Maui Businesses Face Immediate Operational Disruptions from Severe Weather Emergency Proclamation

An emergency proclamation issued by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen on February 7, 2026, signals an imminent threat of severe weather impacting the county. This declaration is not merely a procedural step; it mandates businesses to review and potentially execute continuity plans to mitigate the risk of operational disruptions, property damage, and ensure the safety of their staff and customers.

The Change

Mayor Bissen has signed an emergency proclamation officially recognizing the imminent threat of severe weather forecasted by the National Weather Service to disproportionately affect Maui County. While specific details of the weather event's severity or precise timeline beyond "ahead of severe weather" are not detailed in the proclamation itself, this official declaration empowers the county to mobilize resources and enact emergency measures. For businesses, this proclamation serves as a critical alert: existing business continuity and disaster preparedness plans should be activated immediately.

Who's Affected

• Small Business Operators (e.g., restaurants, retail shops, service providers):

  • Immediate Risk: Potential for physical damage to property, loss of inventory due to flooding or high winds, and disruption of supply chains.
  • Staffing: Need to consider employee safety for commuting and on-site work, potentially requiring adjusted hours or remote work options if feasible.
  • Operational Costs: Increased costs for securing premises, potential for business interruption leading to lost revenue, and expenses related to cleanup and repairs.

• Real Estate Owners (e.g., property owners, landlords, property managers):

  • Property Damage: Exposure to damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding, impacting structural integrity and tenant usability.
  • Rental Income: Risk of lost rental income due to uninhabitable units or inability of tenants to access properties.
  • Maintenance & Repair Costs: Immediate need for securing property exteriors, checking drainage systems, and potential for significant repair costs post-event.

• Tourism Operators (e.g., hotels, tour companies, vacation rentals):

  • Guest Safety & Experience: Paramount concern for the safety of guests. May necessitate cancellation or modification of tours and activities.
  • Operational Capacity: Potential for power outages, transportation disruptions (affecting both staff and guests), and closure of access roads.
  • Reputational Risk: Managing guest expectations and ensuring clear communication during adverse weather events, which can impact future bookings.

• All Businesses on Maui: The emergency proclamation necessitates a review of insurance policies. Ensure coverage adequately addresses potential damage from wind, water, and business interruption. Contacting insurance providers to understand claim procedures and documentation requirements is advisable.

Second-Order Effects

Severe weather on Maui can trigger a cascade of economic impacts due to the island's inherent logistical constraints. An immediate closure of businesses or reduction in operational capacity due to weather disruptions can lead to a temporary but sharp increase in demand for essential goods and services, potentially driving up local prices for groceries and basic supplies. This heightened local demand, coupled with potential disruptions to inter-island shipping and port operations, could strain supply chains for businesses already grappling with imported goods costs.

Furthermore, a significant weather event can deter immediate tourism, leading to a short-term dip in visitor arrivals. This reduction in visitor spending directly impacts the revenue streams of the tourism sector and, by extension, businesses that rely on tourist foot traffic. In response to reduced immediate tourism, some operators might shift focus to local patronage or offer discounted services, potentially affecting profit margins. The need for emergency repair and reconstruction services could also create a temporary surge in demand for skilled labor, potentially pushing up wages in those specific trades.

What to Do

Given the high urgency, businesses on Maui operating under the emergency proclamation must take immediate action.

For Small Business Operators:

1. Activate Your Business Continuity Plan: Review and implement immediate steps outlined in your plan. This includes securing physical assets, protecting inventory, and ensuring data backups are secure.
2. Communicate with Staff: Provide clear instructions regarding work status, safety protocols, and potential operational changes (e.g., modified hours, remote work options if applicable). Ensure employees have a safe way to travel or decide if they should not report to work.
3. Inform Customers: If operations will be affected, post clear notices on your website, social media, and physical storefront. Offer alternatives or reschedule services where possible.
4. Assess Supply Chain: Anticipate potential disruptions to deliveries and be prepared to source alternative suppliers if necessary. Stock essential supplies if feasible and safe to do so.

For Real Estate Owners:

1. Perform Urgent Property Inspections: Conduct a rapid assessment of all properties for immediate weather vulnerabilities (e.g., loose roofing, clear drains, secure windows/doors). Take preventative measures where possible.
2. Notify Tenants: Communicate with tenants regarding weather preparedness, safety instructions, and emergency contact information. Advise them on securing their own rented spaces.
3. Secure Common Areas: Ensure landscaping is trimmed, outdoor furniture is secured, and any potential projectiles are removed from common areas to prevent damage.

For Tourism Operators:

1. Review Guest Communication Protocols: Proactively inform guests about potential weather impacts on tours, activities, and amenities. Provide clear guidance on safety procedures and emergency shelters if necessary.
2. Coordinate with Staff: Ensure all staff are briefed on emergency procedures, have a safe way to get to and from work, and understand their roles during the event. Confirm staffing levels for critical functions.
3. Assess Operational Feasibility: Determine which tours, activities, or services can safely proceed. Be prepared to cancel or modify offerings and communicate changes transparently to guests. Monitor transportation and accessibility to your locations.

Action Details: Small business operators and tourism operators should ideally have their emergency plans reviewed and ready for activation at the first sign of a severe weather warning. For this proclamation, review and implement necessary safety checks and communications with staff and customers within the next 24-48 hours to mitigate immediate risks of damage and operational shutdown.