Maui, Lanai under wind advisory

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a wind advisory for Maui and Lanai through 6 p.m. today. A wind advisory means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph and gusts of at least 50 mph are expected.

Kona winds were forecast to increase as a strong and fast-moving cold front approached the islands Sunday night, according to the weather service. The strongest gusts are likely to be over and downslope from higher terrain.

The strong winds can cause downed tree branches, roof damage and power outages. Residents and visitors are urged to secure loose objects.

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Kaupo association to meet Saturday

A discussion on historic preservation will be featured at the Kaupo Community Association’s first meeting of the year at 10 a.m. Saturday at the old Kaupo School.

Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of the Historic Hawaii Foundation, and Scott Meidell, board member, will be attending the meeting. The foundation is actively aiding groups, including the Kaupo Community Association, in restoring and revitalizing historic buildings and churches.

Stanley Solamillo, cultural historian for Honolulu’s rail project and formerly of Maui County; Annalise Kehler, county cultural resource planner; and Doug Cornelson, a Hana architect who is part of the Kaupo School restoration design team, also will be attending.

They will discuss East Maui restoration projects that have been recently completed, are ongoing or under consideration. There also will be an update on the Kaupo School restoration project, which recently received grants for two historic school buildings.

There will be a potluck lunch following the meeting.

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Crews battle half-acre Kula fire

Firefighters brought a half-acre fire under control in Kula on Sunday afternoon, but planned to return this morning to make sure it was no longer smoldering, according to a fire official.

At 11:35 a.m. Sunday, firefighters received a call about a fire at Koheo Place in Kula, Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said. They were on the scene at 11:51 a.m. Makawao and Kula crews, a tanker from Wailea, an engine and tanker from Kahului, the Air One helicopter and a battalion chief responded.

“It was windy, so they never like take chances,” Taomoto said.

By 2:27 p.m., crews had the fire under control. However, the Kula crew returned to check on the fire Sunday evening and would return again this morning to make sure it was completely extinguished, Taomoto said.

The fire burned some grass and came close to a shed but did not damage any structures.

The cause of the fire is undetermined.

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Entries sought for Summer Fun Guide

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 9.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 31. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

Information may be emailed to Leah Sherman at lsherman@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.