VIDEO: Maui Tsunami Aftermath Being Assessed

Minor debris was found along Amala Place in Central Maui near the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Refuge early Sunday morning. Photo by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMvKBrxixzk /] By Wendy Osher

Crews on Maui worked late into the night and early morning hours to assess coastal areas around Maui and determine if any damages were sustained during a tsunami event that occurred overnight.

According to data released by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, Kahului on Maui consistently held the highest measurements in the state for tsunami generated waves.

Official reports included an initial 1.9 foot wave in Kahului, and a subsequent 2.5 foot tsunami wave.  There were also reports throughout the evening of what appeared to be larger surges in Kahului Harbor.

After the warning was downgraded to an advisory, our crews observed county workers assessing the Kanaha area, where it appeared that water had washed onto Amala Palce in at least one location with minor debris.

In the Kahului Harbor and Maalaea Harbor areas of Maui, enforcement officers were on hand, with the entrance to Maalaea Harbor blocked by official vehicles.

During an early morning interview with Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, he noted that there were reported variations in wave heights across the island.  County officials said it would be easier to assess potential damage and impacts in the morning during the light of day.

While the warning was downgraded to an advisory, the mayor advised the public to remain vigilant and stay away from coastal areas because of the hazardous conditions that still exist.  Beaches will be closed until further notice.

A rundown of events that occurred since the initial warning was issued at around 7 p.m. on Saturday is available at the following direct LINK.

Enforcement officers blocked the entrance to Maalaea Harbor on Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Kahului Harbor, photo by Wendy Osher.