Mayor Signs Emergency Proclamation; Boil Water Advisory Remains

Mayor Alan Arakawa signed an emergency proclamation today following torrential flooding through ʻĪao Valley that knocked out a waterline, flooded several homes with mud and debris and destroyed a significant portion of the County’s Kepaniwai Park parking lot area.

Due to hazardous conditions, access to Iao Valley is currently restricted to residents only. A waterline that was washed away in the flooding interrupted water service to residents in ʻĪao Valley, and the Department of Water Supply provided six water tankers for affected customers. Water service has since been restored in the area after emergency repairs were made by DWS.

Debris also clogged the intake at the Lahaina Water Treatment Plant; the intake is being cleared and the plant is expected to be restarted soon. Water customers in Lahaina are asked to conserve water and avoid unnecessary water use to help preserve supplies for safety use such as fire-fighting.

DWS asks customers in Central and South Maui to conserve water and to boil water before consumption due to possible contamination from flooding. Affected areas include ʻĪao Valley, Kahului, Wailuku, Pāʻia, Spreckelsville, Puʻunēnē, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena and Māʻalaea.

Customers including restaurants, hotels, medical facilities and individual households should use bottled water for drinking, or boil water at a rolling boil for 3 minutes prior to consumption. DWS personnel are making emergency repairs and flushing water lines at numerous locations to ensure clean water; laboratory personnel will take samples to verify water quality today. Customers are asked to call the 24-hour DWS hotline at 270-7633 if a water-related problem occurs or to ask questions.

The Department of Health recommends that ice cubes used for consumption (i.e. beverages) should be discarded to avoid contamination, and soda dispensing machines drawing water should use boiled water or turned off to avoid contaminating beverages.

Residents may report storm damage at www.mauicounty.gov or by calling ph. 270-7285. Civil Defense officials would like to remind the public that Maui County is still under a flood watch until Thursday afternoon and it is possible that additional flooding conditions may occur. Residents and visitors should stay informed of any changing weather and road conditions by monitoring local media, the County website and the County facebook page for updates.

Kepaniwai damage to parking area. PC: Lois Whitney/County of Maui.

Kepaniwai damage to pavilions. PC: Lois Whitney/County of Maui.

Kepaniwai damage to pavilions. PC: Lois Whitney/County of Maui.

Kepaniwai, Mayor assessing damage with staff. PC: Lois Whitney/County of Maui.

Kepaniwai damage to parking area. PC: Lois Whitney/County of Maui.

Mala wharf, debris. PC: County of Maui/harbormaster Miles Lopes

A waterline that was washed away in the flooding interrupted water service to residents in ʻĪao Valley, and the Department of Water Supply provided six water tankers for affected customers.

Kepaniwai image courtesy: Tyson Kauhi