Coast Guard Dismisses Possible Downed Plane Report in Kaupō, Maui

By Wendy Osher

The US Coast Guard says they are disregarding a report of a possible small plane crash off Kaupō on Maui this morning.  Petty Officer Amanda Wyrick tells Maui Now that the individual who reported the incident saw the agency’s C130 plane flying low and thought it was a plane crash.  She tells Maui Now that all planes are accounted for.

Maui Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro said fire units were responding to the scene, but were unable to confirm reports until they arrive and are able to assess the situation.  He called back shortly after to confirm that the incident was a false alarm.

Sources tell us incident was reported at around 11:20 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019 near mile 33 of the Piʻilani Highway on the back side of Haleakalā.

Maui Now also reached out to officials with the state Department of Transportation to find out if there are any overdue aircraft.  DOT Public Affairs spokesperson Tim Sakahara said department crews were checking with various companies that operate in the area.  In an email communication this afternoon, Sakahara said there is no confirmation of the aircraft incident reported by the caller earlier today.  “It appears to be a false alarm,” he said.