County of Maui offices to close Friday in anticipation of severe weather

County of Maui departments are preparing for possible impacts from Tropical Storm Nolo, which is forecast to strengthen and bring heavy rain, high winds and flash flooding to Maui County, especially East Maui, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A Tropical Storm Watch went into effect for Maui County at 11:19 a.m. today, with tropical storm-force winds possible within the next 48 hours, according to NWS. After becoming a tropical storm Wednesday, Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane today as it approaches Hawaiʻi island, according to NWS.

A Flood Watch, issued at noon Wednesday, remains in effect through Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, for Hawaiʻi Island and Maui County, with 10–15 inches of rainfall possible in East Maui, as well as isolated higher amounts. NWS identifies a significant risk of flash flooding Thursday through Saturday. Wind and surf impacts are forecast to increase starting Friday, with the possibility of peak winds Saturday afternoon in downslope areas.

County offices will be closed on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in anticipation of severe weather.

The Kalana O Maui (County Building) will be closed Sept. 25, 2026, with the exception of the 8^th Floor from 8:45-9:15 a.m. for the limited purpose of convening the Sept. 25 Maui County Council meeting in order to recess it to Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. For information, visit https://mauicounty.portal.civicclerk.com.

Officials are strongly discouraging travel to Hāna, as weather conditions can change quickly and heavy rain can create hazardous conditions including flooding, rockfalls and unsafe road conditions. Residents and visitors are advised to stay off the roads.

“During this above-normal hurricane season, recent storms remind us that we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Our top priority is the safety of our community. Now is the time for all of us to review household emergency plans, check supplies and make sure you can receive important alerts and information. Each of us has a role to play in protecting our ʻohana, kūpuna, neighbors and one another.”

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is activated and has been coordinating with other County departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to prepare for potential storm impacts.

“We are coordinating closely with our partners and taking the necessary steps to prepare and protect our communities,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Heavy rain and flash flooding are our main concerns at this time, but conditions can change, so it’s important to stay prepared and informed. Continued vigilance and coordination will help us respond quickly and keep our communities safe.”

Other County preparations include the following:

• MEMA has been working with American Red Cross and other partners to identify shelters that can be opened in potentially vulnerable areas should storm impacts warrant evacuation. 
• Department of Public Works (DPW) crews have been preparing for the incoming system by ensuring all storm-response equipment is fueled and ready to go. If conditions intensify, DPW will position equipment and personnel.
• Department of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Management are checking and topping off fuel in all permanent and portable generators. All vehicles are being refueled daily in anticipation of the storm. Crews are on standby if needed.
• Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) has prepared generators at fire stations and had additional fuel delivered to prepare for potential power disruptions. Additional firefighters will be on duty and additional firefighting apparatus will be staffed Friday, Saturday and potentially Sunday.
• Maui Police Department has increased officer staffing and has additional officers on standby to help respond to storm-related incidents.
• Department of Transportation may alter or suspend Maui Bus services later in the day Friday, depending on weather and road closures. Maui Bus services, including Fixed Route, ADA Paratransit and Commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Saturday, Sept. 26. Commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Sunday, Sept. 27; Fixed Route and ADA Paratransit service may start operations later in the day, as conditions safely allow.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Review or update a family emergency plan.
• Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
• Prepare an emergency go bag with essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
• Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows if needed, and ensuring it is ready to withstand possible extended power outages. 
• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

If a power outage occurs, residents should continue to monitor emergency information through battery-powered or hand-crank radios. The following local radio stations can provide important updates on weather conditions, road closures, emergency shelters and other instructions from emergency officials:

• KPOA – FM 92.9, FM 93.5
• KJKS – FM 99.3, FM 99.9
• KJMD – FM 107.1, FM 98.3
• KLHI – FM 101.7, FM 92.5
• KMVI – AM 900, FM 102.5
• KNUI – AM 550, FM 106.1

Mayor Bissen today signed an emergency proclamation ahead of impacts from Tropical Storm Nolo. The emergency proclamation authorizes the County of Maui to access state and federal assistance programs for potential impacts and temporarily streamlines County procedures so resources, personnel and services can be deployed quickly and efficiently to support emergency response and recovery.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration earlier this year forecasted an above-normal hurricane season for the Central Pacific, increasing the potential for tropical systems to affect Hawaiʻi. Hurricane season lasts through November.

For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/.