Update: Lahaina and Kīhei Centers Provide Temporary Respite to People Affected by Olowalu Wildfire

Update 12:21 a.m.:

The Kīhei Community Center respite area will be closing as MPD begins allowing traffic to flow from Māʻalaea towards Lahaina. Motorists are asked to drive carefully and obey directions from public safety officials operating in the area. 

Update 12 a.m.:

The Lahaina Respite Center is now closed.

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Volunteers with the American Red Cross have opened restrooms at the Lahaina Civic Center (1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway) and the Kīhei Civic Center (303 E. Līpoa St.) for people affected by the brush fire in Olowalu.

While there is no indoor shelter due to COVID-19 safety precautions, people can sleep safely in their cars in either center’s parking lot. The restrooms can be accessed through the center’s back doors, said Jenny Worth with the Red Cross.

Some nearby homes are being affected with a loss of power and evacuations are being carried out as a precaution. 

Red Cross caseworkers will work with those affected to provide referrals, guidance or additional resources as needed to help with the recovery process. 

People are advised to bring essentials such as medicine, important documentation and personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and sanitizer.