Maui braces for flooding, monster surf from Hurricane Lane

UKUMEHAME, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - Maui County officials are preparing for the worst that Hurricane Lane might bring — and are bracing for a long recovery.

One major concern: The potential that monster waves take out Honoapiilani Highway at Ukumehame Beach Park.

Waves from Lane have already started impacting the state and could get even larger as the hurricane nears.

Waves and heavy rain are also a concern for Kihei, which is already prone to flooding during heavy rains.

On Wednesday afternoon, staff at the Kihei Caffe were dismantling their outdoor dining area in preparation of Lane's arrival.

They're also preparing for rain that could potentially flood the restaurant:

"The back of the kitchen is actually below ground so ... we do get a lot of flooding," said Chef Roy Balbicanas. "Hopefully it passes us and not too major."

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said everyone should be taking the storm seriously.

"Because we haven't really faced a hurricane of this magnitude as far as I can remember, it's going to be a new experience for everybody if it maintains its current strength," he said.

Other businesses are preparing for Lane's effects, including the heavy rain that could impact the islands as Lane passes.

County officials also say that residents on Lanai and Molokai got a barge load of supplies Wednesday and should be able to weather the storm.

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