Lahaina Civic Center Opens as Shelter for Evacuees From West Maui Brush Fire
The Lahaina Civic Center has opened as of 8 p.m. today for any evacuees from a brush fire reported at 11:40 a.m. today in the area of Kauaula Valley. Residents who may need to evacuate are those in the vicinity of Lahainaluna High School, Lahainaluna Road and Hokiokio Place.Traffic on the Lahaina bypass was being redirected to Honoapiilani Highway from Kai Hele Ku to Hokiokio Place. The bypass is closed in the vicinity of Lahainaluna Road to Lahainaluna High School.The Maui Emergency Management Agency partially activated tonight, and officials including Mayor Michael Victorino are closely monitoring the fire this evening. MFD helicopter crews aboard Air 1, 2 and 3 responded to the blaze, making water drops. But they were grounded later because of darkness.At 8:20 p.m., MFD estimated the fire had blackened 850 acres. Gusty trade winds were reported earlier today.Four West Maui public schools will be closed tomorrow, Nov. 9, because of the brush fire, according to the Hawaii Department of Education. Those schools are Lahainaluna High School, Lahaina Intermediate, Princess Nahienaena Elementary School and King Kamehameha III Elementary School.
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