Maui Mayor: ‘We are almost through this. Don’t be impatient’

WAILUKU, Maui—Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is urging residents to stay away from evacuated areas which are still being hit by the tsunami.

Waves are flooding streets, overflowing sewage lines and leaving dirt, leaves, coconuts and other debris strewn everywhere. Affected areas include Kihei, Kahului, Lahaina and Maalaea.

Maui police have blocked off these areas but some motorists are still trying to drive through. In one instance a police officer had to chase down a car and knock on the driver’s window to get him to stop and go around a flooded street.

“The threat of the tsunami is not yet over,” said Mayor Arakawa. “Residents and tourists will know when they can go back to their homes and hotels because we will give them an all clear signal.

“We are almost through this. Don’t be impatient because that could result in someone getting hurt.”

Roads are likely to remain closed for another hour at least.