09/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2025 21:05
EVACUATION SITES OPENED
As of 4:30 p.m. today, American Red Cross had opened evacuation sites at Haliimaile and Pukalani's Hannibal Tavares community centers. Makawao's Eddie Tam and Haiku community centers are still being prepped and not yet open. Bring food, water and supplies. Pets may be leashed and in crates.
EVACUATION ORDERS, WARNINGS
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued around 2:09 p.m. today, Sept. 23, 2025, evacuation orders and warnings for multiple areas in Paia due to smoke and proximity amid the Holomua fire. Door-to-door evacuations, along with evacuations via EAS, WEA, Genasys, MEMA Alerts and a siren, have occurred. For specific zone locations, visit https://protect.genasys.com/search or download the Genasys Protect app.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY AND ROAD CLOSURE
Non-local traffic is asked to avoid Paia.
Closures include:
• Baldwin Avenue at Makawao Union Church
• Baldwin Avenue at Haliimaile Road
• Hana Highway at Baldwin Avenue
• Hana Highway at Holomua Road
• Paia-bound lane of North Firebreak Road
• Hana Highway Paia-bound lane at Haleakala Highway
BUDGET MEETING CANCELED
The County Budget meeting slated for tonight in Paia has been canceled due to the fire.
RESOURCES
Maui Fire Department (MFD) has two helicopters, a battalion chief, four engines, one tanker, along with other assets. A state ARFF unit is onsite. Multiple private dozers, tankers and other assets are also responding.
FIRE UPDATE
The brush fire of about four acres was first reported near Holomua Road and Baldwin Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Since then, fire spotting has occurred, and the fire is estimated at more than 100 acres.
INFO
MEMA is in full activation and its call center has been opened at (808) 270-7285. Sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA Alerts at -www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui and MEMA on Facebook and Instagram.