Strong winds fuel 675 acre Kula fire; Lahaina brush fire is 100% contained
Lahaina #Lahaina
WEST MAUI FIRE VIDEO: Video shows the devastation caused by high winds that resulted in a flareup of the West Maui fire on Tuesday. Work crews who had been conducting repairs were evacuated late Tuesday. This video shows crews exiting Kuialua Street and heading makai on Lahainaluna Road and then onto the Bypass. Video also captures some imagery of the Kelawea Mauka/Lahainaluna area. VC: Frank Santos (8.8.23)
Brush fire updates: https://tinyurl.com/zy8mnb99School closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/f6jh372wPower outage updates: https://tinyurl.com/yn8pkhzxRoad closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/487vhcsn
Maui fire crews continue to battle three large wildfires–one in Lahaina, one in Pūlehu that has traveled down to Kīhei; and one in Kula, which has burned more than 1,000 acres since it was first reported early Tuesday morning. Below are updates, which are posted as they become available.
Transportation officials urge visitors to leave; halt any non-essential travel to Maui5:05 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is urging visitors to leave while emergency crews continue work to put out wildfires on Maui, and halt any non-essential travel to Maui in light of devastating and damaging fires. Motorists are reminded that it is critical to leave roads open for emergency personnel only. The HDOT advises that visitors looking to leave the island can contact Southwest Airlines, which has 1,000 seats available as of this morning.
1800 people shelter in place at OGGUpdate: 4:39 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
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Approximately 1,800 people sheltered in place overnight at the Kahului Airport (OGG), with many west side highways closed. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation worked with airlines/TSA to shelter passengers for safety’s sake as wildfires continue to burn in Lahaina, Kihei and Upcountry.
911 service in West Maui remains unavailableUpdate: 4:22 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
911 service in West Maui remains unavailable. For emergencies, text 2-911. Do not call the Lahaina Station.
No traffic being allowed into West MauiUpdate: 4 a.m.
NO traffic is being allowed into West Maui, via the Honoapiʻilani Highway or Kahekili Highway.
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All roads in Lahaina Town are closed. The area is only open to emergency personnel. This includes all roads between Wahikuli Wayside Park on the north, to Kai Hele Kū Street to the south.
Honoapiʻilani Highway remains closed to Lahaina bound traffic at Māʻalaea and in Kapalua. Kahekili is closed in Waiheʻe, according to HIDOT.
More evacuations in Kāʻanapali Golf Estates areaUpdate: 1:44 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
The Maui Emergency Management Agency advises that there are more immediate evacuations in effect. The latest evacuation orders are for Kāʻanapali Golf Estates, including Kaulapa Loop, Puʻu Anoano Street, Hakui Loop and Wekio Place. Shelter is available at the Maui Preparatory Academy in Nāpili. MEMA advises residents of the area: “Grab your go kits and evacuate your family and pets now.”
More Evacuations Ordered in Kīhei and KulaUpdate: 1:47 a.m., 12:40 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
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Maui fire crews continue to battle three large wildfires–one in Lahaina, one in Pūlehu that has traveled down to Kīhei; and one in Kula, which has burned more than 1,000 acres since it was first reported early Tuesday morning.
The Maui Fire Department is advising “immediate proactive evacuation” of residents of Holopuni and Pūlehu roads in Kula. In South Maui, proactive evacuations are also issued for subdivisions north and south of Lipoa Parkway down to Maui Meadows and the Ohukai subdivision in Kīhei.
The Lahaina Civic Center evacuation site has been moved to Maui Preparatory Academy in Nāpili-Honokōwai to place evacuees away from impacted Lahaina Town. Residents at the Kihei Community Center evacuation site have been relocated to Maui High School as a precautionary measure.
Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at 808-871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric
West Maui Fire visuals Kula fire photos Fire view from Kīhei/Pūlehu–Ōmaʻopio
Maui Bus & Human Service Transportation services suspensionUpdate: 1:19 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
The following Maui Bus Fixed Route services will be suspended until further notice: Lahaina Islander Route #20, Lahaina Villager Route #23, Kāʻanapali Islander Route #25, and West Maui Islander Route #28. Bus riders are encouraged to check the Maui Bus app for updates.
Maui Bus ADA Paratransit Service and MEO Human Service Transportation trips to/from and within the West Maui area are suspended until further notice.
All Maui Bus Commuter Services will be suspended until further notice.
All other bus services are planned to run as scheduled, but may experience delays due to roadway conditions impacted by brush fires.
Hawaiian Airlines issues travel advisory for Maui passengers12 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
Maui’s brush fires are currently not impacting Kahului Airport (OGG) schedule as of midnight on Aug. 9; However, as the situation continues to evolve, Hawaiian Airlines encourage guests who are flying to or from Maui to check their website and mobile app for further updates on individual flights.
911 service in West Maui is not availableUpdate: 12:17 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
911 service in West Maui is not available at this time, as of 12:17 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. For emergencies call the Lahaina Police Department directly at 808-661-4441.
Shelter updateUpdate: 12:13 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
As of midnight, there are now five shelters open on Maui to accommodate residents and visitors who are impacted by multiple fires burning across the Valley Isle. Shelters include:
Evacuation order issued for Kīhei, east of Piʻilani Hwy., including Maui MeadowsUpdate: 11:34 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
An evacuation order has been issued for the Kīhei area mauka (east) of Piʻilani Highway, including all of Maui Meadows due to a brushfire, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency.
People in the area are advised to evacuate your family and pets immediately. The recommended shelter to use is the Maui High School gym or the Kīhei Community Center. Expect conditions that may make driving difficult and watch for public safety personnel operating in the area.
The Kīhei fire is reportedly an extension of the Pūlehu fire reported on Tuesday evening.
Mayor Bissen issues emergency proclamation; Residents enter ocean to escape fireUpdate: 10:35 p.m., 9:52 p.m, Aug. 8, 2023
Firefighter crews continue to battle brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas.
Mayor Bissen issued an emergency proclamation in response to fires, and the County has requested support from the National Guard.
The American Red Cross has opened Maui High School as an evacuation center.
Wahikuli residents in West Maui were evacuated this evening. Those who sought shelter at the Lahaina Civic Center were being transported further north to Maui Preparatory Academy instead.
The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where “residents had entered the ocean” due to smoke and fire conditions. Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas, according to the latest update from the County of Maui.
A firefighter who was responding to the West Maui fire has experienced smoke inhalation and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in stable condition.
Hononoapiʻilani Highway remains open to outbound traffic only. Motorist should expect heavy traffic and delays. We have reports that residents who attempted to make it out of West Maui spent three hours in traffic as they attempted the drive to Central Maui between 6 and 9 p.m. There were also limited options for gas with many of the gas stations closed on the West side, according to area residents.
Water buffalos containing drinking water are located at Kula Fire Station, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Crater Road – Hydrant 373.
Multiple evacuation orders are in place, including a call for evacuations along Kahoma Street at around 9:30 p.m. Structure damages have occurred; however, county officials were unable to provide details on the extent of damages at this time.
The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Kīhei Community Center in South Maui, and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at 808-871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric
Kahoma St. evacuations are underway in West Maui 9:33 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Kahoma Street evacuations are underway in West Maui as of 9:33 p.m.
We have reports that residents who attempted to make it out of West Maui spent three hours in traffic as they attempted the drive to Central Maui. There were also limited options for gas with many of the gas stations closed on the West side.
Honoapiʻilani Hwy closed to Lahaina bound traffic at Leialiʻi Pkwy; Motorists should avoid Lahaina TownUpdate: 8:07 p.m, Aug. 8, 2023
There are multiple road closures in West Maui. Maui police are advising motorists should avoid Lahiana Town. Honoapiʻilani Highway is closed to Lahaina bound traffic at Leialiʻi Parkway. Kāʻanapali bound traffic is open as of 8:07 p.m. We also have reports of a brush fire that forced the closure of Pūlehu Road between Ōmaʻopio Rd and Kula Highway at around 7:30 p.m. The Kula fire continues to burn with crews still on scene there. That fire has burned more than 1,000 acres at last report.
USCG deployed to assist with West Maui fireUpdate: 8 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
The US Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak, a MH-65 Dolphin aircrew, and a small boat crew from Station Maui have deployed to Front Street and Lahaina Small Boat Harbor in the response effort to the fire in West Maui.
VC: Ashley Smith (8.8.23)
“Multiple structures have burned”; Strong winds fuel Lahaina flare-up and large Kula fireUpdate: 5:50 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
“Multiple structures have burned” and multiple evacuations are in place, as firefighter crews continue battling brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas, County officials report. We checked in with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. this evening as high winds continue and nightfall approaches.
“Today we are experiencing challenges in the West Maui and Upcountry areas. Our firefighter crews and other emergency responders have been battling brush fire conditions since early this morning. High winds and unpredictable conditions have caused multiple evacuations,” he said in an evening phone call with Maui Now / Pacific Media Group.
“Today we are focused on keeping our people safe—residents, visitors and emergency responders. I ask for your continued vigilance and that you make good decisions, keep safe, stay away from downed power lines, and evacuate when necessary,” said Mayor Bissen.
In West Maui, fire crews from Nāpili, Lahaina, Kihei and Wailuku responded to the fast-moving fire, which was fueled by strong winds as Hurricane Dora passed well south of Hawaiʻi.
On the West side, evacuations occurred at Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu, Kelawea Mauka and Lahaina Bypass.
Honoapiʻilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass was reopened at about 5 p.m., following the clearing of downed power lines, to allow access in and out of Lahaina via Hōkiokio Place. Motorists are advised to expect traffic to be slowed through the bypass.
In Upcountry Maui, where firefighters from Kula, Makawao, Kahului and Wailea were assigned, crews were focused on the subdivision including Kulalani Drive and Kulalani Circle at about 5 p.m. The Fire Department called for the evacuation of residents from the subdivision.
The Upcountry fire, reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road, led to early-morning evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the perimeter of the Upcountry fire was about 1,000 acres and reached as far as Kualono Place near the Kula Lodge.
The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained.
“We’ll need to watch out for each other as we make our way through today’s hazardous conditions in the Upcountry and West Maui areas,” said Mayor Bissen.
Evacuation orders for part of Lahaina due to apparent flareup of West Maui fireUpdate: 4:45 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
An apparent flareup of the Lahaina fire forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass around 3:30 p.m.
Evacuations are occurring in the vicinities of Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu and Lahaina Bypass.
Kahakuloa is closed to outside traffic. Only residents of the rural town of Kahakuloa Village are allowed to travel through the remote side of Kahekili Highway.
People on the west side are advised to shelter in place unless evacuations are ordered.
Multiple roads, including Honoapiʻilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass, are closed due to downed power lines.
Fueled by strong wind from Hurricane Dora that is passing well south of Hawai’i, a brush fire of about three acres was reported at 6:37 a.m. today in the area of Lahainaluna Road. After area evacuations, the fire was declared 100% contained before 9 a.m. However, an afternoon flareup forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass.
The American Red Cross opened Lahaina Civic Center as an evacuation center due to the fire and area power outages tied to high winds. The shelter will remain open until further notice. For people unable to return to the west side, Pukalani’s Hannibal Tavares Community Center is open as a shelter.
Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained.
MPD: Refrain from unnecessary travel, esp. to and from West MauiUpdate: 4:45 p.m, Aug. 8, 2023
Due to hazardous road conditions and road closures currently affecting various areas throughout the island, the Maui Police Department is asking that residents and visitors refrain from unnecessary travel, especially to the west side of the island.
Fire Dept. calling for evacuation of residents of Kulalani Dr. & Kulalani Cir. subdivision Update: 3:50 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
The Fire Department is calling for the immediate evacuation of residents of the subdivision including Kulalani Drive and Kulalani Circle due to an Upcountry brush fire.
The fire was reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road and led to early-morning evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the perimeter of the fire was about 1,000 acres. Firefighter crews are actively battling the fire, which has reached as far as Kualono Place near the Kula Lodge.
The American Red Cross is staffing an emergency shelter at Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Evacuees are reminded to bring any medications and pet food. Pet owners utilizing the shelter need to have pets properly restrained. The Maui Humane Society is providing support for the shelter.
Kaonoulu Ranch opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at 808-871-7777.
Fire Dept. advising immediate proactive evacuation of residents of Piʻiholo and Olinda roadsUpdate: 3:20 p.m, Aug. 8, 2023
With the potential risk of escalating conditions from an Upcountry brush fire, the Fire Department is strongly advising residents of Piʻiholo and Olinda roads to proactively evacuate.
The fire was first reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road and led to early-morning evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the perimeter of the fire was more than 1,000 acres. Firefighter crews are actively battling the fire, which has reached as far as Kualono Place near the Kula Lodge.
Trees and downed power lines on Olinda and Piʻiholo roads were cleared Tuesday to make one lane passable for cars and small trucks. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Fire Department is advising residents of Olinda and Piʻiholo roads to evacuate while they can.
Maui Fire officials warn that erratic wind, challenging terrain, steep slopes and dropping humidity, the direction and the location of the fire conditions make it difficult to predict path and speed of a wildfire. When wind sends fire embers up and sparks ignite fires downwind, creating fires can start at a far distance from their source.
“The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house,” said Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea. “Burning airborne materials can light fires a great distance away from the main body of fire.”
The American Red Cross is staffing an emergency shelter at Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Pet owners utilizing the shelter need to have pets properly restrained. Kaonoulu Ranch opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at (808) 871-7777.
2 homes impacted by fire; Kula fire remains activeUpdate: 3:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Two single family homes were impacted by fire early this morning in the Kula 200 subdivision, according to Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. One of the homes was evacuated, and no one was home at the other home that sustained damages.
More than 675 acres burned within an 1100 acre perimeter area being monitored by fire crews.
More than 80 people were evacuated from 40 homes in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. 54 people sought shelter at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center, along with their 17 dogs and seven cats.
The Salvation Army’s Kahului Corps is scheduled to provide meals this evening to the approximately 50 individuals who have taken shelter in Maui County’s/American Red Cross Pukalani shelter. Additionally, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division is prepared to respond with community assistance as needed across the state due to strong winds and fires.
Kaonoulu Ranch has opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.
Nearly 30 firefighters from different stations responded, along with assets from the private sector and state crews from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife.
“The biggest problem that we’re having is the wind,” said Mayor Bissen in an interview with Maui Now on Tuesday afternoon. “Because wind gusts were recorded up to 80 mph, that impacted the ability to get our helicopters in the area to use water drops. While we have four helicopters available, we were not able to use them—that was mostly to not endanger the pilot or the crew.”
As the day has gone on, County officials continue to monitoring the winds. If the wind goes below a tolerance threshold, the County will be able to get more assets in the air for firefighting efforts.
Foreground image/interview with Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. by Wendy Osher. Background image: PC: Nicole Mendes (8.8.23).
A separate fire in West Maui burned a total of three acres that was contained by 9:04 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8. Two people sought shelter at the Lahaina Civic Center.
Power outages in West Maui forced the closure of the Department of Motor Vehicles satellite office in Lahaina.
Sunrise reservations for Haleakalā National Park canceled for Aug. 9, 2023
Haleakalā National Park’s Summit District remains closed to visitors due to blocked road access as well as power outages resulting from wildfires and high winds. All sunrise reservations for Aug. 9, 2023 are canceled.
Haleakalā National Park will reopen once conditions improve. Any changes in the park’s status will be posted at www.nps.gov/hale
Kula brush fire burns 675 acres, two structures burnedUpdate: 11:55 a.m., 11:02 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
A fire in Kula has burned an estimated 675 acres since it was first reported at around 12:22 a.m. near Olinda Road. The fire resulted in the evacuation of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas early this morning.
As of about 9 a.m. Tuesday, the fire had burned more than 600 acres of pastureland and gulches in the Olinda area
At 11:55 a.m, County officials said the fire remains active, with no estimate on containment.. Two single family homes were burned. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.
High winds, including gusts of up to 80 mph reported in the area, were making conditions unsafe for helicopter operations, according to a County of Maui update.
Firefighter crews and tankers from Kula, Makawao, Kahului and Wailea were deployed and are on scene. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife crews, tankers, engines and heavy equipment are assisting county firefighters. Goodfellow Bros., Haleakalā Ranch, Kaonoulu Ranch and Kaupō Ranch also deployed heavy equipment to assist with firebreaks.
As of 7 a.m., 54 residents were at an emergency shelter staffed by the American Red Cross at Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. Kaonoulu Ranch opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.
Impacted residents are advised to heed emergency responders when directed to leave the area immediately with your family, pets and necessities. Residents in nearby areas should stay informed and make preparations should the active fire reach close proximity and officials call for additional evacuation. Kealaloa Avenue, Haleakalā Highway at Lower Kimo Road and Haleakalā Highway at Kula Highway are closed to motorists. Heavy smoke conditions in the area exist. A high-wind warning issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Maui County, including the Haleakalā summit, remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The County of Maui’s swimming pool and Department of Motor Vehicles satellite office located in Pukalani are closed due to smoke conditions. Kula Community Center was closed due to the lack of power.
The Department of Water Supply asks Upcountry residents to conserve water because power outages are afffecting the ability to pump water to certain locations.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at 808-871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric
Lahaina fire declared 100% contained; water conservation urged due to power outagesUpdate: 9:55 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
The Maui Fire Department has declared the Lahaina brush fire 100% contained shortly before 9 a.m. today; However, power outages are impacting the ability to pump water, and the public is asked to conserve water in West Maui.
Fueled by strong wind from Hurricane Dora that is passing well south of Hawai’i, a brush fire of about three acres was reported at 6:37 a.m. today in the area of Lahainaluna Road.
Evacuations were ordered at 6:40 a.m. in the area surrounding Lahaina Intermediate School. There were two people at the Lahaina Civic Center evacuation shelter as of 8:50 a.m.
Lahainaluna Road remains closed between Kelawea and Kuialua streets while Hawaiian Electric responds to a downed power line in the area. The American Red Cross opened Lahaina Civic Center as an evacuation center due to the fire and area power outages tied to high winds.
The shelter will remain open until further notice, but the facility has no power. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained.
Winds in the area remain a concern. A high-wind warning issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Maui County remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Lahaina Courthouse closed due to power outageUpdate: 9:26 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
The Hawaii Judiciary advises: The Lahaina District Courthouse in West Maui is closed today due to a power outage in the area.
Kaiser Lahaina Clinic closed todayUpdate: 8:27 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi is reporting a closure of its Lahaina Clinic today due to fire, high winds and power outages in the area. Members with appointments scheduled today, will be contacted to reschedule.
Fire crews battling brush fire in Lahaina; residents in area evacuatedUpdate: 8:13 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
A brush fire was reported at 6:37 a.m. today in the area of Lahainaluna Road. Evacuations were ordered at 6:40 a.m. in the area surrounding Lahaina Intermediate School. Fire crews from Nāpili, Lahaina and Kīhei are on scene. Lahainaluna Road is closed between Kelawea Street and Kuialua Street.
The American Red Cross has opened Lahaina Civic Center as an evacuation center. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained.
Impacted residents are advised to heed emergency responders when directed to leave the area immediately with your family, pets and necessities.
Winds in the area are a concern. A high-wind warning issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Maui County remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
PC: Nicole Mendes (8.8.23)
Brush fire in Kula causes evacuations, 54 residents at shelterUpdate: 7:30 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Maui fire crews continue to battle a brush fire reported shortly after midnight this morning, in the Olinda Road area of Kula. Residents in the Auliʻi Drive area were evacuated at 3:45 a.m. At 4:50 a.m. residents of Hanamu Road were also evacuated.
Firefighter crews from Kula, Makawao, Kahului, and Wailea are on scene. The Fire Department’s Air One helicopter was launched at daybreak to conduct aerial assessment of the fire.
The American Red Cross has opened Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani as an evacuation center. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. As of 7 a.m., 54 residents were at the emergency shelter.
Kaonoulu Ranch has opened Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao for residents needing to evacuate farm and ranch animals.
Kealaloa Avenue, Haleakalā Highway at Lower Kimo Road, and Haleakalā Highway at Kula Highway are closed to motorists.
The County of Maui’s swimming pool located in Pukalani has been closed due to smoke conditions.
Impacted residents are advised to heed emergency responders when directed to leave the area immediately with your family, pets and necessities.
Heavy smoke conditions in the area exist. A high-wind warning issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Maui County, including the Haleakalā summit, remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
West Maui road closure due to fire near Lahainaluna RoadUpdate: 7:01 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Lahainaluna Road is closed from the Lahaina Bypass to Kuialua Street due to a brush fire in West Maui. That fire is also being fueled by strong winds.
4 West Maui campuses closed due to unsafe conditions caused by heavy windsUpdate: 6:42 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education has closed four schools in West Maui due to unsafe conditions caused by heavy winds, including flying debris, downed power poles and trees. Most of the schools were not scheduled to have students on campus today.
The Department is monitoring the brush fire conditions in Upcountry Maui and other weather impacts statewide. All other HIDOE schools remain open at this time.
Seabury Hall closed due to Kula brush fireUpdate: 6:31 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Seabury Hall on Olinda Road in Makawao, also announced a school closure today due to the brush fire.
Fire results in cancellation of classes today at KS Maui ʻAʻapueo in PukalaniUpdate: 6:04 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023
Kamehameha Schools Maui announced it is cancelling classes today (Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023) at its ʻAʻapueo campus in Pukalani due to a brush fire in the Kula 200 area. The fire has created poor air quality, nearby evacuations and road closures. All Bus routes for KS Maui are cancelled for today. Students/parents are being asked to check their email and notifications.
Evacuation update / Shelter being opened at Hannibal Tavares Community Center(5:32 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023)
Multiple streets in the area of King Kekaulike High School have been evacuated due to a dangerous brush fire. Evacuations include: Auliʻi Drive, Hoʻopalua Drive, Hanamu Road and Kealaloa Avenue. The Maui Emergency Management Agency advises residents in these areas to grab their “go Kits” and evacuate family and pets now. A shelter is being opened at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center.
Evacuation notification: Kula 200 subdivision (4:19 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023)
An evacuation order has been issued for the Kula 200 subdivision off of Auliʻi Drive due to an ongoing brush fire reported overnight. The Maui Emergency Management Agency issued the notification saying residents in the area should grab their “go kits” and evacuate their family and pets.
Haleakalā Highway closed(3:13 a.m., Aug. 8, 2023)
Haleakalā Highway (377) is closed between Kula Highway and Lower Kimo Drive due to a brush fire reported overnight. Police have also closed Kealaloa Road from Hanamu Road to the Haleakalā Highway (377) due to ongoing firefighting efforts.