Update: Emergency shelter on Molokaʻi closes

• Saturday WEATHER UPDATES here.
• Saturday ROAD CLOSURES here.
• Saturday CANCELLATIONS/FACILITY CLOSURES here.

Update: Emergency shelter on Molokaʻi scheduled to close

An emergency shelter opened at Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai on Molokaʻi is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, after most roads were cleared of debris and floodwaters receded along the island’s south shore.

A flash flood warning for Molokaʻi was in effect until 6:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. 

On Maui, South Kīhei Road from North Kīhei Road to Uwapo Road was reopened Saturday afternoon when rains subsided and the road was cleared. Kaonoulu Road remained closed from Halili Lane to South Kīhei Road. 

Piʻilani Highway between Mile Markers 30 and 32 remained closed in the Nuʻu area.

Maui County remained under a flood watch Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The public is warned to avoid unneccesary driving and not drive through flooded roads. Do not cross rising or flowing waters.

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The County of Maui and the American Red Cross opened an emergency center at 1:15 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi, as the National Weather Service extended a flash flood warning for the island until 3:45 p.m. Saturday.

Those going to the shelter are advised to bring food, water, eyeglasses, medication, bedding and blankets. Pets must be in hard crates or carriers.

The center was open Saturday morning after staff from Ka Molokaʻi Makahiki Festival, which had permits for the facility, were unable to return home due to flooding after the event was postponed because of heavy rainfall. The American Red Cross assumed management of the shelter at 1:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service reported that homes were flooded in the Kawela Gulch area of Molokaʻi.

On Maui, Lahaina Bypass was fully reopened Saturday afternoon.

Maui County remained under a flood watch Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The public is reminded not to cross rising or flowing waters and avoid unnecessary driving, especially through flooded roads. The County of Maui advises the public to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts, even if they are dry.