PDC Updates | Jun 8, 2010
Brush Fire
Honoapiilani Highway in the area of the Pali Tunnel
This image of the brush fire shows only a fraction of the area being burned along Honoapiilani Highway near Maalaea. The highway is closed in both directions between Maalaea and Ukumehame. Drivers wishing to exit West Maui (toward Wailuku) may use the route through Kahakuloa. Traffic going toward West Maui on this road is limited to Kahakuloa-area residents only. (Source: County of Maui)

County of Maui press release on the Maalaea-Ukumehame Fire as of 2:30 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, June 08:

Fire officials report that an estimated 2,000 acres have been burned in a fire that started Monday, June 7 and first reported at 10:00 pm that evening.

Approximately 100 people have been evacuated from areas affected by the advancing fire and resulting thick smoke. No injuries are reported. Evacuees include a handful of residents from the small pocket of homes in Maalaea, shoreline campers, people parked at the pali scenic lookout, and employees of the Kaheawa Wind Farm.

At 2:00 p.m. the American Red Cross opened shelters at the War Memorial Gym in Wailuku and the Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui. Shelter users are advised that the Red Cross shelters will provide a sleeping cot and blanket for overnight use, water, and some snacks. Personal amenities are not provided.

Wind conditions with gusts reported at 40 mph are contributing to unfavorable conditions and the fire has crossed the Honoapiilani Highway to the makai side of the pali tunnel.

Maui Police have made driving through the Kahakuloa area available for Wailuku-bound motorists only. Motorists are reminded that the Kahakuloa route is narrow and can be dangerous for unfamiliar drivers. Access into Kahakuloa from the Wailuku-side is available only to residents of the area.

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