Flood waters destroyed Peahi Bridge and heavily damaged Kaupakalua Bridge in Haiku, Mayor Michael Victorino said. At least a half dozen homes were heavily damaged or destroyed.
“This has been unprecedented flooding, and we will be making damage assessments today,” Mayor Victorino said. “I ask everyone to stay vigilant and be safe.”
Residents who were evacuated from their homes yesterday are asked not to return until there is an “all clear” announcement. The evacuation remains in effect for residents in the vicinity and downstream of Kaupakalua Dam.
People also are advised to stay off roads as much as possible and exercise extreme caution, watching out for debris and landslides. Also, beware of possible downed power lines. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and assume they are energized and dangerous. Reports of downed lines should be made by calling Hawaiian Electric’s trouble line at 871-7777.
A power outage was reported today in Haiku at 6:12 a.m., affecting more than 1,300 customers.
East Maui Irrigation Co. officials monitored the Kaupakalua Reservoir overnight. Water levels remained above normal, but roughly 3 feet below the top of the dam.
An evacuation shelter at Paia Community Center remained open as of 7 a.m. today. Shelters at Hana High School and Eddie Tam Memorial Center were closed.
To report any storm-related damage, go to the County of Maui home page at mauicounty.gov and fill out a damage report form. Or, call the Maui Emergency Management Agency at 270-7285.
Most Maui County parks on the island of Maui have reopened this morning. The only county parks that remain closed are Baldwin Beach Park and Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Iao Valley.
Yesterday, all Maui island parks were closed because of flooding and heavy rains.
For emergency information, contact the Maui Emergency Management Agency at (808) 270-7285.