OLIVIA TUESDAY FORECAST UPDATES: http://mauinow.com/?p =280068

MAUI OLIVIA CLOSURES, CANCELLATIONS: http://mauinow.com/?p =280073

Maui Power Outage Updates: http://mauinow.com/?p =280081

Maui Traffic Advisories/Rd Closures: http://mauinow.com/?p =280096

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the closure of all non-essential county offices on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, in anticipation of dangerous conditions from Tropical Storm Olivia.

In discussion with Gov. David Ige and state Department of Education officials, the decision has been also made to close all public schools within Maui County on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

(Only one charter school – Kīhei Charter – has informed the county that they will also be closed on Wednesday).

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Shelters to Open at 6 p.m. on 9.11.18:

As soon as public schools close this afternoon, the Red Cross will be working to set up evacuation shelters at select locations. Effective at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, emergency evacuation shelters will be established at:

Maui High School (pet friendly);

Kīhei Elementary School (pet friendly);

Kalama Intermediate (pet friendly);

Hāna High & Elementary School;

Molokaʻi High School;

Lānaʻi Elementary and High School; and

Lahaina Civic Center.

*Note: Smoking and drinking are not allowed at shelters or in parking lots. Pets entering a pet-friendly shelter must be in a pet carrier or cage for safety. Owners must provide water and food for their pets and will be expected to assist in the care of their pets.

Shelter evacuees must bring their own food, water and blankets. In case of a power outage at a shelter, please remember to also bring a flashlight or battery-operated lantern.

“Although our evacuation centers provide some protection from flying debris and strong winds, they should be a last resort option,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa during today’s press conference. The county urges people, whenever possible, to stay with family or friends outside of hazard areas.

The county shutdown means that county services will be affected tomorrow. They include the following:

Maui Bus – Bus service will continue as usual today. Tomorrow all Maui Bus service will be canceled.

Parks – Hāna Bay and the Keʻanae Restrooms will be closed by 1 p.m. today to prepare for the heavy rains in East Maui. The rest of our county parks and park facilities will be closed tomorrow.

Trash Pickup – There will be no trash pickup on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Landfills – All county landfills will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Water – The Department of Water Supply asks that all customers conserve water due to high winds and/or flooding that could disrupt power supply to water sources. Customers should store drinking water for use during the storm in the event of a shutoff. In general, consumers should have a safe supply of water for emergency use by storing one gallon of water per person per day for 14 days, as well as have some water on hand for pets. Customers can call the 24-hour service line (270-7633) only if a water problem occurs.

Finally, the county asks that all residents do their part to get ready for Olivia by having an emergency kit and evacuation. Remember to shelter in place and stay informed. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity as storm conditions can change rapidly. Monitor news, radio and online news sources, as well as check our county website, www.mauicounty.gov, for the latest details and most accurate information.