By Wendy Osher
Flood warning canceled: (Update: 19:47 3.8.21)
The Maui Emergency Management Agency reported that the high water levels that threaten the structural integrity of the Kaupakalua Dam have decreased to such an extent that an “imminent failure” is no longer expected.
The National Weather Service reports that any additional heavy rain in the vicinity of the dam can lead to a Rapid Flood Warning for areas downstream of the Kaupakalua Dam, so residents are encouraged to follow instructions provided by emergency officials closely.
A flash flood alert remains in effect until 6am on Wednesday.
Half a dozen houses heavily damaged or destroyed: (Update: 18:49, 18:33, 17:25, 17:09, 16:50, 16:37 and 3.8.21)
Emergency teams continue to respond to the overflow of a dam at the Kaupakalua reservoir in Maui. The earth dam in the Haʻikū region of Maui reached the top this afternoon around 3 pm amid heavy rain and flood warning conditions.
Mayor Michael Victorino surveyed the floods in Ha’ikū and reports that the Kaupakalua road was impassable in some areas and about half a dozen houses were severely damaged or destroyed. There is also evidence of landslides and he is asking residents to remain vigilant.
The Maui Fire Department reports responding to more than a dozen requests for help from residents who were trapped by the flood, according to Maui County Communications Director Brian Perry.
The Hāna highway was reopened tonight after a flood closed the road from Peʻahi Road to Keʻanae. Drivers are asked to be extremely careful on the road and to watch out for debris and possible landslides. As of 6:42 pm, Kaupakalua Road remained closed and other nearby roads can be closed as needed.
A section of Kaupakalua Road had several felled trees that were removed to the side and running water underneath. The police remained at the scene to monitor traffic, sometimes allowing vehicles to pass one lane at a time.
Authorities advise people to stay away from low-lying areas, close to streams and nearby and downstream from the Kaupakalua dam in Ha’ikū. An evacuation of residents continues in force nearby and downstream from the Kaupakalua dam in Ha’ikū. “Even though it appears that there is less rainfall and conditions are improving, people should not return to the area until there is an ‘all clear’ announcement,” said Perry.
A flood alert remains in effect until 8:45 pm, while emergency responders continue their response in the area. The warning can be extended beyond this period if heavy rains or impacts from previous rains persist.
“The county evacuation map shows approximately 30 plots or lots below the Kaupakalua dam, which is in Kaupakalua Gulch about five miles east of the Haʻikū bypass on the Hana highway. Anyone living in the vicinity of this dam must evacuate immediately, ”according to a new statement issued this afternoon by the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The dam’s owner, East Maui Irrigation, contacted the DLNR dam safety program at around 1:30 pm to report extremely heavy rains and indicated that the spillway was too high, according to information released by the state. DLNR notes that East Maui Irrigation is ½ owned by Mahi Pono and ½ owned by A&B.
A Level 2 emergency has been initiated, which means that there is “potential for failure”. At 2:50 pm, Mahi Pono reported that the dam was beginning to overtake the embankment.
“Today we have notified state and municipal authorities that, due to unprecedented rainfall, the Kaupakalua reservoir and dam, owned by East Maui Irrigation (EMI), has reached peak levels causing the dam to overflow. The dam has not broken, ”said Shan Tsutsui, director of operations at Mahi Pono, in a statement released this afternoon.
“Out of concern for the safety of the surrounding community, the highway was closed and the residents were ordered to evacuate on our recommendation. At this point, the overflow of the dam has ceased; however, our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to monitor water levels until it returns to a safe level, ”he said.
“Our main concern is with the safety of residents in the area and with emergency personnel. We are committed to working with state and local emergency response officials as the situation develops, ”said Tsutsui.
The DLNR reports that the Kaupakalua Dam is one of the oldest agricultural dams on Maui. It has a maximum storage capacity of 210 acres and can hold 68 million gallons of water. The earth dam is 17 meters high and 120 meters long and was built in 1885, according to state authorities.
“Heavy rains started in the interior of Maui in the middle of the morning and also flooded roads in the Olinda-Makawao area and were punctuated by almost constant thunder,” according to the DLNR report.
Evacuations are currently underway for everyone in the vicinity of the Kaupakalua Dam and the Kaupakalua Road makai.
Evacuation shelters are now available at the Pāʻia Community Center, Hāna High School and Eddie Tam Center. As of 6:15 pm, no evacuees were registered at the Pa’ia Community Center.
Governor David Ige said: “The state is helping Maui County as residents and visitors downstream of the Kaupakalua dam evacuate at this time. The health and safety of our residents and visitors in Ha’ikū and surrounding areas remains our top priority, as heavy rains pose a potential threat to the dam. The state and county are closely monitoring the situation. Stay out of the area until the danger passes and continue to monitor the local media for updates. ”
Anyone living below the Kaupakalua Dam is asked to evacuate immediately until water levels decrease and the integrity of the dam is determined. More information will be released as it becomes available.
* Maui Now reporter Cammy Clark contributed to this report.
Evacuations continue, closed routes in effect: (from 4:11 pm 3.8.21)
Evacuations continue from individuals impacted by the overflow of the Kaupakalua Dam. Shelters are now open at the Pāʻia Community Center, Hāna High School and Eddie Tam Center for the dam and climate emergency evacuees.
Current road blocks include:
- Avenida Makawao at the Piʻiholo intersection.
- Makawao Avenue near the Kokomo intersection.
- Brewer road
- Keʻe Road
- Kaupakalua Road just after West Kuiaha Road
- Makani Road on Old Haleakalā Highway
Maui parks closing due to flooding:
All Maui County parks on the island of Maui are closing for the rest of the day because of heavy rain and flooding, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Parking hours are usually from 7 am to 7 pm daily. The parks will remain closed until further notice. The parks will be evaluated for reopening tomorrow.
Kaupakalua DAM BURST: (15:36 3.8.21)
Evacuations are underway in Ha’ikū for everyone in the vicinity of Kaupakalua Dam and makai (ocean side) on Kaupakalua Road. County officials confirm that the Kaupakalua dam has overflowed.
Evacuations have been ordered and are ongoing. All people in the vicinity of the Kaupakalua Dam and the Kaupakalua Road makai must leave the area immediately.
People near streams with high flow should also evacuate or look for higher places.
Evacuation shelters are being opened at the Pāʻia Community Center and Hāna High School.
The public is invited to stay away from the Haiku areas affected by the evacuations.
There is also a closed road in effect on the West Kuiaha and Hāna highways.
Kaupakalua Dam Failure: (15:21 3.8.21)
The Maui Emergency Management Agency is reporting the “failure” of the Kaupakalua reservoir dam in the Haʻikū area. If you are downstream of the dam, evacuate now.
Ordered evacuations: (3:04 am 3.8.21)
Evacuations were ordered for everyone downstream of the Kaupakalua dam in Ha’ikū. Heavy rains led to the crest of the dam. Evacuation shelters are being opened at the Pāʻia Community Center and Hāna High School. People need to stay away from the area. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Impending failure of the Kaupakalua dam: update: (14h42m 3.8.21)
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Alert in effect until 5:45 pm for Maui in the Ha’ikū and Pa’uwela area.
At 2:42 pm, emergency management reported the imminent rupture of the Kaupakalua dam.
Life-threatening floods and significant material damage are expected in areas downstream of the Kaupakalua Dam, including the Hāna Highway between Haʻikū and Paʻuwela.
The downstream area closest to the dam is the communities in Haʻikū and Paʻuwela, according to the NWS council.
As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts, even if they are already dry.
Drivers and pedestrians are reminded not to cross water that flows quickly or rises in their vehicles or on foot.
Update: (11:16 am 3.8.21)
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a Flash Flood Alert for the island of Maui until 2:15 pm HST.
At 11:15 am, the radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling on Haleakalā downwind. The NWS says the rain is falling at a rate of 5 to 7 centimeters per hour. The flash flood is occurring or is expected to start soon.
The NWS says that some places that will experience flash floods include: Keʻanae, Nāhiku, Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Huelo, Kula, Hāna, Makawao, Pukalani, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela, Hāliʻimaile, Paʻuwela, Pāʻia, Haleakalā National Park, Haleakalā, Haleakalā National Park, Haleakalā, and Hailua National Park.
Posted: (10:04 am 3.8.21)
The National Meteorological Service issued a Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 1:15 pm HST.
At 10:04 am, the radar indicated heavy rain on the slopes of Haleakalā and in the mountains west of Maui. The NWS says the rain was falling at a rate of 2.5 to 5 centimeters an hour.
The locations in the statement include, but are not limited to: Kahului, Lahaina, Pukalani, Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Kula, Pāʻia, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela, Paʻuwela, Puʻunēnē, Huelo, Māʻalaea, Wailikulu, Kaiheulu, Wailulu, Keaile, Wailulu, Keail Kaiheu and Kahakuloa.
As a precaution, the population is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas subject to flooding.
The NWS reports that rain and runoff will also cause dangerous driving conditions due to puddles, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Drivers and pedestrians are reminded not to cross water that flows quickly or rises in their vehicles or on foot.
There is also a flood alert that remains in effect until Tuesday night.
The NWS forecast predicts that deep moisture will spread across eastern and southeastern Maui County on Monday, and extend into Tuesday, bringing the potential for heavy, persistent rains that can lead to flooding.
