Acting Governor Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signed an emergency proclamation on Thursday morning in response to the ongoing Crater Road Fire, which has been burning since Wednesday evening and forced the closure of Haleakalā National Park.
In addition to being well-known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, Haleakalā is also highly significant for honoring and conserving Native Hawaiian culture.
Maui’s Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA) Operations Center was partially activated at 8:02 p.m. on July 10. By 3:04 a.m., MEMA sent an informational message advising residents in homes above Kekaulike and Haleakalā Highways, between Upper Kimo and Waipoli Roads, to prepare for a possible evacuation. You can see video of the fire from Maui Now here.
Then later at around 4 a.m. Thursday, the Maui Fire Department issued a similar alert urging residents in the Upper Kula area to prepare for this potential evacuation and to monitor a radio, TV, and mobile devices for official information.
Due to the ongoing fire, Maui County has closed Haleakalā National Park for Thursday, July 10. This closure includes access to sunrise viewing and the campgrounds at Hosmer’s Grove.
The fire is currently spreading southeast, driven by estimated wind speeds of 40 mph.
According to a Maui Now update, the fire is 15% contained at 500 acres as of this morning, July 11, 2024.
County officials reported that all 150 to 200 vehicles located on the mountainside of the road were released slowly overnight. Motorists informed Maui Now that officials released vehicles in groups of 5-15 at time, with some getting out after 3 a.m.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported and no structures have been damaged in the brush fire.
In response to the fire, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen also signed an emergency proclamation enabling the county to use federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure.
These funds support emergency response efforts, ensuring an effective countywide response. The proclamation includes provisions to temporarily suspend any laws that could hinder emergency operations or delay their execution.
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