Update: Wastewater overflow in Kīhei did not enter ocean; repair work continues

Update: County wastewater overflow in Kīhei did not enter storm drains, ocean; repair work continues — Properties in S Maui asked to minimize sewer system use through Friday

A wastewater overflow this morning at Kalama Park in Kīhei did not enter storm drains or the ocean, and has been cleaned up, with the area sanitized and cordoned off, according to the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management.

However, work to repair damage to Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 6 is expected to occur through Friday afternoon, Dec. 12, 2025. Because of this, DEM requests that all properties connected to the County’s wastewater (sewer) system in South Maui (Sugar Beach, Kīhei, Wailea/Makena) minimize the amount of toilet flushing, bathing, clothes washing and dishwashing to reduce the amount of raw wastewater within the County wastewater collection system during this time.

A mechanical failure in the force main at the Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 6 between approximately 6 and 10:30 a.m. today, Dec. 11, caused an estimated 202,000 gallons in wastewater overflow. Water ponded at the north end of Kalama Park, including the parking lot, basketball courts and grass areas near the tennis courts. The spill also affected the rear lot area of the Kīhei Fire Station. DEM said that as of 1 p.m. this afternoon, the spill was cleaned up and the area sanitized. It will remain cordoned off as work continues Friday.

For general information on the County DEM, visit https://mauicounty.gov/DEM.

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Wastewater overflow closes portion of Kalama Park, impacts nearby Kīhei areas

Crews are working on repairs after a wastewater overflow was reported at 7:30 a.m. today at Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 6 at Kalama Park in Kīhei, according to the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The overflow is due to mechanical failure in the force main at the pump station, according to DEM.

The sewer spill has potential health impacts and is affecting the park, the Kīhei Fire Station and surrounding properties. While crews are on the scene assessing the situation and conducting repairs throughout the day, the County asks that all properties connected to the County wastewater (sewer) system in the South Maui area (Sugar Beach, Kīhei, Wailea/Makena) eliminate or minimize the amount of toilet flushing, bathing, laundry and dishwashing to reduce the amount of raw wastewater within the County wastewater collection system during this emergency.

The County Department of Parks and Recreation reports that a portion of Kalama Park affected by the spill is currently blocked off with barriers and caution tape and will need to remain closed until further notice.  

The County also asks that people avoid traveling into the area.