As firefighters continued to battle two Maui fires that flared up again Tuesday evening, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen issued an emergency proclamation, according to an update from the county at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke also issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard.
The Maui County Emergency Operating Center is working with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for state and federal resources.
The National Weather Service said Hurricane Dora, which was passing to the south of the island chain at a safe distance of 500 miles, was partly to blame for gusts above 60 mph that knocked out power as night fell, rattled homes and grounded firefighting helicopters.
The brushfires in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui continue to burn and multiple evacuation orders are in place. The public is urged to not go into Lahaina town.
The American Red Cross has opened Maui High School as an evacuation center. It is also staffing shelters at Kihei Community Center, Lahaina Civic Center and the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. People bringing a pet to the shelter should ensure that the animal is properly restrained.
Water buffalos containing drinking water are at Kula Fire Station, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Crater Road — Hydrant 373.
Residents of Wahikuli in West Maui were evacuated earlier Tuesday evening.
Honoapi‘ilani Highway is open in the outbound direction only; expect heavy traffic.
Some residents were heading to the ocean to avoid smoke and fire; the U.S. Coast Guard responded and transported them to safe areas.
A firefighter at the West Maui fire was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center for smoke inhalation. He is in stable condition.
Structures have been damaged, however, details on the extent of that damage were not available.
Closures
The state Department of Education announced school closures for Wednesday. As Maui High School is being used as a shelter for fire evacuees, it will be closed to students and staff.
Additionally, student boarders at Lahainaluna High School were taken to Maui High School to be picked up by parents and guardians. Lahainaluna was closed Tuesday and will be closed Wednesday. The school has no power, suffered wind damage and is under an evacuation order.
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, the following schools were scheduled to be closed on Wednesday:
- Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary
- King Kamehameha III Elementary
- Lahaina Intermediate
- Lahainaluna High
- King Kekaulike High
- Maui High
Central Pacific Bank also announced that its Lahaina Branch (355 Keawe Street, Suite 401) will be closed on Wednesday. Customers may access its digital banking services at cpb.bank.
Safety
Hawaian Electric Co. advised residents to stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines. People may report a downed power line to 911 or by calling Hawaiian Electric's trouble line: 808-871-7777. About 13,000 customers in Maui were without power, Hawaiian Electric reported Tuesday night.