Lahaina Fires Communications Timeline
For my final project in the Emergency Management course I completed at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, I conducted an in-depth study on the August 8, 2023 Lahaina Fires disaster. As part of this research, I meticulously constructed a detailed timeline of communications from the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the County of Maui, and other media sources. To provide a thorough understanding of the context of these communications, I included events as reported by the Maui Police Department report, the Attorney General’s Report, and numerous other sources.
Though this timeline was not submitted as part of that paper, our hope is to provide other researchers with the benefit of the compiled information and the more complete understanding that comes with seeing the communications in context with events.
| Time | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1424 | Tree falls onto multiple vehicles at Lahaina Cannery Mall. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1440 | At approximately 1440hrs, it was reported to the Communications Center motorists had stopped and abandoned their vehicle in the roadway at the 1200 block of Highway 30. The 1200 block of Highway 30 is just north of Kenui Street. This created additional traffic hazards as motorists attempted to navigate the area. At this time Highway 30 is blocked in eight key locations due to power poles, power lines, abandoned vehicles and non-functioning traffic signals. Officers dealt with road closures, traffic lights no longer functioning, and heavy traffic congestion in the Lahaina area throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Officers dealt with uncooperative motorists and pedestrians as they worked to ease the traffic. | (MPD-24) |
| 1449 |  | (Maui 24/7) |
| 1450 | Multiple utility poles fall onto Honoapiilani Highway between Keawe Street and Kapunakea Street. Honoapiilani Highway impassable at Kapunakea Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1455 | Caller reporting smoke and fire spreading fast in area of Kuialua Street and Hookahua Street. – 16 additional calls were received in the following three minutes reporting the same. (above bypass) (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1500 | MFD arrives on scene of a fire in the brush to the south of Hookahua Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1500 | MFD arrives on scene of a fire in the brush to the south of Hookahua Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1505 | Officers arrive at house in front of 7XX Ho’okahua and grab garden hose to flow water on shed on fire. Officers get in car and call in that shed is burning to central. Officer knocks on neighboring houses to evacuate. | (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1506 | Police begin evacuation of Hookahua and Kuialua Street neighborhoods. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1507 | WEST MAUI: We just got off the phone with MECO regarding the West Maui outage. They have three crews flying in from Oahu to assist but due to the sheer number of downed poles/lines in West Maui, they don’t expect power to be restored to until late this evening, possibly closer to midnight. We’ll update you if this timeline changes. | (Maui-247) |
| 1515 1516 1518 | GG to HA: New fire in Lahaina near the Intermediate School HA: Oh boy GG: It is approaching houses per chief HA: Are evacuations underway? GG: Pending for chief’s update | Herman Andaya Texts (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1518 | E3 and firefighter with red line arrive at shed … | Body cam log (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1520 | Police shutdown all traffic from Lahaina bypass and Honoapiilani Highway, onto Lahainaluna Road. (LAHAINA) MFD advises to shutdown Lahainaluna Road and Lahaina bypass. Fire has jumped makai of the bypass. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1522 | Officers get back in SUV and drive down Lahainaluna west, you can see lots of smoke and they comment about houses on fire | Bodycam (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1523 |  | (Maui 24/7) |
| 1524 | (Officers) stop at 5XX Ka’akolu Street. Officers go to back of house and tell occupant to evacuate, they are having trouble seeing and breathing | (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1524 | Police begin evacuating Kelawea Mauka neighborhood. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1525 | Police report visibility along Lahainaluna Road as poor to no visibility, with traffic building up. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1525 | They drive through the area asking for evacuation on their loudspeakers. | Body cam timeline (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1525 – 1527 | GG to HA: Closing Lahaina Bypass road. Fire jump over to the roadway. HA: Is the mayor in the room? GG: No HA to GG: MFD is going to do another evacuation | Herman Andaya Texts (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1526 | MFD calls for evacuation of residents below the bypass. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1527 | They say to evacuate down Komo Mai, | Body cam timeline (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1528 | HA to Barros: Its starting to heat up again. We now have to evacuate Olinda and a portion of Lahaina | Herman Andaya Texts (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1528 | 15:28:38, Officers are on Lahainaluna with cars on fire next to them and cars stopped blocking traffic, “Central from 30, we need to get these cars down Lahainaluna Road, the fire is next to them and we can’t see” | Body cam timeline (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1528 |  | MEMA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=666924145461304&set=a.233983428755380 |
| 1528 | BRUSH FIRE: There is brush fire on the side Lahainaluna Road that has jumped the road and is now in the park in Lahaina. MFD is on scene. | MEMA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=666924145461304&set=a.233983428755380 |
| 1528 | Both lanes of Lahainaluna Road being used for westbound egress. (LAHAINA) Structures on fire along the southside of Lahainaluna Road. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1529 | They [Officers] discuss sending people out in all lanes to get them off Lahainaluna. “Flush them out, it doesn’t matter which way they go” officers turn right on Kelawea Street, right on Aki Street and left on Lui Street. They direct cars to Komo Mai Street. They drive toward the fire on Kalena toward Lahainaluna and try to direct people to Komo Mai | Body cam timeline (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1530 | HA to group text: (including Bissen and Mahina) New fire in Lahaina near the Intermediate School it is approaching houses per chief. Closing lahaina bypass Rd. Fire jump over to the runway. MFD is going to do another evacuation. | Herman Andaya Texts (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1530 | GPS updating with road traffic {image of facebook post] | (Maui 24/7) Link |
| 1534 | They [officers] drive back down toward intersection of Lui and Aki, which seems to be the boundary of smoke plume, 15:36:14 | Body cam timeline (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1537 | Lahainaluna Rd. closed between Honoapiʻilani and Bypass due to fire Lahainaluna Road is closed between Honoapiʻilani Hwy and the Lahaina Bypass due to fire. (Note: This is 9 minutes after HPD said both lanes were being used for westbound evacuation.) | Maui Now https://mauinow.com/2023/08/08/maui-road-closures-due-to-severe-weather-fires/ |
| 1538 | Multiple structure fires on Kaakolu Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1539 | Shed on fire. Twenty feet from house. Several seniors still in their units. Afraid. Alarm is going off. Air is hot and visibility is very poor. Multiple fire alarm going off. Afraid, wants to be evacuated. Needs help, does not have a car. Said three others, one 98 year old female is stuck at home. COMM – We have multiple structure fires. Smoldering, keep catching fire. | (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1539 | 401: (Ul/talking over each other) no as soon as its open, they can get out. Right now, we’re directing everybody to Front Street and trying’ to push ’em out of there. ‘Cause the fires coming’ down (UI/ talking over each other). They can get out of Lahaina, they can get out of Lahaina. Yeah Unknown Police: Wh-which way they gonna go then? 401: Well they’re taking Front Street and go – then they was going’ up Keawe, but we shut that down. But as soon as I can, I’m gonna have somebody check Ho- Hokiokio if they’re done. | Event Chronology Report (Kerber & Alkonis, 2024) |
| 1541 | 15:41 Structure fire on Pauu Place (more than seven blocks makai of Kaakolu Street). (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1543 | UPDATE @ 3:42 pm: There are several structures on fire. | (Maui 24/7) |
| 1545 | Police evacuate areas west of Kelawea Street in neighborhoods off of Lahainaluna Road. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1550 | Utility pole fractured and leaning over roadway fronting Old Lahaina Luau on Front Street (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1555 | Calls coming in from Kuhua Street, Kelawea Street, Lui Street, Kanakea Loop, and Hakau Place, reporting brush and structure fires. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1557 |  | MEMA FB https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=666938882126497&set=a.233983428755380 |
| 1558 | In the hills on Kai Hele asking about the fire. 911: Yes, there is a large fire. If you are safe stay where you are. If you feel unsafe then leave. Caller: We tried to evacuate but there are downed power lines, so we’re asking for advice. 911: I can’t give you advice. If you feel safe stay, if you don’t feel safe leave. Lahaina is on fire, we’re working on it. Caller: Is Kihei safe, is it on fire? 911: It is not on fire, I have to go. | Maui Fire Dispatch Unredacted 1 Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Timeline (Excel).Xlsx, n.d.-b) |
| 1605 | Police evacuate Hale Mahaolu. Structures already engulfed in flames. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1608 | Fire in the area of Mill Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1610 | Multiple utility poles and lines down on Honoapiilani Highway near Kikowaena Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1616 | Police begin evacuating vehicles northbound along Old Stuart Road (LAHAINA) Police report that the fire has jumped west over Honoapiilani Highway. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1616 | EXPIRES 08/08/2023 19:16:51 Evacuation order on Maui Island for Kelawea Mauka Subdivision due to a brushfire. MEMA Maui Emergency Management Agency has issued an evacuation order on Maui Island for Kelawea Mauka Subdivision due to a brushfire. Repeat, Maui Emergency Management Agency has issued an evacuation order on Maui Island for Kelawea Mauka Subdivision in Lahaina due to a brushfire. Evacuate your family and pets now, do not delay. Shelter is open at the Lahaina Civic Center. Expect conditions that may make driving difficult and watch for public safety personnel operating in the area. Sent by the Maui Emergency Management | WEA Alert Note: This alert went out 70 minutes after the police/fire alerted the evacuation. 76 minutes after MFD arrived on scene. |
| 1617 | 16:17 Multiple explosions in Lahainaluna Road neighborhoods. (LAHAINA) 16:22 Structure fires reported on Limahana Street. (LAHAINA) 16:24 Police report third party information of a possible fatality; however, cannot confirm. (LAHAINA) 16:24 Police evacuating Wainee Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1625 | Police request Kihei Patrol close Honoapiilani Highway westbound at Maalaea. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1626 |  | MEMA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MauiEMA Link |
| 1626 | Police report multiple structure fires along Wainee Street. All of Wainee Street being evacuated, starting in area of Lahainaluna Road and working both north and south. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1629 | Bypass now clear of smoke and fire. Police lead vehicles up Keawe Street and south on the bypass to evacuate. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1632 | MFD command calls for all units to evacuate Lahainaluna subdivisions. Requests evacuations be conducted of Keawe Street area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1632 | LAHAINA FIRE: MPD/MFD is closing the area by Lahainaluna Road. The fire is out of control with very storm winds. | (Maui-247) |
| 1637 | Police advise utility company to get off roadway and open road south on Honoapiilani Highway between Aholo Road and Hokiokio Place. Utility poles still in highway, blocking egress. Southbound traffic reopened shortly after. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1645 | Police still evacuating residents out of Kelawea Mauka neighborhood. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1651 | Hale Mahuolu Lahaina is being evacuated | Maui 24/7 https://www.facebook.com/maui247 |
| 1652 | Multiple apartment buildings fully engulfed in flames in area of Front Street and Kenui Street (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1653 | Police lead scores of vehicles from Lahaina Cannery Mall and Front Street, up Kapunakea Street, and onto Honoapiilani Highway, northbound. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1656 | Around 4:30 or 5 p.m., they lost cell service. | (Browning, 2023) |
| 1656 | Lahaina Fire Update No. 3 at 4:45 p.m.: An apparent flareup of the Lahaina fire forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass around 3:30 p.m. Evacuations are occurring in the vicinities of Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu and Lahaina Bypass. Kahakuloa is closed to outside traffic. Only residents of the rural town of Kahakuloa Village are allowed to travel through the remote side of Kahekili Highway. People on the west side are advised to shelter in place unless evacuations are ordered. Multiple roads, including Honoapiʻilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass, are closed due to downed power lines. Fueled by strong wind from Hurricane Dora that is passing well south of Hawai’i, a brush fire of about three acres was reported at 6:37 a.m. today in the area of Lahainaluna Road. After area evacuations, the fire was declared 100% contained before 9 a.m. However, an afternoon flareup forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass. The American Red Cross opened Lahaina Civic Center as an evacuation center due to the fire and area power outages tied to high winds. The shelter will remain open until further notice. For people unable to return to the west side, Pukalani’s Hannibal Tavares Community Center is open as a shelter. Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. | County of Maui FB |
| 1701 | Officer directing traffic at Honoapiilani Highway and Shaw Street lends vehicle to firefighter. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1702 | MFD mayday call reported over radio. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1706 | {image of facebook post] | MEMA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MauiEMA |
| 1711 | 17:11 CPR in progress on firefighter at Shaw Street. Multiple officers respond to assist and lead medics into the area. (LAHAINA) 17:11 Multiple structure fires in area of Front Street and Dickenson Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1720 | Lahaina Fire Update No. 3.5 at 5:20 p.m.: An apparent flareup of the Lahaina fire forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass around 3:30 p.m. However, after Hawaiian Electric cleared downed power lines, access in and out of Lahaina is now possible via Hokiokio Place. Evacuations are occurring in Lahaina’s Kelawea Mauka Subdivision, including areas in the vicinities of Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu and Lahaina Bypass. Kahakuloa is closed to outside traffic. Only residents of the rural town of Kahakuloa Village are allowed to travel through the remote side of Kahekili Highway. Fueled by strong wind from Hurricane Dora that is passing well south of Hawai’i, a brush fire of about three acres was reported at 6:37 a.m. today in the area of Lahainaluna Road. After area evacuations, the fire was declared 100% contained before 9 a.m. However, an afternoon flareup forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass. The American Red Cross opened Lahaina Civic Center as an evacuation center due to the fire and area power outages tied to high winds. The shelter will remain open until further notice. For people unable to return to the west side, Pukalani’s Hannibal Tavares Community Center is open as a shelter. Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. | County of Maui FB |
| 1721 | MEMA Facebook post | MEMA Facebook |
| 1721 | Hōkiokio now Open Update: 5:21 p.m., Aug. 8, 2023 The Maui Emergency Management Agency reports that Hōkiokio Road is now cleared to allow cars out of the Lahaina area as of 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. | Maui Now https://mauinow.com/2023/08/08/maui-road-closures-due-to-severe-weather-fires/ |
| 1722 | Police evacuating Keao Street, Hoapili Street, and Huea Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1725 | On the north side of Front Street, light to no traffic left on Front Street, south of Kapunakea Street, in what was previously heavy traffic. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1726 | Police fight brushfire across from Lahaina Intermediate School. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1730 | Police evacuating Kupuohi Street and Ulupono Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1734 | Police report traffic jammed on Honoapiilani Highway from Shaw Street to area south of Hokiokio Road. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1736 | Multiple structures on fire at Front Street Apartments, police evacuating area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1738 | Multiple structure fires at Kahoma Village, police evacuating area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1739 | UPDATE @ 5:38 Pm: MPD is evacuating the Lahaina Cannery. | (Maui-247) |
| 1742 | Fire nearing Shaw Street. Police continue evacuations of all residents in the area and work their way south. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1744 | Outlets of Maui and vehicles within reported on fire. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1744 | Police evacuating Mala Wharf area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1745 | Road closure; shelter in place encouraged: Lahaina Fire Update No. 3 at 4:45 p.m.: An apparent flareup of the Lahaina fire forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass around 3:30 p.m. Evacuations are occurring in the vicinities of Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu and Lahaina Bypass. Kahakuloa is closed to outside traffic. Only residents of the rural town of Kahakuloa Village are allowed to travel through the remote side of Kahekili Highway. People on the west side are advised to shelter in place unless evacuations are ordered. Multiple roads, including Honoapiʻilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass, are closed due to downed power lines. Fueled by strong wind from Hurricane Dora that is passing well south of Hawai’i, a brush fire of about three acres was reported at 6:37 a.m. today in the area of Lahainaluna Road. After area evacuations, the fire was declared 100% contained before 9 a.m. However, an afternoon flareup forced the closure of Lahaina Bypass. The American Red Cross opened Lahaina Civic Center as an evacuation center due to the fire and area power outages tied to high winds. The shelter will remain open until further notice. For people unable to return to the west side, Pukalani’s Hannibal Tavares Community Center is open as a shelter. Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained. | (Maui 24/7) |
| 1747 | 17:47 Lahaina Pool and Civic Center on fire. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1750 | Posted on: August 8, 2023 Multiple evacuations in place for Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires Combined Update No. 1, 5:50 p.m.: Multiple structures have burned and multiple evacuations are in place, as firefighter crews continue battling brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas. The Maui County Emergency Operating Center is fully activated and in coordination with the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency for state and federal resources. In West Maui, fire crews from Napili, Lahaina, Kihei and Wailuku responded to the fast-moving fire, which was fueled by strong winds as Hurricane Dora passed well south of Hawai`i. On the West side, evacuations occurred at Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu, Kelawea Mauka and Lahaina Bypass. Honoapiilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass was reopened at about 5 p.m., following the clearing of downed power lines, to allow access in and out of Lahaina via Hōkiokio Place. Motorists are advised to expect traffic to be slowed through the bypass. In Upcountry Maui, where firefighters from Kula, Makawao, Kahului and Wailea were assigned, crews were focused on the subdivision including Kulalani Drive and Kulalani Circle at about 5 p.m. The Fire Department called for the evacuation of residents from the subdivision. The Upcountry fire, reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road, led to early-morning evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the perimeter of the Upcountry fire was about 1,000 acres and reached as far as Kualono Place near the Kula Lodge. The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained. Note: This media release notes the Lahaina Civic Center is a shelter, 3 minutes after it was reported to be on fire. This is an example of why media releases of this length are not the best vehicles to convey information as responders are still literally putting out fires. | County of Maui Website https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=12633 |
| 1754 | Police report area of Honoapiilani Highway and Shaw Street fully engulfed in flames. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1757 | Multiple evacuations in place for Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires: Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires Combined Update No. 1, 5:50 p.m.: Multiple structures have burned and multiple evacuations are in place, as firefighter crews continue battling brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas. The Maui County Emergency Operating Center is fully activated and in coordination with the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency for state and federal resources. In West Maui, fire crews from Napili, Lahaina, Kihei and Wailuku responded to the fast-moving fire, which was fueled by strong winds as Hurricane Dora passed well south of Hawai`i. On the West side, evacuations occurred at Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu, Kelawea Mauka and Lahaina Bypass. Honoapiilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass was reopened at about 5 p.m., following the clearing of downed power lines, to allow access in and out of Lahaina via Hōkiokio Place. Motorists are advised to expect traffic to be slowed through the bypass. In Upcountry Maui, where firefighters from Kula, Makawao, Kahului and Wailea were assigned, crews were focused on the subdivision including Kulalani Drive and Kulalani Circle at about 5 p.m. The Fire Department called for the evacuation of residents from the subdivision. The Upcountry fire, reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road, led to early-morning evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the perimeter of the Upcountry fire was about 1,000 acres and reached as far as Kualono Place near the Kula Lodge. The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained.(Maui 24/7) | |
| 1757 | Cell service reportedly out in Lahaina, emergency requests coming in via text to 9-1-1. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1800 | Mayor Bissen appears on KITV News. | https://www.kitv.com/video/news/maui-county-mayor-richard-bissen-gives-the-latest-on-fires/video_e23fe63d-0572-5c4e-add4-d1d9e90e0609.html (Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Gives the Latest on Fires | News | Kitv.Com, 2023) |
| 1803 | 18:03 MFD reports a residence on Puunoa Place on fire and additional buildings in Kahoma Village. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1805 | (Note: Reposting of the 5:50 press release.) Multiple evacuations in place for Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires Combined Update No. 1, 5:50 p.m.: Multiple structures have burned and multiple evacuations are in place, as firefighter crews continue battling brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas. The Maui County Emergency Operating Center is fully activated and in coordination with the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency for state and federal resources. In West Maui, fire crews from Napili, Lahaina, Kihei and Wailuku responded to the fast-moving fire, which was fueled by strong winds as Hurricane Dora passed well south of Hawai`i. On the West side, evacuations occurred at Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu, Kelawea Mauka and Lahaina Bypass. Honoapiilani Highway from Hōkiokio Place to Lahaina Bypass was reopened at about 5 p.m., following the clearing of downed power lines, to allow access in and out of Lahaina via Hōkiokio Place. Motorists are advised to expect traffic to be slowed through the bypass. In Upcountry Maui, where firefighters from Kula, Makawao, Kahului and Wailea were assigned, crews were focused on the subdivision including Kulalani Drive and Kulalani Circle at about 5 p.m. The Fire Department called for the evacuation of residents from the subdivision. The Upcountry fire, reported at 12:22 a.m. today near Olinda Road, led to early-morning evacuations of residents in the Kula 200 and Hanamu Road areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the perimeter of the Upcountry fire was about 1,000 acres and reached as far as Kualono Place near the Kula Lodge. The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained. | County of Maui FB |
| 1816 | Hawaiian Electric asks West Maui, Upcountry customers to prepare for possible extended outages into this evening: Crews repairing multiple downed poles, power lines due to high winds Release Date: 8/8/2023 As high winds continue to impact the electrical system on Maui, Hawaiian Electric is asking currently affected customers in West Maui and Upcountry to potentially prepare for an extended outage into the late evening as crews are working to complete extensive repairs in these areas. Customers not restored by 7 p.m. this evening can plan for possible overnight outages. Additional crews are arriving from Oahu to help with the restoration efforts. The company has also activated its Incident Management Team and is working closely with County of Maui Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations. In West Maui, where approximately 12,400 customers are offline, crews are making repairs to about 30 downed poles and multiple spans of power lines in various areas, including in Puamana along Honoapiilani Highway. In Upcountry, including parts of Olinda and Piiholo, Makawao and Kula, about 600 customers are affected as crews are making repairs to more than 30 spans of downed power lines. “Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as our crews and additional resources are working to restore all customers as quickly as possible,” said Shayna Decker, Hawaiian Electric spokesperson. “With the sustained high wind weather, we are seeing additional impacts to our electrical infrastructure at the same time the crews are making repairs so we are asking customers to please prepare for possible extended outages into the night.” With the forecast of continued high winds, if you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths). Report downed lines immediately by calling Hawaiian Electric’s Trouble Line; the number is 808-871-7777, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you must travel, please help protect line workers and crews when you see them on the roadside assessing damages or making emergency repairs. Move over from the lane nearest workers or slow down until you can safely pass the work site. Use extreme caution when driving. Power interruptions may cause traffic signals to stop working without warning. If you come to an intersection with a non-working traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop. If using a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area (outside the home), and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. Visit www.hawaiianelectric.com/electricalsafety for more safety tips. | County of Maui Media Release: https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=12633 |
| 1843 | Police and fire personnel locate and rescue multiple parties at and in the area of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1843 | National Guard en route to relieve traffic posts. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1859 | Police blocking southbound traffic at Kaanapali Parkway. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1900 | Police report that Front Street from Shaw Street to Mala Wharf engulfed in flames. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1904 | Police evacuating Aulike Street and Leoleo Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1908 | LAHAINA: Front Street Apartments has burnt down. | (Maui-247) |
| 1910 | Police attempting to head back into area of Lahainaluna Road for a report of a fatality; however, cannot reach area due to fire. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1913 | Fire pushing south and nearing Shaw Street, structures involved everywhere. Police continuing evacuations south of Shaw Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1917 | LAHAINA: Island Grocery Warehouse is fully impacted. | (Maui-247) |
| 1919 | Police and Fire evacuating Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Shelter. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1937 | Fire jumped south over Shaw Street, multiple structures involved. Police still evacuating area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1941 | Officers advised to evacuate from Shaw Street area as fire is moving quickly and blocking egress routes. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 1947 | Honoapiʻilani Hwy, Lahaina bound CLOSED at Māʻalaea Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina bound, is CLOSED at Māʻalaea. (Note: this was the road closure that MPD called for at 4:25) | https://mauinow.com/2023/08/08/maui-road-closures-due-to-severe-weather-fires/ |
| 1949 | ROAD CLOSURE: Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina bound, is CLOSED at Maalaea. | Maui 27/7 quoting MFD |
| 2004 | Multiple police officers begin evacuation of Wahikuli neighborhood as fire begins to threaten area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2006 | Lahainaluna High School boarders all confirmed to have been evacuated. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2015 | Police have evacuated all residences’ south of Kapunakea Street and continue evacuations of neighborhood north of Kapunakea Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2016 | GG to HA: Mahina is trying to dedicate what I want to post | Herman Andaya Texts |
| 2018 | MFD requests Keawe Street be closed in both directions as civilians are passing through near the fire. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2034 | MFD requesting evacuation of Wahikuli neighborhood. Police already conducting evacuations of area. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2038 |  | County of Maui FB |
| 2044 | Police report multiple structure fires on Aulike Street and Leoleo Street. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2046 | WEA 90CH EN Evacuation order on Maui for the Wahikuli Subdivision in Lahaina due to the Brushfire. Evacuation order on Maui for the Wahikuli Subdivision in Lahaina due to the Brushfire. Repeat, Evacuation order on Maui for the Wahikuli Subdivision in Lahaina due to the Brushfire. Evacuation order on Maui for the Wahikuli Subdivision in Lahaina due to the Brushfire. Evacuate your family and pets now, do not delay. Evacuate North out of town toward Kapalua. Expect conditions that may make driving difficult and watch for public safety personnel operating in the area. Sent by the Maui Emergency Management Agency. (Note: Police have been evacuating the area since 8:04 p.m.) | (MPD-24) |
| 2051 | Police report the fire is moving towards Hokiokio Road. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2051 | (Maui-247)repeating MEMA and NOAA’s 3:41 p.m. post | |
| 2053 | Police push south side perimeter from Hokiokio Road to Kai Hele Ku Street as fire approaches. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2119 |  {image of facebook post] | MEMA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MauiEMA https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=667052322115153&set=a.233983428755380 |
| 2128 | Multiple structure fires on Kahoma Street. Police conducting evacuation ongoing ns in the area (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2132 | HECO clears makai side of Honoapiilani Highway. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2135 | Police facilitating evacuation traffic north onto highway from Leialii Parkway. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2145 | Mayor Bissen issues emergency proclamation in response to fires Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires Combined Update No. 2, 9:45 p.m.: Firefighter crews continue to battle brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas. Mayor Bissen issued an emergency proclamation in response to fires. The American Red Cross has opened Maui High School as an evacuation center. Wahikuli residents in West Maui were evacuated this evening. The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions. Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas. A firefighter who was responding to the West Maui fire has experienced smoke inhalation and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center. He is in stable condition. Hononoapiʻilani Highway remains open outbound only. Motorist should expect heavy traffic. Water buffalos containing drinking water are located at Kula Fire Station, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Crater Road – Hydrant 373. The County requested for National Guard support. Multiple evacuation orders are in place. Structure damages have occurred, no details on the extent on damages are available. The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Kihei Community Center, Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained. Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at (808) 871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric | Maui County Media Release https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=12639 |
| 2152 | Evacuations continue from Fleming, Leialii Parkway. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2153 | Fire requests MPD assistance evacuating a person on Malolo Place. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2155 | 21:55 Evacuation of the Lahaina Civic Center ordered. Advised to send vehicles to Maui Preparatory Academy (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2159 | Police make attempts to evacuate Malolo Place. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2200 | Multiple structures becoming engulfed on Ainakea Road. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2202 | 22:02 Police able to evacuate all citizens from roadside near Hokiokio Place further south. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2205 |  (Image of 2205) | MEMA Facebook |
| 2207 | Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires Combined Update No. 2, 9:45 p.m.: Firefighter crews continue to battle brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas. Mayor Bissen issued an emergency proclamation in response to fires. The American Red Cross has opened Maui High School as an evacuation center. Wahikuli residents in West Maui were evacuated this evening. The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions. Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas. A firefighter who was responding to the West Maui fire has experienced smoke inhalation and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center. He is in stable condition. Hononoapiʻilani Highway remains open outbound only. Motorist should expect heavy traffic. Water buffalos containing drinking water are located at Kula Fire Station, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Crater Road – Hydrant 373. The County requested for National Guard support. Multiple evacuation orders are in place. Structure damages have occurred, no details on the extent on damages are available. The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Kihei Community Center, Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained. Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at (808) 871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric | County of Maui FB |
| 2209 | 22:09 Police respond to Kaanapali to escort two Roberts Hawaii buses to help evacuate the Lahaina Civic Center. (LAHAINA) ( | (MPD-24) |
| 2210 | Officers continue to search through Ainakea Park toward Hawaiian Homes for evacuees. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2215 | Fire in area of Hokiokio Place. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2224 | Police advise the fire jumped makai over Honoapiilani Highway south of Fleming Road. Police advise all officers still in area of Front Street (north side) to evacuate due to fire. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2228 | 22:28 Fire has jumped Hokiokio Place, and is continuing south. (LAHAINA) 22:29 National Guard arriving in area and directed to Napili Sub Station. (LAHAINA) 22:30 Department Operations Command implemented and activated at Police Headquarters in Wailuku. 22:31 Buses are loaded and departing Lahaina Civic Center for Maui Preparatory Academy. (LAHAINA) 22:38 Police transport Maui Preparatory Academy principal to school to open new shelter location. (LAHAINA) 22:42 Traffic from Kai Hele Ku and Honoapiilani Highway cleared. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2244 | UPDATE @ 10:44 pm: The brush fire is in the area of Hokiokio Place on South Lahaina and also at Leiali’i on North Lahaina. | (Maui-247) |
| 2252 | Northbound lanes of Honoapiilani Highway, north of Leialii Parkway reopens by HECO. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2255 |  {image of facebook post] | County of Maui Facebook |
| 2300 | 23:00 Fire near Puamana moving slowly to the south. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2304 |  {image of facebook post] | County of Maui Facebook |
| 2304 | EMERGENCY SHELTER: Maui High School Gym in Kahului is open as an emergency shelter for people who are displaced by the fire. | (Maui-247) |
| 2319 | Police coordinating with Kaanapali hotels and preparing for possible mass evacuations. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2322 | Mayor Bissen issues emergency proclamation in response to fires Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires : Combined Update No. 2, 9:45 p.m.: Firefighter crews continue to battle brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas. Mayor Bissen issued an emergency proclamation in response to fires. The American Red Cross has opened Maui High School as an evacuation center. Wahikuli residents in West Maui were evacuated this evening. The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions. Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas. A firefighter who was responding to the West Maui fire has experienced smoke inhalation and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center. He is in stable condition. Hononoapiʻilani Highway remains open outbound only. Motorist should expect heavy traffic. Water buffalos containing drinking water are located at Kula Fire Station, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Crater Road – Hydrant 373. The County requested for National Guard support. Multiple evacuation orders are in place. Structure damages have occurred, no details on the extent on damages are available. The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Kihei Community Center, Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained. Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at (808) 871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric | (Maui-247) |
| 2331 | Evacuations of Halelo Street and Anapuni Loop. (LAHAINA) | (MPD-24) |
| 2337 | Hawaiian Homes being evacuated by Police and Fire. (LAHAINA) | Maui Police Department, 2024) |
| 2350 |  | https://www.facebook.com/MauiEMA |
