Large Maui Sinkhole: Storm Water Inundates Drainage

A large sinkhole formed on Puʻu Way in Haʻikū, Maui as heavy rain and winds passed over Maui from the outer bands associated with former Hurricane Lane.

At 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, crews from the Maui Police and Fire Departments, Public Works and Department of Water Supply responded to secure the area and conduct an assessment of a collapsed drain pipe at the location.

On Saturday morning, county highways crews and engineers assessed the collapsed drainpipe and determined that, at some point, the 4-6 foot corrugated metal pipes “failed either by collapse or by inundation of debris from upstream.”

County officials say that after the failure, the storm water overwhelmed the system carrying the material and roadway above the pipes downstream.

Upon response, county crews found pieces of the culvert and old head wall are in the drainage way of downstream properties.

“The debris did not damage houses but the remnants of the pipe will need to be removed,” county authorities said.

The culvert collapse also impacted water service to the area and temporary water service was restored by the Department of Water Supply on Saturday.

County Highways crews removed vegetation, secured the area on both sides with traffic barriers and made a path for residents to access.  According to the County of Maui, right of entries will be needed from adjacent owners for construction and for additional debris removal.

This location is at the end of a cul-de-sac. Traffic is not affected, just access to the parcels on the far end of the cul de sac.

According to the County of Maui, the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division is developing a scope of work to repair and will likely up-size the pipes. Plans are expected to include the construction of large new concrete head walls.

Sinkhole at Puʻu Way in Haʻiku, Maui. Photo credit: Dept of Public Works Highways Division

Sinkhole at Puʻu Way in Haʻiku, Maui. Photo credit: Dept of Public Works Highways Division

Sinkhole at Puʻu Way in Haʻiku, Maui. Photo credit: Dept of Public Works Highways Division

Sinkhole at Puʻu Way in Haʻiku, Maui. Photo credit: Dept of Public Works Highways Division