Strong Winds Blamed for Kihei Roof Damage

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Strong winds are being blamed for roof damage to a container and loss of power at the Akina Aloha Tours Bus Service baseyard in South Maui today (Thursday, May 31, 2012).

A corrugated metal roof on a 30- by 40-foot container blew off, taking out nearby power lines, before coming to rest against a neighbor’s home, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Fire crews responded to the call at 12:36 p.m. at the baseyard located at 140 Alehele Place in Kihei.

Fire crews from Engine 6 and Ladder 14 worked to remove the roofing to prevent damage to the structure.

Authorities say loss of power due to downed lines was confined to the Akina baseyard.

At last report, damage estimates had not yet been received and no injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service reported breezy conditions in South Maui today with north winds expected to gust in the 23 mile per hour range.

There was a wind advisory issued for the island of Lana’i calling for northeast winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 mph expected for today.