable and causing unsafe conditions.

Recon Squadron Returns With Data on Darby: (follow the link below)

Reconnaissance Squadron Returns with Data on Darby’s Strength, Size

Storm Preparedness:

Want to know where shelters are locate, what to pack in your emergency kits, what to do in case of an evacuation? Click here for a detailed list of Storm Preparedness Information.

Tropical Storm Darby Preparedness Tips

Commercial Ports Closures

Maui Commercial Port Closures

Coast Guard Captain of the Port closed Hawaiʻi and Maui County ports to all traffic. All cargo operations in these ports are secured. Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Island harbors should seek sheltered waters until storm conditions subside and the COTP has deemed the ports safe to reopen. Current port closures:

  • Hawaiʻi County — Hilo Harbor, Kawaihae Harbor
  • Maui County — Kahului; Kaumalapau, Lānaʻi; Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi

All ocean going commercial vessels and ocean going barges greater than 300 gross tons are expected to make preparations to leave the ports by the following times: Oahu – 8 p.m., July 23; Kauaʻi – 7 a.m.July 24.

Once the storm has passed and the threat of severe weather has subsided, the Coast Guard, Army Corp of Engineers and State of Hawaii will jointly conduct surveys of channel blockage and prioritize steps to resume essential, then normal, vessel traffic. These steps are to minimize risk of damage to vessels and assess the conditions of channels, aids to navigation, waterfront facilities, piers and other infrastructure.

The COTP, in conjunction with the state DOT-Harbors in Hawaii, will begin sending Port Assessment Teams to accessible areas of the zone as soon as it is safe to do so over the weekend.

“I am committed to reopening each port as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Capt. Mike Long, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. “Following the storm, the conditions of the ports will be evaluated and changed dependent on the port assessment.”

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Maui Advisories. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Conservation and Road Warnings for Maui County

Due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Darby, Maui County will be closing all outdoor park facilities on Saturday morning, July 23, 2016. This includes all campsites, pools, fields, beach parks, pavilions, stadiums and the golf course.

All Department of Parks & Recreation programs, community classes and other activities held in these areas are likewise canceled until further notice. Community centers and gymnasiums will remain open for the time being.

The county also asks that as a precaution, businesses and residents should try to conserve water during the storm. This includes turning off the tap while washing your hands and brushing your teeth, flushing the toilet less frequently and making sure to turn off any outside sprinkler systems.

Finally, police and fire department officials ask that motorists keep all non-essential travel down to a minimum during the storm. Please stay indoors and leave the roadways for emergency personnel use.

Haleakalā National Park Announces Campground Closures:

Due to Tropical Storm Darby, the Hosmer Grove Campground in the Summit District and the Kīpahulu Campground in the Kīpahulu District are CLOSED.

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Background image: File image from February 2008 emergency shelter at Baldwin High School. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Shelter Update: (10:03 a.m. 7.24.16)

On Friday evening, 109 people stayed overnight in Big Island shelters, and 3 people stayed overnight in Maui shelters on Friday.  Red Cross opened shelters on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2016.

Over Friday and Saturday, 226 people stayed overnight in Big Island shelters and 43 people stayed overnight in Maui shelters.  Red Cross opened seven shelters on Oahu at 7 a.m. on Sunday.  All Big Island shelters closed as of 8 a.m. on Sunday.

The following Red Cross and respective county evacuation shelter sites are currently open to the public in response to Tropical Storm Darby (please listen to the radio or local media for any changes and further updates):

The following Red Cross and respective county evacuation shelter sites will remain open to the public in response to Tropical Storm Darby:

East Maui – Hāna High School
Upcountry Maui – Eddie Tam Memorial Center
South Maui – Lokelani Intermediate School
Central Maui – Maui High School
West Maui – Lahainaluna High School
Lānaʻi – Lānaʻi High
Molokaʻi – Molokaʻi High

Please note that these shelters are not equipped with amenities, and that residents seeking shelter need to bring their own food, water, medicine and other emergency supplies.

All Maui shelters opened at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 22, except for Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi high schools, which open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 23.

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Longs Drug Store Kahului, storm prep, 7.22.16

Storm Preparation Urged

Click here for our 9:50 p.m. 7.22.16 Video Update.

In preparation for the storm, residents are asked to assemble their emergency kits and stock up on seven days worth of food, water and medicine. Other storm-prep tasks include:

– Monitoring television, radio and other news sources to find out the latest updates on storm conditions.
– Fueling vehicles now so motorists do not have to stop during the storm to fill up their tank.
– Securing any loose objects on property that could become airborne: Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools
– Those living in flood inundation areas should have an evacuation plan ready if they need to leave their homes and identify ahead of time a safe location to go and wait out the storm.
– Check and replenish disaster supply kits
– Have an extra supply of cash on hand

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Costco gas line 7.22.16.

Maui County is also under a flash flood watch from Friday night (July 22, 2016) to Saturday afternoon (July 23, 2016).  The public is advised that flash flooding can occur in your area even if it is not raining nearby.  Click here for a full list of preparedness tips.

Also, remember that high winds knock down power lines frequently during storms, so be prepared for widespread power outages. To report a fallen power line or outage call Maui Electric’s trouble line at 871-777. For those on Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi call toll free at 1-877-871-8461.

The Maui Civil Defense Agency will be monitoring the situation throughout the weekend. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System by calling (808) 986-1200. Online updates can be found on the county website or by checking the county Facebook or Twitter feeds.

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Maui Now image.

No Overnight Camping Allowed in Maui County Beach Parks During Storm

All Parks & Recreation programs are cancelled for the time being.

The Department of Parks & Recreation will be revoking all overnight camping permits at county beachparks this weekend due to Maui County being under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Those with overnight camping permits for tonight will be informed by park rangers that they need to be vacated by noon on Saturday (July 23). There will be no overnight camping allowed for Saturday and Sunday (July 23 to 24).

Campers who were already issued permits for this weekend can go to any district office to get a refund either today or on Monday. The department thanks the public for their understanding and urges them to stay safe this weekend.

Motorists Urged to Avoid Travel on Hāna Highway During Storm

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Hāna Highway landslide at Wailua after it was cleared. Photo 7.19.16 credit: Boeche ʻOhana.

Maui County officials are urging motorists to avoid travel on the Hāna Highway (360) as Tropical Storm Darby approaches.

The recommendation comes after the extended closure of the highway three times since Sunday, July 17, 2016, due to separate landslides.

County officials say these landslides indicate that areas in East Maui are already saturated.

Because of this and the fact that the county is currently under a Tropical Storm WARNING and Flash Flood Watch, the Maui Civil Defense Agency is urging both residents and visitors to refrain from using Hāna Highway for any non-essential travel until the storm conditions subside.

“Otherwise motorists take the chance that they could be trapped on either side of another landslide for an undetermined amount of time,” said County officials.

Also to be considered is that the alternate route from Hāna through Kaupō may become compromised due to high surf, as East Maui is also under a High Surf Warning during the storm.

DLNR Announces TS Darby Closures on Maui:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is closing state forest and park areas on the islands of Hawaiʻi and Maui, in anticipation of the effects of tropical storm Darby this weekend.

DLNR is asking for the public’s cooperation with this announcement of area closures as the storm approaches.  Additional closures for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi may follow over the weekend, and updates will be provided to news media and on the department’s website.

People are advised to avoid forested and coastal areas due to potential for rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees or high surf as well as ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches and rocky coastal benches and lava flows.  High surf may create the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways.  Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches.

Division of Forestry and Wildlife will close by 3 p.m. today all of its managed lands, including forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, Na Ala Hele hiking trails, game management areas; this closure also affects Polipoli State Park (persons with camping permits are being notified).

Division of State Parks –  Parks will remain open Friday.  They will be closed on Saturday and remain closed until conditions warrant re-opening.

Governor signs emergency proclamation in anticipation of Tropical Storm Darby

Gov. David Ige signed a pre-landfall emergency proclamation as the state prepares for Tropical Storm Darby. The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies for quick, easy and efficient relief of disaster-related damages, losses and suffering resulting from the storm.

“Our top priority is to protect the health, safety and welfare of Hawai‘i’s residents and visitors. I urge residents and businesses to follow emergency instructions, prepare for the storm and take steps to protect your families, employees and property. The state is standing by to assist the counties — particularly Hawai‘i and Maui counties — which are expected to be the first to feel the impact of Tropical Storm Darby,” said Gov. Ige.

The disaster emergency relief period begins on July 22 and continues through July 29, 2016.

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Island Air courtesy photo.

Island Air to Waive Change Fees During TS Darby

Island Air will waive reservation change fees and differences in fares for customers needing to change their travel plans due to Tropical Storm Darby.

Effective immediately, customers ticketed for travel on Island Air now through July 25, 2016 will be permitted to change their reservations without charge to ticketed flights through August 1, 2016.

Changes must be made prior to the original departure date and ticketed on or before July 25, 2016.

Changes must be made by Island Air personnel through the reservations department, or at the airport. Normal refund rules will apply.

Customers needing assistance should call Island Air’s reservations desk at 1-800-388-1105 or 808-840-2444.

Passengers with reservations are advised to check Island Air’s website at www.islandair.com or call the reservations desk to check on the status of scheduled flights prior to arriving at the airport.

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Hawaiian Airlines at Kahului Airport. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Hawaiian Airlines to Waive Change Fees for Customers Traveling July 22-25, 2016

Hawaiian Airlines will waive reservation change fees and differences in fares for customers needing to change their travel plans because of Tropical Storm Darby.

Effective immediately, customers who are ticketed for travel on Hawaiian Airlines between July 22 and July 25, 2016 will be permitted to change their reservations without charge to flights ticketed through July 28, 2016. Changes must be made prior to the original departure date and ticketed on or before July 22, 2016.

All change fees and applicable fare differences will be waived provided that changes are made in the same class of service (i.e., Coach to Coach or First to First), based on seat availability and subject to the restrictions noted above. Changes must be made by Hawaiian Airlines personnel through the Reservations department or at the airport.

Normal refund rules will apply.

Customers needing assistance should call Hawaiian Airlines’ reservations desk at the toll-free number 1-800-367-5320.

Travelers are also advised to continue to monitor Hawaiian Airlines’ website at HawaiianAirlines.com for updates on status of flights this weekend.

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Maui Electric storm prep tips

Maui Electric Safety Tips:

With the approach of Tropical Storm Darby to Maui County, Maui Electric Company wants to remind customers that electricity can be dangerous and electrical safety should never be taken for granted, especially during an emergency situation.

“With the possibility of storm conditions this weekend, our Maui Electric crews are ready to respond to any potential impacts to our electrical system,” said Maui Electric President Sharon Suzuki. “In planning for the approaching storm, we are currently gearing up and mobilizing response crews and preparing equipment and supplies. We also want to remind everyone of important electrical safety measures before, during, and after a disaster or power outage.”

  • Before a storm hits or if there is a power outage, unplug all unnecessary electric equipment and appliances until the storm has passed or until power is restored.
  • Stay away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized and dangerous. If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for help.
  • Should you need to evacuate, take emergency supplies and remember to shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch.
  • Make plans in advance to go to a safe location where electricity will be available if someone in your home depends on an electrically powered life support system and you don’t have a backup generator. Some shelters are designed for people with health needs—just remember to take your own medical equipment and medications.
  • When using a portable generator, carefully read and follow instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. Do not plug the generator into your household electrical outlets.
  • If you have a rooftop photovoltaic system, consult with your licensed solar contractor regarding normal and emergency operation procedures for your solar system. As a safety precaution, most photovoltaic systems are designed to safely shut down during outages. PV systems typically have monitoring systems which allow owners to check on the status of their system.

Maui Electric’s free “Information Handbook for Emergency Preparedness” – available in five languages – includes these tips and more. It can be downloaded at www.mauielectric.com/prepare.  The handbook includes key numbers to have on hand, checklists for emergency supplies, power outage preparedness and recovery information, and household and food safety tips.

To report a power outage, call the Maui Electric Trouble Line at (808) 871-7777 or 911 if it’s an emergency. The public can also sign up for outage notifications and restoration updates at www.mauielectric.com or follow Maui Electric on Twitter @mauielectric. Due to uncontrolled forces of nature, such as hurricanes, power outages may occur and with safety of our crews and the public as our top priority – as soon as conditions are safe to do so – crews are sent out to assess and begin repairs to restore power as quickly as possible. See these restoration steps at https://www.mauielectric.com/safety-and-outages/storm-center.

Hawaiʻi Gas Prepares for Tropical Storm Darby

Hawaiʻi Gas is working closely with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly State Civil Defense, to prepare for Tropical Storm Darby. Hawaii Gas crews have secured equipment and facilities on Hawai‘i Island and Maui. Hawaiʻi Gas has also begun to implement their emergency management plans and procedures to prepare for Tropical Storm Darby. Essential employees are being scheduled to assist in any emergency preparation that may be needed.

Hawaiʻi Gas propane tank and cylinder customers SHOULD NOT shut off their gas supply unless they have been notified by local authorities to evacuate their premises. Gas customers should listen carefully to HI-EMA announcements. If customers shut off their gas, only a trained Hawaiʻi Gas employee can turn it back on.

Hawaiʻi Gas will provide updates as more information becomes available. Customers with questions regarding gas service can contact their local Hawaiʻi Gas office:

Maui (808) 877-6557
Molokaʻi & Lānaʻi (800) 828-9359

Customers can also find information in the Safety/Emergency Preparedness section at the website: hawaiigas.com.

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2015 State Championships on Maui, boys start. File Photo credit: Rodney S. Yap

Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association Championship Regatta Cancelled Due to Tropical Storm Darby

Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association’s Championship Regatta scheduled for Saturday, July 23, at Kahului Harbor has been cancelled due to the closure of Hoaloha Park and Kahului Harbor by County and State officials. MCHCA’s Board of Directors will meet to determine the status of crews vying for a seed at the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association’s state championship scheduled for August 6 at Keʻehi Lagoon on Oʻahu. “We are cooperating with state and county officials and ensuring that our paddlers and their families are out of harm’s way in storm conditions and remain safe,” said MCHCA race director Deren Ash. For more information go to www.imuamchca.com.

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File photo.

Bank of Hawaii Temporarily Closing Branches on Maui County Due to TS Darby

Bank of Hawaiʻi has announced that it will be taking precautionary safety steps in light of Tropical Storm Darby. All branches on Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi will be closed Saturday, July. 23. Bank of Hawaiʻi has 12 branches in Maui County: 10 branches on Maui, one branch on Lānaʻi and one branch on Molokaʻi. Call Center operations, based in Kapolei, Oʻahu, remain open to assist customers. Online and mobile banking and ATM services will continue to operate unless power interruptions are experienced. Bank of Hawaiʻi will also place public updates on branch status via Facebook and www.boh.com. Branches will reopen when operations are determined to be safe for employees and the public.

Makawao Hongwanji – Obon Festival:

The Makawao Hongwanji Obon service for Saturday night, July 23, 2016 is cancelled due to the storm.

Maui Historical Society Concerts Postponed:

Due to inclement weather from Tropical Storm Darby, the Maui Historical Society is canceling all museum events for this weekend at Hale Hōʻikeʻike/Bailey House and the museum will be closed for business on Saturday, July 23, 2016. The Moonlight Mele Concert on Saturday, July 23, 2016 and the Songbirds of Hawaiʻi Concert on Sunday, July 24, 2016 will be postponed to a later date. We will keep the community informed as to when these new dates are scheduled. The Maui Historical Society would also like to thank the community for understanding as safety and security is of utmost importance. For more information, contact (808) 244-3326.

Plantation Festival to be Rescheduled

The Plantation Festival scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center has been postponed due to the pending Tropical Storm Darby heading toward the Hawaiian islands. Directors say safety is of the utmost importance and a revised event date will be announced in the near future.

MACC Starry Night Cinema Rescheduled

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center has rescheduled Saturday night’s Starry Night Cinema presentation of Zootopia for Friday, Aug. 26.

Maui Puerto Rican Scholarship Dance:

Maui Puerto Rican Scholarship Dance that was scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2016, has been postponed.  A new date and time will be announced at a later time.

Maui Made Sunday July 24 Cancelled

Maui Made Sundays, scheduled for this Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center has been canceled due to Tropical Storm Darby heading toward the Hawaiian islands. Commencing August, Maui Made Sundays and Cultural Connection Mondays will take place on the second and fourth weeks of the month. Events will resume in August.

Cordage Workshop Rescheduled:

Maui Tropical Plantation Cordage Workshop that was scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2016, has been moved to July 30, 2016.

Campaign Event Rescheduled:

Due to tropical storm Darby, we are going to cancel today’s Friends of Stacey Moniz fundraiser event and reschedule to Monday, August 8 from 5pm to 7pm at Hāliʻimaile General Store.

TS Darby 11 a.m. 7/24/16. Storm track. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 11 a.m. 7/24/16. Storm track. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

 TS Darby satellite imagery, 11 a.m. 7/24/16. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby satellite imagery, 11 a.m. 7/24/16. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby, 11 a.m. 7.24.16. Wind Field. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby, 11 a.m. 7.24.16. Wind Field. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby radar, 11 a.m. imagery 7.24.16. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby radar, 11 a.m. imagery 7.24.16. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 7.24.16 5 a.m. Update. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 7.24.16 5 a.m. Update. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 7.24.16 5 a.m. Update. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 7.24.16 5 a.m. Update. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 7.24.16 5 a.m. Update. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

TS Darby 7.24.16 5 a.m. Update. Image: NOAA/CPHC.

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