Maui wildfires update: Lāhainā fire now 85% contained, Kula blaze 60% contained

Wildfires are still burning in Maui with the Lāhainā fire now 85% contained, scorching approximately 2,170 acres. Maui Police Department confirmed 96 fatalities as of Sunday evening.

Multiple fire crews are assigned to monitor and address any flareups in the West Maui blaze. There are no active threats at this time.

The Upcountry/Kula fire is now 60% contained, consuming approximately 678 acres. Crews continue to battle spots in gulches and other hard-to-reach places, along with land divisions and fences, make establishment of complete control lines difficult. Air support will be deployed to hit hot spots.

Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. There are no active threats at this time. The Puʻukoliʻi/Kaanapali fire, reported on Friday, is extinguished burning only 1 acre.

Road closures

Update: The placard system is suspended until further notice!

To expedite travel into West Maui, a system using access placards will begin Tuesday to ensure efficient traffic management and prioritize the safety of all road users. Access into West Maui via Kahakuloa for West Maui residents is open, however closed to outgoing traffic. Access into West Maui via Ma‘alaea is restricted for pre-approved travel.

Placards will be issued based on the following categories:

• West Maui residents
• West Maui resort personnel
• First responder personnel
• Medical personnel
• Utility personnel
• County personnel
• Supply transport personnel
• Volunteer personnel

Placards can be obtained at Keōpūolani Park (enter through Wahinepio Avenue and exit via Kanaloa Avenue) in Kahului and Napili Park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning today. Olowalu and Launipuoko residents with placards will be allowed to enter and exit West Maui through Maʻalaea. For details, visit the Maui Police Department website.

Napili Plaza is now open 24/7 and has power restored. With power being restored in some areas of West Maui, Ohana Fuels/ Minit Stop on Keawe Street in Lāhainā and Kahana Gateway Shell are open for gasoline. Lāhainā Gateway Center and Napili Plaza are open as distribution sites from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for County of Maui-facilitated food, water and other needs and supplies.

For residents in Lāhainā and Upper Kula areas, maps of affected areas in Upcountry and in Lāhainā were recently released on the county Department of Water Supply website.

A water advisory remains in effect for certain areas of Lāhainā and Upper Kula areas until further notice and states that residents should not drink and/or boil water. Bottled water should be used for all drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation until further notice. Residents are unable to treat the water in any way to make it safe. Drinking water sites are set up in many areas of Lāhainā and Kula.

There are several emergency shelters still operational with the American Red Cross reporting 571 individuals staying in the shelters overnight. The Maui High School shelter was closed and individuals staying at the school were transported to South Maui Community Park Gymnasium, Kihei.

Shelter locations:

• Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani
• War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kahului
• Kings Cathedral Church, Kahului
• Grace Bible Church, Kahului
• South Maui Community Park Gymnasium, Kihei

Medical services

Maui Health clinicians and physicians from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will provide first-aid, wound care, health and wellness checks pharmacy services, including baby formula for all community members in need, regardless of health insurance, at Lāhainā Gateway and Napili Park.

Also starting today, Kaiser Permanente will be providing medical services to KP members and non-members at three locations in Lāhainā. Pharmacy courier services will be available at all three sites. These locations are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For details, visit at kp.org/hawaii.

Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle at Lahaina Gateway: Providing first aid, pediatric services, and OB/GYN services. OB/GYN services began today and will be offered every Friday beginning Aug. 18.

Kaiser is also providing first aid services at the Hyatt Regency Lāhainā, Lāhainā Ballroom and Napili Park.

Kaiser Permanente First Aid Station at the : Providing first aid services. Kaiser Permanente First Aid Station at Napili Park: Providing first aid and pediatric services.

Maui County updates are repeated on radio stations at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Civil Air Patrol via air is also announcing important public messages.

New, daily, county shuttle service for those staying shelters runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Central Maui shelters to go to Central Maui shopping and medical locations. Riders are required to call Roberts Hawai‘i for same-day reservations at 808-871-4838. Mobility devices accommodated. Luggage and bags will be limited to what can be carried.

The Family Assistance Center for those seeking information on loved ones and for those who are unaccounted for is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu Street. Maui Emergency Management Agency and staff will work with families and individuals to gather detailed information and administer DNA swabs.