Maui jail inmates break sprinklers, start small fire

WAILUKU — Hawaii correctional officials say inmates at a Maui jail broke fire sprinklers and started a small fire inside one module.

State Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Toni Schwartz said in an email Monday many inmates voluntarily came out of the module but there were some holdouts.

Officials say the situation was resolved a little over three hours later.

Maui firefighters also responded to the scene.

Mayor Michael Victorino urged residents to avoid the area.

The department’s website says Maui Community Correctional Center houses detainees before they go to trial. It also provides reintegration programs to prisoners due to be released on Maui.

Hawaii News Now reports the jail was overcrowded, with more than 470 inmates but 301 beds last year.