County tallies storm damage as state urges caution in cleanup

The Maui News

Maui County is urging residents and businesses to continue reporting damages in the wake of last week's Kona low storm that brought torrential rains and flooding.

Damage assessment teams of county staff and the American Red Cross continue to visit impacted households and communities that have reported flood damage, the county said in a news release Tuesday. Information received from the public and verified by damage assessment teams will be compiled by the agency in preparation for a presidential disaster declaration. Once the Maui Emergency Management Agency submits the compiled disaster information, a Federal Emergency Management Agency team will travel to Maui to inspect affected areas.

Property damage can be reported in an online form at mauicounty.gov/emergency. Those without online access can call the Maui Emergency Management Agency at (808) 270-7285. MEMA is coordinating a FEMA team to visit to verify damages throughout Maui County.

Other resources include the crisis cleanup line, which residents can call at 211 to get assistance removing mud and debris from their homes.

The Maui County Department of Public Works Highways Division is continuing to offer free roadside pickup of green waste and natural earthen material through Dec. 23 for impacted Upcountry and South Maui residents. Upcountry residents should call the Makawao District Office at (808) 876-4535, and South Maui residents should call the Wailuku District Office at (808) 270-7443. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Central Maui Landfill hours have also been extended to 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 23, and mixed debris, including construction materials, will be accepted up to 2 p.m. through Dec. 23.

While cleaning up mud that may contain animal manure or urine, the state Department of Health also recommends:

• Wearing protective gear such as tall boots, long sleeves, heavy pants and goggles.

• Covering any open cuts with waterproof bandages.

• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth while cleaning.

• Washing thoroughly after cleaning up.

• Disposing of tainted muddy material in sturdy bags and containers.

Leptospirosis, which can be passed from to humans through the urine of infected animals, is a concern and can live in freshwater streams, mud and soil for long periods, the department warned.

Symptoms typically occur between seven to 14 days after exposure and include mild to severe flu-like illness, such as fever, headache, chills, sweating, muscle pain, painful eyes and vomiting. More serious symptoms can include stiff neck, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) and kidney and liver damage.

Anyone who suspects exposure should see a doctor immediately.

For more information, visit health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/leptospirosis/.