David Y. Ige

KAHULUI – As the Tropical Storm Warning continues for Maui County, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is preparing for potential impacts to state routes on Maui and is focusing on prestaging plans for Hana Highway (Route 360).

HDOT responded to over a dozen landslide and tree fall events on Hana Highway between Aug. 23 – 28, 2018, and urges those unfamiliar with the route to avoid the area. A variable message sign (VMS) will be posted in the Twin Falls area (approximately mile marker 2) to warn motorists of the potential for landslides. The VMS may be removed if it cannot be anchored to avoid causing potential threats in high winds.

Other actions HDOT Highways is taking to prepare Hana Highway for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Olivia are:

• Checking and clearing drainage inlets, catch basins and culverts.
• Prestaging a loader and other equipment at mile marker 6.
• Coordinating with private contractors with equipment currently staged in Hana and Central Maui to mobilize their equipment as necessary to clear the highway.
• Putting crews on standby this afternoon and using Keanae Crew members living in Hana and Keanae for possible response.
• Arranging for a landscape contractor to be on standby for potential tree and branch removal.

HDOT continues to coordinate with Federal, State, and County officials in preparation for Tropical Storm Olivia. Additional updates will be posted on the HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-advisories/ and over HDOT’s social media accounts, https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ and https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii

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Shelly Kunishige
Department of Transportation
Public Affairs Office
Office: (808) 587-2161
E-mail: [email protected]