Maui County opens temporary evacuation points as islands brace for Lala

With Hurricane Lala strengthening Saturday morning, Maui County has opened temporary evacuation points across the county. The center of the storm was approaching the southern tip of Hawaii Island early Saturday afternoon and is expected to continue passing just south of the Hawaiian islands through Sunday. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Maui, Molokai and Lanai, due to the potential for heavy rain, flash and coastal flooding, strong winds and dangerous surf. Maui County and the American Red Cross have opened five temporary evacuation points. These sites provide safe gathering areas, but do…