Repairs underway of massive Maui sinkhole after March storms

News admin June 2, 2026 0 Comments

Repairs underway of massive Maui sinkhole after March storms

KIHEI (HawaiiNewsNow) – A no-left-turn sign at South Kihei Road and Alanui Keʻaliʻi has small business owners upset.

Drivers who do turn left will eventually see road closed signs where crews are working to repair the road that collapsed during the March Kona low storms. Right next to those road closed signs are business open signs, and workers at Moose McGillycuddy’s hope customers will still find them.

“I just kind of describe it as a roller coaster. It’s been up and down and all around,” said Penny Putnam, general manager and co-owner of Moose McGillycuddy’s. “March is one of the busiest months of the year. So, after Friday the 13th, business definitely took a hit.”

County officials said record-breaking rainfall from the first Kona low caused damage to multiple underground infrastructure systems and undermining beneath the roadway. They said redesigning the drainage and stabilization is necessary for long-term resilience. Work is not expected to be completed until the fall, officials said.

“We are happy that they started, but I’m very upset that how long it will take. They are saying something close to October, which is many weeks ahead and will kill summer for us,” said Jr Solera, owner of Snorkel and Paddle Shack.

Solera and other business owners hope the county will offer assistance. “All the small businesses around us are suffering,” Solera said.

County officials said financial assistance is in the works.

“We really want to work with the businesses. We’re thrilled that they remain open and we want to ensure that the community knows that they’re accessible. We want to encourage our Maui community to support those businesses as well,” said Erin Wade, deputy managing director for the County of Maui.

County officials said the no left turn sign will be swapped out for a more business-friendly one.