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Kihei Today
By the People, for the People
Maui County Responds to Kona Storm Damage
Recovery efforts underway after widespread flooding, high winds, and severe rain
Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:35pm
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The County of Maui has been actively working on cleanup and recovery efforts since Sunday in several hard-hit areas impacted by the recent Kona storm. The storm brought widespread flooding, high winds, and severe rain to many parts of the four-island county. Maui Emergency Management Agency is assessing damage and encouraging residents and businesses to report impacts through an online portal.
Why it matters
The Kona storm caused significant damage across Maui County, disrupting infrastructure, services, and daily life for many residents. The county's response and recovery efforts are crucial to helping the community get back on its feet and accessing state and federal assistance for the disaster.
The details
County departments have been working on cleanup efforts since the storm hit on Sunday. The Department of Water Supply deployed drinking water tanks in several locations after a mainline break disrupted service. Residents are advised to conserve water due to potential power and system disruptions. Shelters opened by MEMA and the Red Cross are slated to close by the end of the day as the number of people seeking refuge declines. Roads remain hazardous due to debris and flooding, with travel limited in some areas. All county offices, parks, and facilities have now reopened after being closed on Friday.
- The Kona storm hit Maui County on Sunday, March 12, 2026.
- The County of Maui declared an emergency on March 10, 2026.
- The County Emergency Operations Center went into activation on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6 a.m.
The players
Maui Emergency Management Agency
The county agency responsible for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts.
Department of Water Supply
The county department that provides drinking water services and deployed water tanks in impacted areas.
American Red Cross
A humanitarian organization that partnered with MEMA to open shelters for those displaced by the storm.
Richard Bissen
The Mayor of Maui County who signed an emergency proclamation to access state and federal assistance.
What’s next
The County of Maui will continue assessing damage, coordinating cleanup and recovery efforts, and providing updates to residents as the situation evolves.
The takeaway
The Kona storm caused significant disruption across Maui County, but the coordinated response from local agencies and officials demonstrates the community's resilience and commitment to supporting residents and businesses through the recovery process.
