Hawaii tsunami: Police statement as Oprah Winfrey accused of impeding evacuation effort

Oprah Winfrey has been accused of impeding Hawaii locals from getting to safety as the island is ravaged by tsunami warnings. The talk show host, 71, reportedly did not open her private road in Maui as residents fled to higher ground after being evacuated from coastal areas. Oprah's road connects Wailea to Kula via an inland route which locals say could ease traffic on the rest of the island.

However, police have now confirmed that Oprah's private road is open, with the Maui Police Department stating: "Maui Veterans Highway is congested; use Cane Haul Road toward Hansen and Pulehu roads to get to Kula. Road above Makena Golf Course provides access to Ulupalakua. Also, Oprah's road is open to get Upcountry."

A spokesperson for Oprah has now issued a statement to Daily Express, telling us: "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. 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."

However, viral posts yesterday (July 29) claimed Oprah was stopping people from getting to safety as she delayed opening the road. One post that has now gone viral read: "Oprah won't open her private road from Wailea to Kula, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground. Massive traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape. Open the road Oprah."

Someone else posted: "A potentially life-saving route is being kept closed while people are stuck in cars with sirens blaring."

Another post said: "Why hasn't Oprah opened her road? This could save lives..." While a fourth user said: "Oprah HAS NOT opened her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would allow coastal folks to reach higher ground quickly, locals tell me. Open the road Oprah! Roads on Maui are GRIDLOCKED as people try to escape the incoming tsunami."

In 2023, Winfrey did open the road during the wildfires in Maui to help aid evacuation efforts.

Sirens have been heard across Hawaii, with all individuals in coastal areas instructed to "move inland and to high ground or follow their accommodation evacuation protocol immediately". The National Weather Service sent a statewide tsunami alert out to residents after a huge earthquake in Russia, which is expected to affect Hawaii, Alaska and Japan.