Paint fumes result in evacuation of 15 apartment units at Kīhei

Hazmat crews with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety evacuated 15 units at the Kīhei Regency apartment complex Monday afternoon following reports of a chemical odor on the property.

The incident was reported at 3:17 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.

Fire crews evacuated the affected building and shut off the utilities.

Fire officials say the source of the smell was found to be a resident spray-painting bicycles within his unit. Hazmat 10 took air quality readings in the unit and subsequently ventilated the affected unit before allowing residents to return at 5:10 p.m.

Paint fumes are a potential inhalation hazard and respiratory irritant. The building was deemed safe for re-entry after ventilation.