Flooding Risk Evacuation Notice Downgraded for Lahaina Neighborhoods

Overnight pumping efforts help keep retention basins at safe levels

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:50pm

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An evacuation warning notice has been downgraded to an advisory for the Wahikuli and Leialiʻi areas below Ka Laʻi Ola in Lahaina, Maui, due to the lower risk of flooding. Maui Emergency Management Agency reported that overnight pumping by County of Maui crews has been successful in keeping the retention basins at safe levels.

Why it matters

Extreme weather events like this powerful kona storm can pose serious flooding risks to coastal communities in Maui. The ability to quickly respond and adjust evacuation orders based on changing conditions is crucial for public safety.

The details

The evacuation warning and advisory were initially issued on March 14, 2026 due to fast-moving floodwaters from nearby retention basins nearing capacity. Crews have been working to redirect overflow and actively pump water from the basins to help keep levels safe. The downgrade from a warning to an advisory indicates the flooding risk has subsided.

  • On March 14, 2026, an evacuation warning and advisory was issued at 6 p.m. for the Wahikuli and Leialiʻi areas.
  • On March 15, 2026 at 10:13 a.m., the evacuation warning notice was downgraded to an advisory.

The players

Maui Emergency Management Agency

The agency responsible for issuing evacuation orders and advisories in Maui County.

County of Maui

The local government agency that deployed crews to pump water from the retention basins and help mitigate the flooding risk.

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What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should continue to monitor the situation and follow any further instructions from local authorities.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of proactive emergency management and the ability to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions in order to protect vulnerable coastal communities in Maui.