Maui Businesses Face Immediate Operational Disruptions Due to Flood Advisory

A Flood Advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect for Maui until 11:30 AM today. This advisory indicates conditions that could cause minor flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas, posing immediate risks to businesses operating on the island.

The Change

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory for Maui, effective immediately and scheduled to expire at 11:30 AM on January 21, 2026. This advisory signals an increased likelihood of localized flooding, which can disrupt daily operations, impact transportation, and pose safety concerns for employees and customers. Businesses should treat this as a signal for immediate, short-term preparedness.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators

Small business operators, including restaurants, retail shops, and service providers, should anticipate potential disruptions. This includes:

• Reduced Foot Traffic: Customers may stay home due to hazardous travel conditions or localized flooding near their premises.
• Staffing Challenges: Employees may face difficulties commuting to work, potentially leading to understaffing.
• Operational Halts: Businesses in flood-prone areas may need to temporarily close to ensure safety and prevent property damage.
• Minor Property Damage: Even minor flooding can cause damage to inventory, equipment, and storefronts, leading to unexpected repair costs.

Real Estate Owners

Property owners, landlords, and property managers must be aware of the immediate risks associated with flood advisories:

• Ground-Level Flooding: Basements, parking garages, and ground-floor units are most susceptible to minor inundation.
• Tenant Safety: Ensuring tenants are aware of the advisory and safe passage to and from their properties is paramount.
• Infrastructure Assessment: Checking drainage systems and immediate surroundings for potential blockages that could exacerbate flooding.

Tourism Operators

Given Maui's reliance on tourism, this advisory has direct implications for hotels, tour companies, and vacation rentals:

• Tour Cancellations: Outdoor tours, inter-island travel, and activities reliant on transportation may be canceled or postponed.
• Guest Transportation: Airport transfers and transportation for guests to attractions could be significantly delayed or rerouted.
• Guest Experience: Potential for guest dissatisfaction if activities are disrupted or if properties experience minor flooding.

Agriculture & Food Producers

Farmers, ranchers, and food producers face immediate concerns related to weather-dependent operations:

• Field Operations: Planting, harvesting, and general farm work may be temporarily halted.
• Crop Vulnerability: Certain crops can be damaged or destroyed by even short periods of inundation.
• Livestock Safety: Ensuring livestock are moved to higher ground or protected from potential flooding.
• Infrastructure Damage: Farm roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities could be compromised.

Healthcare Providers

Healthcare facilities and providers must consider the immediate impact on service delivery and access:

• Patient Access: Patients may be unable to travel to appointments or medical facilities, leading to missed appointments and potential health consequences.
• Staff Commute: Healthcare professionals may face difficulties reaching their workplaces, impacting staffing levels for critical services.
• Emergency Response: While advisories are typically for minor flooding, extreme events can strain emergency services.

Second-Order Effects

While this is a short-term advisory, repeated or more severe weather events can trigger significant ripple effects in Hawaii's isolated economy. For instance, consistent disruptions to tourism operations due to weather can lead to reduced revenue for hotels and tour operators. This, in turn, can decrease demand for services, potentially impacting employment in the hospitality sector and leading to reduced local spending. Furthermore, frequent disruptions to agricultural output can strain local food supply chains, potentially increasing prices for consumers and forcing greater reliance on costly imported goods.

What to Do

For All Affected Roles:

• Monitor Official Advisories: Continuously check updates from the National Weather Service and local Maui government emergency management for changes to the advisory status. (National Weather Service Honolulu)
• Communicate Internally: Inform staff about the advisory and any operational adjustments being made.
• Review Emergency Plans: Briefly review immediate business continuity and emergency preparedness plans.

Specific Actions by Role:

• Small Business Operators: If located in a known flood-prone area, consider temporarily closing or advising staff to stay home until the advisory is lifted. Secure outdoor items. [Action: Assess immediate flood risk for your location and communicate any closures or operational changes to staff and customers before 9:00 AM today.]

• Real Estate Owners: Check immediate drainage around properties. Advise ground-floor tenants of potential minor flooding and ensure clear evacuation routes if necessary. [Action: Conduct a quick assessment of drainage and advise ground-floor tenants of the flood advisory before 9:00 AM today.]

• Tourism Operators: Prepare for potential tour cancellations and delays. Communicate proactively with guests about any changes to their bookings. Monitor road conditions for transportation services. [Action: Initiate communication with guests about potential disruptions and have contingency plans for transportation and activity rescheduling ready by 9:00 AM today.]

• Agriculture & Food Producers: Assess immediate field conditions and livestock safety. Secure any vulnerable outdoor equipment or supplies. [Action: Prioritize livestock safety and secure outdoor assets on the farm before 9:00 AM today.]

• Healthcare Providers: Advise patients of potential delays and assess staff commute challenges. Ensure critical operational systems are secure. [Action: Implement flexible scheduling for staff and communicate potential delays to incoming patients before 9:00 AM today.]