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Heavy rain triggers flood warnings, road and park closures on Maui

Heavy rainfall and flooding prompted flash flood warnings, road closures and the closure of several parks and recreational facilities across Maui on Thursday, Oct. 29. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Maui from 8:55 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, with rainfall rates of 1 ...

MEMA issues evacuation warning for Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park

At the request of the National Park Service, the Maui Emergency Management Agency issued an evacuation warning at 10:43 a.m. Thursday for the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park due to flash flooding and other hazards. An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate or have livestock or pets may consider leaving early. A temporary evacuation site opened Wednesday night at Helene Hall, 174 Keawa Place, in Hana, due to increased rainfall and flooding. The site will remain open until the threat of flash ...

Former Maui Police lieutenant denied bail

Former Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala has been denied bail for a second time as he faces accusations that he accepted bribes to protect cockfighting rings and drug dealers. Vaituulala, 53, faces a possible 20-year prison sentence and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted. Federal authorities allege that Vaituulala used his position as head of the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit to accept bribes and shield illegal activities. In denying Vaituulala's latest request for release, Judge Kenneth Mansfield found there had been no change in circumstances warranting ...

Molokai schools expected to reopen Thursday

All five public schools on Molokai are expected to reopen Thursday, Oct. 29, after closing Wednesday due to flooding that affected safe access to campuses. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced the closures early Wednesday morning because flooded roads made travel unsafe for school buses and staff. The affected schools are Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary and Maunaloa Elementary. In a Wednesday afternoon update, the department said all five schools were expected to safely resume normal operations Thursday. All other public schools ...

Temporary evacuation site opens in Hana amid heavy rainfall, flooding

Maui County emergency officials opened a temporary evacuation site at Helene Hall in Hana amid increased rainfall and flooding. The site at 174 Keawa Place opened Wednesday night. The county said it will remain open until the threat of flooding has passed. The site provides a safe gathering area but does not have the supplies of a regular shelter. Residents coming to the site should bring essentials. Pets are allowed only if they are in crates or cages. If necessary, temporary evacuation sites can be converted into shelters that provide cots, food and water. Piilani Highway at mile ...