Gas Leak Forces Evacuation of Old Lahaina Shopping Center

File image by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 4:19 p.m. 8/9/13)

Authorities say the gas leak in West Maui earlier today resulted when contractors, working on renovations at 900 Front Street (Lahaina Center), ruptured a two-inch underground propane gas main line.

Fire fighters utilized water streams to dissipate the vapors from the gas leak, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga, who notes that there were no injuries reported.

According to FS Chief Mainaga, trouble shooters from the Hawaii Gas Company arrived and stopped the leak by closing an isolation valve located on the corner of Front Street and Pāpalaua Street.

Authorities say the main line was exposed and repaired shortly thereafter.

Businesses and those who were evacuated from the area were allowed to return when an all-clear was issued at 1:15 p.m., Mainaga said.

(Update: 12:36 p.m. 8/9/13)

Emergency crews are responding to the area of the Old Lahaina Center following a reported gas leak of a one inch high pressure line at the facility reported within the last 10-15 minutes, said Capt. Bram DenHaan.

Crews are currently implementing evacuations of the Old Lahaina Center and neighboring residences and businesses as a precaution, authorities said.

According to Capt. DenHaan, the department’s hazmat crews from Kahului are responding, as well as firefighters from Lahaina, and fire crews from Wailuku.

Motorists can expect a slight slowdown in traffic along the Honoapiʻilani Highway (30) in the area due to closed off side streets. The highway itself remains open.

(Update: 1:08 p.m. 8/9/13)

The following streets are closed due the the gas leak response: Front Street through Pāpalaua Street to Honoapiʻilani Highway; Baker Street to Waineʻe Street; and Front Street between Pāpalaua Street and Baker Street.  Police say traffic is being rerouted onto Honoapiʻilani Highway.

(Update: 1:11 p.m. 8/9/13)

All roads that were closed because of response to a reported gas leak in the area are now OPEN.

***Check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available.