WAILUKU – Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the closure of all non-essential county offices tomorrow, 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 tomorrow.

All three charter schools in Maui County have also announced closures tomorrow: Kihei Charter, Kualapuu Charter and HTA Charter schools.

With the closure of public schools, the county and Red Cross can announce the emergency evacuation centers that will open tonight at 6 p.m. The list of shelters are as follows: Maui High School (pet friendly), Kihei Elementary School (pet friendly), Kalama Intermediate School (pet friendly), Hana Elementary & High School, Molokai High School, Lanai Elementary & High School and Lahaina Civic Center. Those with special needs can arrive at the evacuation shelters early (4 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.).

Please note that smoking and drinking alcohol is not allowed at any of the evacuation centers or at the center parking lots. Also pets entering pet-friendly shelters still need to be in a pet carrier/cage for safety. Owners must also provide food and water for 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.

The county urges people to use shelters as a last resort, and 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:

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

2) Hana Bay and the Keanae Restrooms closed by 1 p.m. today to prepare for the heavy rains in East Maui. The rest of the county parks and park facilities will be closed tomorrow.

3) There will be no trash pickup tomorrow.

4) All county landfills will be closed tomorrow.

5) 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 the county website, www.mauicounty.gov, for the latest details and most accurate information.