Hawaii Emergency Management issued an evacuation order Monday night for the area downstream of the Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The dam is in imminent danger of failure according to the agency and the evacuation also coincides with a flash-flood warning.
The National Weather Service reported 13.2 inches (33.5 centimeters) of rain fell in the Haiku area between 7 am and 3 pm and the heavy rains have led to the dam cresting and the breach. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, "Failure of the dam will produce life-threatening flooding as well as significant property damage in areas downstream from the dam."
According to a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, 93 percent of the state’s 132 regulated dams are classified as high hazard potential. The Kaupakalua Dam was built in 1885 to divert water from streams to feed sugar plantation lands and is 57 feet (17.4 meters) in height and 400 feet (122 meters) in length.
Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said during a live Facebook address that resources were being deployed into the area. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a real flooding situation we have not seen in a long time. In fact, some of the residents have told me that this is the worst they’ve seen in over 25 years. If you have family and friends and you can get out of the area, that is probably preferable. But be careful if you see high water, turn around and go back. Do not try to cross it at this time."
Tourists have been told to stay in their hotel rooms or other lodging and not go out. Evacuation centers have been set up at Hana High School and the Paia Community Center.
Chris Sanita, the principal at Hana High School told the Associated Press, "We’re ready, our gym is big, we got a lot of resources."
Update per Maui County:
— Governor David Ige (@GovHawaii) March 9, 2021
Evacuations ongoing in Haiku for everyone in vicinity of Kaupakalua Dam and makai of Kaupakalua Road
Maui County officials have been informed that Kaupakalua Dam has been breached.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige said in a statement, "The state is standing by to support the County of Maui as residents and visitors downstream of the Kaupakulua Dam evacuate at this hour. Please stay out of the area until the danger has passed and continue to monitor local media for updates."
This is a developing story.
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