Maui residents are bracing for severe weather as Mayor Richard Bissen declared an emergency today in anticipation of heavy rain, flooding, and high winds that are expected to hit the island. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that Maui County may experience some of the most significant impacts in the state.
The emergency proclamation allows the County of Maui to access state and federal support, streamlining procedures to ensure a rapid emergency response and recovery. Mayor Bissen urged both residents and visitors to be proactive in their preparations, advising them to stay informed, create emergency plans, assemble emergency kits, secure their properties, and check in on neighbors.
As the weather system approaches, the Department of Parks and Recreation has reported the closure of Waiehu Municipal Golf Course and the third entrance to Kanahā Beach Park due to flooding and downed trees. Fortunately, other county facilities remain open at this time.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is collaborating with various county departments and non-governmental organizations to ensure readiness. They have confirmed that resources such as beds are available at the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center for those in need, and plans are in place to open shelters in vulnerable areas if evacuations become necessary.
The Department of Public Works has been actively cleaning drains and culverts and is preparing for potential flooding, while also making arrangements for temporary stop signs should traffic signals fail. Meanwhile, the Department of Water Supply and the Department of Environmental Management have topped off fuel tanks and ensured that generators are operational.
The NWS has issued a Flood Watch and a High Wind Warning for the main Hawaiian islands, with the Flood Watch in effect until Monday afternoon and the High Wind Warning in place from Sunday morning through Monday evening. Wind gusts could reach as high as 60 mph, creating hazardous conditions.
As the community gears up for this challenging weather, officials stress the importance of preparedness. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on updates from the NWS and subscribe to MEMA alerts to stay informed. The island will weather this storm together, showcasing resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity.