Maui residents prepare for Lala, raise concerns over flood-prone roads

MAUI COUNTY (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said the county is prepared for Lala as residents across the island stocked up on supplies and secured their properties Friday.

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South Maui flooding concerns

In Kihei, residents expressed concern about flooding along South Kihei Road, an area known to flood during heavy rain, affecting nearby homes and businesses.

At the corner of Uwapo and South Kihei roads, some people were seen tying down belongings, and at least one business was boarded up with sandbags placed out front.

Jon Corbett, a Kihei resident, said the road’s recent repairs has him worried.

“The first thing I thought of… the big Kihei Road flood in front of Fred’s. They just fixed the road a couple days ago, reopened it. So I’m hoping that handles the storm,” Corbett said.

County preparations

Bissen said all county departments are ready across Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

“We are ready throughout the county,” Bissen said. “We have our personnel ready for working overtime, people, standby crews, testing all of our generators and just making sure before any storm comes that we’re ready. So we’re preparing right now.”

Bissen said infrastructure departments have cleared drains and flood-prone areas, staged equipment, and topped off fuel supplies.

He said staffing at the Maui Police Department has also been increased.

Bissen urged residents to have 14 days of supplies at home, including medication and supplies for pets, and a two-day go bag in the event of an evacuation.

He also said residents should look out for kupuna.

Residents call for free sand

Kihei resident Karen Jamison said she believes the county should offer free sand for sandbags ahead of storms, as Hawaii County does.

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She said sandbags cost $15 each and taking sand from the beach is illegal in Hawaii.

“We have some, but the last storm, it almost got into our house, so we need more. We need to pile it higher,” Jamison said. “That’s what we’re afraid of, because this storm, even if it doesn’t hit Kihei, Upcountry, all that water comes down, and that’s why we have so much flooding.”

Kihei resident Shayna Boteilho said she hoped the county is taking adequate steps.

“I hope the county is at least preparing this time. I’ve seen like the big trucks and all that. Pushing out the sand and Kihei and the beginning of Kihei. But yeah, I mean, I just hope and pray that we’re all safe,” Boteilho said.

West Maui

On Front Street in Lahaina, Honu Oceanside set up flood barriers to protect the business, its employees, and customers.

In Kahului, several residents were seen at Costco stocking up on food, water, and supplies. A long line was also reported at a nearby gas station.

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