Oprah Opens Maui Road Amid Hawaii Tsunami Evacuation

Following a massive earthquake in Russia's Far East that triggered tsunami warnings in Hawaii, Oprah Winfrey faced online backlash amid rumors that she blocked a private road on her Maui estate, preventing residents from evacuating to higher ground. Winfrey's spokesperson denied these claims, stating that they immediately coordinated with local law enforcement and FEMA to open the road and assist evacuation efforts, with police managing traffic flow to ensure safety. The private road, which connects the coastal area of Wailea to the uplands of Kula, has been opened during previous emergencies such as wildfires in 2019 and 2023 to help residents evacuate. Despite the controversy, authorities confirmed that evacuation orders were lifted after the tsunami threat was downgraded and that the road remained accessible as needed. Oprah, who owns over 2,000 acres on Maui and has lived there for many years, has also faced criticism in the past for her response to Hawaii-related disasters, including the 2023 wildfires, which she addressed publicly. Overall, local officials and Winfrey's team emphasize her cooperation and immediate action during the emergency, countering the social media rumors accusing her of blocking access.