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KIHEI (KHON2) – Maui residents are preparing for the worst of tropical storm Olivia on Tuesday.
Depending on the trajectory of the storm, Olivia could potentially hit the valley of the island directly.
"Normally, in Kihei, we have five to seven inches of rain a year, and already, there is cloudy weather, it's raining," said Allen Tom, of the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. "We see the rain falling, which is a bit strange for Kihei in September."
Most of Kihei is at sea level, so it is prone to flooding.
"If we get a lot of rain from the mountain, there will be floods," said Tom. "I think people have to be aware of that."
The Honoapiilani road is also a flood zone.
The county is worried that people are stuck on the west side, so there are pre-organized intervention resources.
Lahaina is also a source of landslide due to forest fires that ravaged the mountainside.
All non-essential state and county offices will be closed Wednesday with the schools of the Education Department, in anticipation of dangerous conditions. (Only one charter school – Kihei Charter – informed the county that it would also be closed.)
Emergency evacuation centers will open at 6 pm Tuesday:
- Maui High School (accepts animals)
- Kihei Elementary School (pets welcome)
- Kalama Intermediate School (Pets)
- Hana Elementary and High School
- Molokai High School
- Lanai Elementary and Secondary School
- Civic Center of Lahaina
It is forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol in one of the evacuation centers or in the parking lots of the center. Animals entering pet shelters must always be in an animal carrier or cage for safety. Owners must also provide food and water for their pets.
Evacuees in shelters must bring their own food, water and blankets. In case of power failure in a shelter, do not forget to bring a flashlight or a battery powered lantern.
The county urges people to use shelters as a last resort and, where possible, to stay with family or friends outside dangerous areas.
The following county services will also be affected on Wednesday:
- The Maui bus service will continue as usual Tuesday, but all Maui bus services will be canceled on Wednesday.
- Hana Bay and Keanae toilets will be closed before 1 pm Tuesday to prepare heavy rains in the east of Maui. All other parks and facilities in the county will be closed on Wednesday.
- There will be no garbage pickup on Wednesday.
- All county dumps will be closed Wednesday.
Only a few weeks ago, the islands were preparing for what was then Hurricane Lane, and many Maui had provisions and kept them.
"I do not foresee that we will have a lot of trouble with the replenishment of the shelves and the people who accumulate too much money, because after Lane, all the collectors discovered that they had to consume all the things they had bought, and I think they are a little more cautious this time, "said Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa.
The Department of Water Supply is asking all customers to save water due to high winds and / or floods that could disrupt the power supply from sources. water. Customers must store potable water to use during the storm in case of closure. In general, consumers should have a safe water supply for emergency use by storing one gallon of water per person per day for 14 days, and having water available to them. animals. Customers can call the 24 hour service line (270-7633) only if there is a water problem.
The county is asking all residents to do their part to prepare for Olivia by having an emergency kit and evacuation. Do not forget to go to the shelter and stay informed. Do not focus on exact forecast trajectory or intensity, as storm conditions may change rapidly.
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