Maui Police Respond to Disturbance at MCCC

By Wendy Osher

UPDATE: 6:50 p.m.

A disturbance at the Maui Community Correctional Center ended without major injury on Monday evening on Waiale Road in Wailuku. The incident was reported at around 3 p.m. at a module, housing 94 inmates. Authorities say the facility was placed on lockdown as first responders were called for a report of a disturbance and a small fire inside the module. County officials say some inmates sustained smoke inhalation during the incident, and damage to the module is still being assessed. Many inmates voluntarily came out of the module but there were some holdouts as the situation progressed. The situation was brought under control by correctional center staff shortly before 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Michael Victorino expressed relief after the incident was brought under control without serious injuries, and thanked MCCC staff and police for their response. “I’m very thankful the incident was not more serious,” Mayor Victorino said. “Mahalo to our adult correctional officers and Maui police for getting the situation under control very quickly.”

Sources say that in addition to the Maui Police Department’s Special Response Team, there are also four Fire companies, a battalion chief and three medic units on scene.

All inmates from the module were being questioned last night. An internal investigation as well as criminal investigation by Maui Police have been launched.

UPDATE: 5:45 p.m.

Officials with the Department of Public Safety say it is still an active situation. Correctional staff with the assistance of Maui police are working towards a peaceful resolution. Many inmates voluntarily came out of the module but there are still some holdouts.

Sources tell Maui Now that in addition to the Maui Police Department’s Special Response Team, there are also four Fire companies, a battalion chief and three medic units on scene.

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Maui police and fire units have responded to a disturbance at a module within the Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku.

“Initial reports indicate inmates broke the fire sprinklers and have started a small fire in one module,” said Toni Schwartz, Public Information Officer at the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety

Maui Police and Fire are on the scene working with correctional staff to resolve the situation.  The incident was initially reported at around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019.

Schwartz called the incident “an active situation,” in an email response to Maui Now’s inquiry at 4:30 p.m.

Earlier this afternoon, Maui Now received reports of a perimeter set up along Waiʻale Road fronting the facility.

Mayor Victorino calls for calm, safety during reported Maui jail incident

Mayor Michael Victorino urged residents to remain calm and safe during an incident reported Monday afternoon at the Maui Community Correctional Center on Waiale Road in Wailuku.

“Be safe and please don’t enter the area,” Mayor Victorino said. “Safety is paramount.”

An incident was reported around 3 p.m. in a module at the Wailuku jail. Inmates reportedly started a small fire inside the module.

Maui police and firefighters were standing by, monitoring the situation.

The jail is under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Public Safety.

Please check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available.

Photo by Wendy Osher

Photo by Wendy Osher

Photo by Wendy Osher

Photo by Wendy Osher

Photo by Wendy Osher

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