Lightning from Storm Strikes Two Maui Structures, One Person

Lightning strikes Kahului home. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Lightning from Tropical Depression Flossie struck two Kahului structures and one individual, according to fire officials.

The first incident was reported at 6:18 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2013, at a home located at 640 Kipapa Place in Kahului, fire officials said.

According to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga, firefighters from Engine-10 found a 10-inch diameter hole in the roof above the eaves,  and through the gable end of the two-story home.  “The hole through the gable end was five-inches in diameter,” said FS Chief Mainaga.

Firefighters found no fire upon arrival, and no injuries were reported to the resident who was home when the incident occurred, authorities say.

Lightning over Kahului, 7/29/13, photo courtesy Bobbi-Lin Kalama.

Damages were estimated at around $1,000, said FS Chief Mainaga.

The second incident was reported at 6:53 p.m. at a building located at near the Amala St. Hobron Avenue intersection in Kahului. Crews responded to a report of a building hit by lightning, but crews who arrived on scene, found no signs of smoke or fire, according to fire officials.

The final incident as reported at 6:50 p.m., on Monday, July 29, 2013.  Crews were dispatched to respond to a report of a male struck by lightning at 1730 West Kuiaha Road. Responding firefighters from Makawao were canceled while en route by responding medics.  The condition of the male was unknown as further details of this incident were unavailable at last report.