Maui Reporter

Maui Police Department issued the following announcement on Dec. 27.

Maui  police reopened Honoapiilani Highway to contraflow traffic after 12:15  a.m. today, after a fast-moving brush fire closed the highway for  several hours on Saturday night.

Earlier,  from shortly after 11 p.m. to almost 11:50 p.m. Saturday, police  escorted groups of 20 to 30 motorists on the highway from West to  Central Maui.

The wildfire has been fanned by  strong 30- to 40-mph northwest winds. It was last reported to have  grown to an estimated 500 acres, according to the Maui Fire Department.

Mayor  Michael Victorino inspected the fire scene and credited Maui  firefighters and police for their work to protect lives and property.

"Maui  firefighters and police are doing a fabulous job under very difficult  conditions with high winds and steep, difficult-to-reach terrain," Mayor  Victorino said. "I thank the public for being patient during this  highway closure, and we hope to reopen the roadway for contraflow  traffic as soon as possible. Please avoid the Olowalu fire area as much  as possible."

Honoapiilani Highway has been closed at Maalaea, and vehicle access to Kahakuloa is limited to local traffic only.

Maui Bus service continued on all routes, except for buses running between West Maui and Central Maui

The  Red Cross respite center at the Lahaina Civic Center has been closed,  while the respite center at the Kihei Community Center remains open at  303 E. Lipoa St. Because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, people  seeking respite at the center need to remain in their vehicles. The  center's restrooms continue to be open.

The  fire was first reported at 5:30 p.m. today mauka of Olowalu Store in  West Maui. About 50 Maui Fire Department personnel are on scene  protecting homes threatened by flames in the vicinity of Luawai Street  in Olowalu area. Police evacuated all the residents from homes on Luawai  Street.

Residents can expect possible power outages

The  County of Maui Department of Water Supply is asking Upcountry and West  Maui residents to conserve water for all but necessary use for the next  24 to 48 hours because of power outages and the Olowalu brush fire.

Original source can be found here.