Multiple sources report that a brush fire that broke out in Olowalu on September 26 amid Hurricane Nolo’s strong winds is now 95% contained, and the mandatory evacuation order for the area was lifted early Monday morning. Nearly 10,000 West Maui customers lost power over the weekend due to the storm, with outages stretching from Lahaina to Kapalua, though power has since been largely restored.
- A brush fire ignited at 1:57 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 in Olowalu, burning more than 100 acres before reaching 95% containment.
- Maui Emergency Management Agency lifted the mandatory evacuation order for Olowalu Village residents — from Luawai Street to Ehehene Street — at 5:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28.
- Residents returning home are cautioned that fire crews remain on scene and smoke and other hazards may still be present.
- Honoapiʻilani Highway was temporarily closed between North Kīhei Road and Olowalu General Store during the fire; both lanes reopened by 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
- Hurricane Nolo produced wind gusts exceeding 70 mph across West Maui, knocking out power for nearly 10,000 customers.
- Hawaiian Electric proactively de-energized power to the Olowalu area around 4:30 p.m. Saturday in response to the fire; all of West Maui from Lahaina to Kapalua lost power just after midnight Sunday.
- Internet and cellular communications also went down alongside the power outage, compounding difficulties for residents and businesses. (Yahoo/KHON2)
- West Maui businesses faced significant disruption — some closed proactively Saturday night, others scrambled with generators to stay operational Sunday, which is typically a high-revenue day. (Yahoo/KHON2)
- Charging stations and Starlink satellite internet are available at the Lahaina Civic Center Gym for residents still experiencing outages; residents should bring their own charging cables.
- Power and communication outages may still be affecting some parts of the area; residents without connectivity are encouraged to use battery-powered or hand-crank radios tuned to local emergency broadcast stations.
Sources
- Yahoo/KHON2: Olowalu evacuation order lifted as Maui fire hits 95%
- Yahoo/KHON2: Power restored to nearly 10K West Maui customers
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