KIHEI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Heavy rains slammed into Maui County overnight leaving residents and visitors stuck in the mud — literally.
Major roads were closed, some collapsing in the ocean. Now, Maui crews are working to clean up the pieces.
In the morning hours on Friday, Jan. 31, cars were stuck in the middle of the road, with debris getting stuck in gulches leading to flooding.
The island started seeing heavy rains around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.
“Sleepless night. I had maybe an hour I’m going to say that I was listening to a river last night, a raging river. It buckled immediately, but then the whole thing came down probably around 11 p.m. It was coming through,” said Nico Bonilla, Kihei resident.
He said this kind of flooding happens every year, but each year it feels like it’s getting worse.
“The county gave the permit for it to be built and I believe they have to do something to help mitigate this to help protect these homes over here on this side as well.”
Dan Davis’s neighbors called him and said they were stranded three blocks from home and had to spend 11 hours sleeping in their car.
“The drainage here is awful. We’re on the flat plains so I see the county working to clear ditches but this was a big event,” Davis said.
Residents were volunteering to help clear cars and parking lots from the thick mud and debris. The National Guard kept several roads blocked so drivers wouldn’t get stuck.
“It freed up our public work staff so they can focus on the roads and man the intersections. They can clear the mud and clear the water and are police department could be responding to people in need,” said Mayor Richard Bissen.
The Emergency OPS Center was partially activated through the night.
“In regards to how many people were trapped in floodwaters or any kinds of incidents that involved people, it was minimal in regards to how big the incident was on Maui,” said Kono Davis, MEMA OPS Section Chief.
He said the strong winds led to more downed eucalyptus trees blocking areas like streams, gulches and even roads before the heavy rains hit. Mayor Bissen said addressing the future of South Maui is a priority.
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“We know we have to address that and talk more about our future and how we’re going to get around South Maui, Kenolio Rd is known as a major road in N. South Collector Rd. that the community has been asking for that we’ve made a priority to put in and of course, Piilani Highway is of course a major thoroughfare so yep we are definitely focused on South Maui.”
A portion of South Kihei Road buckled due to the storm impacting the water main. There is no time frame yet on when it will reopen.