Background image: PC: Nicole Mendes (8.8.23).
Brush fire updates: https://tinyurl.com/zy8mnb99
School closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/f6jh372w
Power outage updates: https://tinyurl.com/yn8pkhzx
Road closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/487vhcsn
2 homes impacted by fire; Kula fire remains active
Update: 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. 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.
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.
PC: Nicole Mendes (8.8.23)- PC: Jamie Ferge. View from below the Makawao Post Office. (8.8.23)
- Kula fire near Hoʻopalua Drive. PC: (8.8.23, 6:05 a.m.) Lyle Krannichfeld
- Kula fire (8.8.23, 2 a.m.). PC: Maui Now
- Kula fire (8.8.23, 2 a.m.). PC: Maui Now
- Kula fire (8.8.23, 2 a.m.). PC: Maui Now
- PC: Alexis Vitale (view from Olinda) (8.8.23)
Kula brush fire burns 675 acres, two structures burned
Update: 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 outages
Update: 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 outage
Update: 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 today
Update: 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 evacuated
Update: 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.
Brush fire in Kula causes evacuations, 54 residents at shelter
Update: 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 Road
Update: 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 winds
Update: 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.
- Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary: School closed to students and staff. Families have been notified by the school.
- King Kamehameha III Elementary: Previously scheduled waiver day; no students were scheduled to be at school today.
- Lahaina Intermediate: Previously scheduled waiver day; no students were scheduled to be at school today.
- Lahainaluna High School: Freshman student orientation canceled. Previously scheduled waiver day for grades 10-12.
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 fire
Update: 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 Pukalani
Update: 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.
Original source: https://mauinow.com/2023/08/08/haleakala-highway-closure-due-to-brush-fire-evacuation-of-kula-200-off-auli%ca%bbi-dr/