South Kihei Road Cleanup Continues into Weekend

By Wendy Osher

Several portions of South Kihei Road remained closed Friday afternoon, but crews were hopeful of completing storm cleanup over the weekend.

During the height of flooding, closures extended from North Kihei all the way to Wailea. Today, the thoroughfare remained impassable at portions of the road between Suda Store and the Azeka Shopping Center.

South Maui Cleanup Continues:

In an effort to expedite cleanup, Public Work crews are requesting the help of residents in the area to avoid unnecessary travel between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

Flooding South Kihei Rd just before North Kihei Rd intersection. Photo by South Maui Councilman, Don Couch.

The following areas are included in the advisory:

* S. Kihei Road between Kaonoulu Rd (south of Maui Lu Resort) and Kihei Bay Vista which is North of Kulanihakoi St.

* Between McDonalds and Kihei Bay Vista: This area of S. Kihei Road will be illuminated within 100 yards of the concrete barrier in place fronting the Kihei Bay Vista. Construction saddles are in place on both sides of the road in this area due to the mud.

* Kaonoulu Street between S. Kihei Road and Alulike Street. Kaonoulu Rd is blocked from South Kihei to the Villas at Kenolio.

* W. Waipuilani Road between S. Kihei Road and Ewa Place.:  E. Waipuilani is open to all traffic but W. Waipuilani St is blocked to Ewa Pl.,then turning onto Uluniu Rd to just North of Keolahau Pl; with local resident access only.

* S. Kihei Road between Kulanihakoi Street and Piikea Ave.

* Hauoli Street in Maalaea near Island Sand Condominium.

* South bound traffic on South Kihei Rd should detour mauka on Ohukai St to avoid the concrete barrier blocking South Kihei at Kaonoulu St.

Hauoli Street Emergency Plan Development:

Plans are also being developed for emergency repairs at Hauoli Street in Kihei, where the road collapsed yesterday beneath the weight of a county vehicle. Steel plates were installed as a temporary fix, but officials hope to make the culvert more efficient in the future. An inspection determined the main reason for the collapse was the limited culvert capacity.

So. Kihei Road Refuse Collection:

Due to flooding along South Kihei Road, crews were not able to pick-up refuse between Kaonoulu Street and Waipuilani Street. Side streets with access only to Kihei Road were also affected. Crews will pick-up refuse from affected customers on Monday, January 17, 2011, the next scheduled day for pick-up.

South Maui Public Transportation:

Transportation officials have added another bus to help Kihei residents get past closed areas of South Kihei Road. A Kihei Islander bus will service riders from the Uwapo Street bus stop to the Ohukai Street stop along S. Kihei Road, then go around the flood area, to the Piilani Shopping Center. Passengers will then have the option to go southbound on S. Kihei Road or to go northbound back to Maalaea and the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center.

Paia’s Baldwin Beach Park Closure extended to Tuesday:

Meantime, in Paia, Parks officials say Baldwin Beach Park will remain closed until Tuesday, January 18, 2011 because of heavy flooding. A parks employee will be on hand to open the gate for services at the Rinzai Zen Mission, located next to the park, at 120 Alawai Road for restricted access to those attending temple services.

Reminder of Health Precautions During Cleanup:

County officials remind the public to use rubber boots and gloves while cleaning up after the storm. Officials with the State Department of Health issued the advisory to avoid risks carried by flood waters. Runoff from upper elevations can carry bacteria and other health risks such as leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.