County Announces Precautionary Closures, Shelter Preparations

Maui County Press Release

In light of the approaching tropical storm, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced that as of 4 p.m. today, several rural, east-facing parks were closed, including Honomanu, Keanae and Kipahulu Point Light Station. Other County parks may be closed as needed, pending weather conditions.

Other closures include:
● All County campgrounds will be closed by noon Monday: Kanaha and Papalaua on Maui, and One Alii and Papohaku on Molokai.
● All County-sponsored recreation programs will be canceled for Monday afternoon and evening.
● Swimming pools will be closed by noon Monday; Waiehu Golf Course may close pending weather conditions.
● Other County parks will be assessed for closure on Monday, based on public safety concerns from flooding, high surf, winds, falling trees and branches. Closures may also need to be extended to clean up debris and make safety assessments after storm conditions have passed.

County personnel are continuing preparations for the storm, and are conducting daily briefings with dozens of representatives from state, federal and private agencies, as well as with Goodfellow Brothers, which has coordinated with the County to pre-position equipment around the island should their assistance be needed.

“I appreciate the efforts of the many organizations that have collaborated with us to make storm preparations,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “My Administration has been taking the threat of this storm seriously – we have three islands to look out for and many areas that are very remote. We’re prepared for the worst, but if the storm passes with minimal impact to our county we can breathe a sigh of relief and congratulate ourselves for having done a good job of getting prepared.
Maui County has had its share of severe weather, so we’ve learned from experience that it’s always best to be ready.”

As of this afternoon the Department of Education (DOE) has not made a final decision about any possible school closures. Pending final approval from DOE, the following is a list of shelter locations that have been identified for use as emergency evacuation shelters beginning
4 p.m. Monday:

MAUI:
Baldwin High School Gym (designated for pets and special needs
individuals)
War Memorial Gym
Lahaina Civic Center
Eddie Tam Gym
Haiku Community Center
Kihei Community Center (designated for pets and special needs
individuals)
Hana School Gym

MOLOKAI:
Molokai High School Gym
Kilohana School

LANAI:
Lanai High School Gym

Other important considerations for those relocating to a shelter:
● The public is urged to adhere to all posted rules and guidelines.
● Bring an emergency kit with you to the shelter, including: food, any non-perishable special dietary needs, prescription medications, water, pillows and bedding, flashlights, extra clothing and eyeglasses, personal hygiene items, activities for children, and other items you may need.
● When you arrive, check in with shelter management staff.
● Special health needs individuals should be accompanied by a caregiver.  Shelter personnel will not be able to adequately attend to these patients.
● No pet shelters are available on Lanai, Molokai, West Maui or Upcountry Maui. Pet owners should try to accommodate pets with friends or at boarding locations if their own home is unsafe for their pet.
● Pets will be allowed at designated shelters in pet carriers only.
● Pets may remain in a vehicle at non-pet shelters; vehicle windows should be left slightly open for ventilation.
● If a pet is displaced, call the Maui Humane Society at 877-3680 for assistance after storm conditions subside.

Other pre-storm considerations:
● The public is advised that the Maui County Civil Defense Agency does not provide sandbags.
● Employees who are scheduled to work Monday night should plan ahead in case storm conditions prevent them from returning home after work.

For more information:
www.mauicounty.gov
www.hawaiiredcross.org
Maui County Civil Defense and Traffic Advisory Line at 986-1200