Athletic fields remain closed, landfill reopens as storm eases

Baldwin Beach Park, Kanaha Beach Park and athletic fields throughout Maui County remained closed Monday while crews assessed flooding and saturation from three days of heavy rainfall.

In Kihei, Ka Lae Pohaku Beach Park was closed to ocean activities until further notice due to significant impacts to the shoreline.

Meanwhile, the Central Maui Landfill and the Olowalu Transfer Station were able to reopen Monday.

According to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, rainfall from Friday through Monday was measured at 23.61 inches at Puu Alii on Molokai and from 5 to 15 inches in areas of Maui, the county reported.

The weather service forecast that weather conditions will improve today but remain unsettled with afternoon clouds and showers.

Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. thanked the community and emergency officials who have been monitoring the storm and working to clear roadways and safely reopen facilities.

“Safety is our first priority and I know everyone is eager to resume daily activities, however with weather forecasts showing the potential for additional impacts this week, it’s important that we all continue to stay aware of the possible dangers, look out for each other and make good decisions,” Bissen said in a news release Monday evening.

At Kanaha Beach Park, entrances were flooded, and restrooms and showers were closed Monday due to a water main line break.

At Papalaua Beach Park, ponding water between the parking area and roadsides prevented campers from parking directly in front of campsites.

Athletic fields at county facilities were closed due to safety hazards associated with field saturation.

Residents can report structural property damage from the flooding online at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

Road closure information is also available at mauicounty.gov/643/RoadClosure-Notifications.

The county advised residents and visitors to monitor weather conditions; stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts; and sign up for alerts from the County of Maui’s Emergency Management Agency at mauicounty.gov/ MEMA.