06/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2025 12:33
FIRE UPDATE
The Kahikinui brush fire mauka of the highway near Mile Marker 24 and 25 is now mapped at approximately 330 acres, which was calculated by Air One flying the perimeter with a flight tracker, according to County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD). The remote, challenging terrain doesn't support walking and estimates have varied on this brush fire. MFD said containment as of 8 a.m. today, 6/16, is 80%. Currently, smoldering fire conditions continue throughout the burn area. Overnight, Maui Police Department (MPD) drone flights showed hotspots throughout the fire area within the dozer line. No nighttime flare-ups occurred, MFD said. No injuries or structural damages have been reported.
SHELTER
Keokea Community Center was opened at 7 a.m. today, 6/16, as a shelter. King Kekaulike High School gymnasium shelter closed at 6:45 a.m. today due to a summer school program. American Red Cross opened the high school gym at 5:30 p.m. 6/15.
EVACUATION ORDERS
Evacuation orders remain in effect today, 6/16. Evacuation orders were issued 6/15 by Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for Kahikinui homes near Mile Marker 24 and 25 due to the fast-moving brush fire, fueled by strong winds. There are approximately 105 Kahikinui homestead lots in the area. MPD and MFD conducted door-to-door evacuations. Also, evacuation orders were sent around 11 a.m. 6/15 through the new Genasys Protect app and MEMA alerts and later with an island-wide Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA).
RESPONSE
MFD has multiple engines and tankers, along with Air One, addressing the fire today in steep, challenging, hard-to-access terrain. County Department of Public Works' tankers, dozers and fuel trucks were en route early this morning. Twenty to 30 State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel are on scene, along with private dozers and personnel.
CLOSURES
Road closure remains in effect on Pi'ilani Highway from Mile Marker 20 to 41 due to firefighting efforts.
BACKGROUND
MFD reported the Kahikinui brush fire at 9:54 a.m. 6/15. The brush fire was originally a quarter acre and increased to around 20 acres by 10:30 a.m. MEMA's Emergency Operations Center was partially activated midday in response to the fire. A temporary evacuation point at Grandma's Coffee house was open midday until 4:30 p.m. 6/15. Mayor Richard Bissen signed an Emergency Proclamation at 5:45 p.m. 6/15 in response to the ongoing fire, which authorizes the County to access federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for emergency response efforts to ensure continued and effective countywide response.
INFO
Sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA Alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui and MEMA on Facebook and Instagram.