Local News

Heavy rains bring runoff, flooding

FIRST PHOTO: Save the Wetlands Hui Chief Scientist Robin Knox lowers an AquaTroll 600 Multiparameter Sonde into the muddy runoff flowing under the Kulanihakoi bridge culvert at South Kihei Road Tuesday morning. Knox said the water quality monitor is able to test the turbidity, salinity and PH levels of the water. She also noted the turbidity of the runoff at Kulanihakoi is many times higher than other nearby gulches. She said answers to the problem include restoring the wetlands and developing detention basins that will help minimize debris and particulates flowing into the ocean during flood events. Save the Wetlands is funded by the County of Maui. According to the National Weather Service, Kihei received 2.36 inches of rain over a 24 period Tuesday and Wednesday, with Kula getting 6.07 inches and Ulupalakua 5.4. Puu Kukui topped the list with 7.58 inches of rain over the same period. Flooding from sustained heavy rains Tuesday morning forced the closure of roads in Kihei, Hana and Kaupo. South Kihei Road was closed in several places, with five people reportedly needing to be rescued from cars caught in rising water, two of the people by Air One helicopter.

SECOND PHOTO: Muddied by runoff from the nearby Lahaina burn zone, the ocean off Mala and Wahikuli is a grayish beige Tuesday morning. According to the National Weather Service, Lahaina received a little less than an inch of rain Tuesday.

THIRD PHOTO: Maui Sunset crew member Dionisio Acio rakes debris along the high-water mark fronting South Kihei Road during a break in Tuesday morning's heavy rains.