Oprah says she opened private road in Maui 'as soon as' tsunami warnings were issued
Winfrey, who owns a home on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is a part-time resident, denied reported claims from locals that the media mogul failed to open her private road for evacuations after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck July 29 off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
"As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false," a spokesperson for Winfrey told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday, July 30.
Shortly after the initial tsunami warning sirens went off at around 3 p.m. local time in Hawaii, the streets of Honolulu, including the tourist hub Waikiki, were congested as people quickly tried to move to higher ground and away from coastal evacuation zones. Evacuations were ordered shortly after.
"Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone's safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary," Winfrey's rep continued in the statement.
A video posted by several users, including one reshared more than 1,000 times, on social media shows cars in line on a main road as an alarm blares. The X videos include the same caption: "Oprah won't open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground." Reader context provided to the videos assert the claim is false.
Tsunami waves began arriving in Hawaii after 7 p.m. local time July 29. In less than four hours, however, the risk to the state was downgraded from a tsunami warning to an advisory and an evacuation order was lifted for "coastal inundation zones." There were no reports of severe damage.
Winfrey previously opened her private road for evacuations after a 2019 brush fire and provided assistance during the island's 2023 wildfires.
Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY staff
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
Huge Patagonia summer sale knocks up to 40% off outdoor apparel — here's 19 deals I'd shop now
The summer is flying by — and if you're sneaking in some last-minute adventures before back to school season, you're going to want to check out the current Patagonia sale. Whether hearing up for camping trips, beach days or anything in between, you can save up to 40% off Patagonia's high-quality outdoor apparel right now. Additionally, Patagonia makes some great back to school styles — so if you're heading back to campus, you can shop deals starting at just $26 that will have you ready for the new semester ahead. From t-shirts and shorts to hiking pants and rain jackets, Patagonia can be your one-stop shop for this season and beyond. Keep scrolling to check out my top picks from the sale! If you want to wear the Patagonia logo proudly, this is the hat for you. This close-fitting, low-crown trucker hat has an organic cotton front, a recycled polyester mesh back and an adjustable snap closure. This versatile technical top is designed for use on the trail or on the water. It's quick drying, has stretch for mobility and even has odor control for long-lasting freshness. It's a classic look that'll go with a whole range of outfits and will keep you stylish and comfortable no matter where your next outdoor adventure takes you. It's like Patagonia knows the exact features you want from a hip pack and they've put it into this one. Stuffable into its own pocket when you want to store it away, it features an adjustable strap and double pockets for bigger and smaller valuables. If you're after a waist fit or slung over the body, this will do both — all while sporting a trendy colorway. This versatile technical top was designed for use on the bike trail. It's quick drying, has stretch for mobility and even has odor control for long-lasting freshness. It's a classic look that'll go with a whole range of outfits and will keep you stylish and comfortable no matter where your next outdoor adventure takes you. Whether you're heading to the lake, beach or pool, you'll be reaching for these boardshorts all summer long. These lightweight, quick-drying surf shorts are built to perform and feature fantastic four-way stretch. These comfy but freeing shorts are ideal for travel, camping, the gym, or just running errands. They're also ideal in water, thanks to a polyester mesh lining in the pockets. The Patagonia Endless Run Shorts are made of quick-drying fabric that not only keep you dry, but also allow for stretch and movement. There's also a side pocket and a back pocket to carry your snacks and phone. It's all in the name. These all-season hemp pants are built with a flexible 9.6-oz 55% industrial hemp/27% recycled polyester/18% organic cotton blend, and they're pretty perfect for just about any time of year. There's a carpenter pocket on the side to keep tools and tech secure, and an extra layer of fabric from shin to thigh for extra durability. Bring some beachy style to the summer gathering with this festive Hawaiian shirt. It's made made from soft 100% organic cotton plain weave that offers lightweight comfort in warmer weather. It's also perfect to throw in your suitcase for summer vacations. I love a good jumpsuit! There's nothing easier than throwing on one stylish piece and heading out the door. It's stretchy, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. It doesn't get much better than that! The Patagonia Pack Out Tights are ideal for running errands, lounging around the house, working out, and everything in between. They feature a sturdy yet flexible double-knit mossed jersey fabric that's great for high-stepping. The wide waistband also lies flat under a pack or a dress. This is a lightweight, breathable and quick-drying technical fleece that's great for high-exertion activities in colder conditions. Its vivid apricot color is also super eye-catching. A more streamlined take on the beloved Houdini jacket, the pullover variant skips the hood — making it a better option for joggers and cyclists — and features a half zipper rather. Like its sibling, the Houdini Stash 1/2-Zip Pullover is treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating to keep you dry. The women's version of the pullover is also $82. Not only is this backpack an iconic "black hole" pack, it's also a hiking/commute bag. It has a laptop sleeve and a chest strap for those days when you have to be at the office until 5 but have a hike planned at 6. For a warm fleece pullover option, look no further than the super-plush Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Marsupial. Featuring a large communal front pocket with zippered access for either hand, plus a zippered chest pocket, this versatile and cozy garment is an impressive 51% off and sure to become your new cold-weather staple. When the sun goes down, the Lost Canyon Vest is there to answer the call for creature comforts. This beautifully breathable shell is made from 2-ounce 100% polyester (70% recycled) taffeta with four-way stretch and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, insulated with lightweight 80-g Thermogreen 100% recycled polyester. In short, it's a great daily-wear layer that's also great for the environment. Want something that's nearly as packable as the Houdini but with greater weather resistance and warming prowess? The Patagonia Wind Field Jacket is the ticket. Designed for folks training in cool climates, it features a stretchy, moisture-resistant outer layer with soft, breathable fabric under the arms for ventilation. This women's hybrid fleece and insulated pullover from Patagonia is bound to keep you warm on chilly days and evenings. The fleece top provides wicking warmth, whereas the insulated Nano Puff-inspired lower offers extra weather resistance with water-repellent fabric and heat-retaining PrimaLoft insulation. (P.S. You can get the men's version for $229). Here's one of Patagonia's gender-inclusive styles. This cardigan is a remake of one of the brand's most iconic pieces to celebrate Patagonia's 50th anniversary. So, for just $243 you're getting vintage Patagonia at a fraction of the usual retail price.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Video shows passengers flee as fire breaks out under NJ train
A fire broke out on New York-bound train tracks in New Jersey on Aug. 4, forcing passengers to flee during their Monday morning commute. Video footage from the incident shows chaos and panic as passengers attempted to exit the smoke-filled train at Newport station, while a fire can be seen burning under one of the train cars. The fire started shortly before 6:20 a.m. Aug. 4 under an eastbound train at the Newport PATH Station, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) said in a statement to USA TODAY. Watch: Passengers flee PATH train in New Jersey after fire erupts on tracks 13 people treated for smoke inhalation The transportation agency said passengers were evacuated to the platform while the train filled with smoke. Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, of which nine were later transported to the hospital for further evaluation, PANYNJ said in an update around 9:45 a.m. Authorities did not say what sparked the fire, except that an investigation into it is ongoing. The train lines connecting Hoboken in New Jersey to World Trade Center in Manhattan and Journal Square to Midtown Manhattan were suspended as a result of the fire. However, several other lines connecting New Jersey to Manhattan were running, according to updates by PATH on social media. New Jersey Transit buses, New Jersey Transit Rail and New York Waterway were also cross-honoring tickets to assist commuters, the agency said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business Wire
The Westin Maui Unveils Elevated Guest Journey at Hōkūpaʻa Tower
KĀ'ANAPALI, MAUI, Hawaii--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali is proud to unveil an elevated guest experience for its Hōkūpaʻa Tower, further enhancing its position as the only luxury offering on Kāʻanapali Beach. From a fully privatized arrival and check-in at The Lānai to a suite of thoughtful new amenities, Hōkūpaʻa guests now enjoy a seamless transition into a stay defined by personalized service, holistic wellness, and authentic Hawaiian culture. Upon arrival, Hōkūpaʻa guests are greeted with a lei then escorted to the tower's private lounge, The Lānai for a brief tour of the resort grounds and check-in, far from the bustle of the main lobby. Guests are welcomed with a celebratory beverage and a Lānai staff member then offers an introduction to lounge amenities including complimentary breakfast and dinner, craft cocktails, and daily cultural programming. If rooms are not immediately available, guests may relax in The Lānai with a cocktail or light lunch near the infinity pools. Additional Hōkūpaʻa perks now include seamless access to the Heavenly Spa lanai and its pool area for guests over the age of 18. New plush pool towels are also now available in-room, and towel cards are no longer required—guests can simply show their Hōkūpaʻa wristbands at the towel hut. Guests also receive upgraded custom Hōkūpaʻa water bottles for refilling at various stations around the property. Cultural programming remains at the heart of the Hōkūpaʻa experience with daily activities such as traditional lei making, ulana niu (coconut weaving), and Mōʻōlelo Lahaina—a talk-story session honoring the town's rich history. 'This is the Hōkūpaʻa experience as it was always intended—personal, elevated, and yet profoundly rooted in the place and culture of Maui,' said Josh Hargrove, general manager of The Westin Maui. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and we are proud to offer the only luxury experience on Kāʻanapali Beach, America's top-rated beach.' Travelers can experience these enhancements with the Rediscover Hōkūpaʻa package featuring up to 35 percent off for Marriot Bonvoy members (30 percent off for non-members), and a $100 daily resort credit. The discount applies for both guestrooms and suites and is available to book now at this link, with stay dates available through summer 2026. For more information, visit Click here for images.
