Oprah Winfrey is pushing back against accusations that private roads on her Maui property were blocked while local residents sought safety during a tsunami evacuation. A spokesperson for Winfrey described the claims as false and urged individuals to contact local authorities and FEMA immediately for road access information when a tsunami warning is issued.
“Upon hearing the tsunami alert, I reached out to local law enforcement and FEMA to confirm that the roads were open,” the spokesperson stated, addressing the situation following urgent evacuation efforts prompted by the warning.
Concerns arose online, with rumors suggesting that residents were unable to pass through the private access gates of Winfrey’s estate. In response, local law enforcement has stepped in to assist residents, managing traffic with approximately 50 cars at a time, ensuring everyone’s safety during this urgent situation.
A tsunami warning was issued overnight, leading to swift actions aimed at evacuating and guiding residents to higher ground throughout parts of Hawaii. Reports have indicated that the evacuation order for coastal flood zones has now been lifted, as confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem after discussions with Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
It appears this isn’t the first time Winfrey’s Maui property has been under scrutiny. Last June, two young men were arrested on a public road that crosses her estate for suspected illegal hunting activities. Notably, Winfrey owns about 1,000 acres on the island, where public roads occasionally intersect with her private property.
