Limited access to West Maui is open for residents entering through Waihee and leaving through Maalaea, Maui County officials said in a news release this morning.

Residents must show proof of residency through a driver’s license or state identification card with a West Maui address.

Travel into West Maui on Honoapiilani Highway through Maalaea is limited to emergency operations, the county reminded the public, and requires official authorization from emergency operations officials.

MPD warned that going into restricted areas of Lahaina is a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

“The Maui Police Department has been working tirelessly to coordinate a thorough and respectful body recovery operation within the affected area,” an afternoon release said. “Our primary objective is to ensure the proper handling and identification of deceased individuals while maintaining the safety of the community and public safety personnel on the scene.”

MPD asked for the public’s patience.

“The public is required to stay out of the area, where search-and-rescue operations are underway, as there are loved ones whose families have not been notified yet and possible hazards, including toxic particles from smoldering areas,” the county said. “If your home or former home is in the affected area, you will not be allowed to do so until the affected area has been declared safe by Hazmat teams after the recovery has been completed.”

MPD said that once the affected area is secured, it will be open for travel.

The reopening and the warning comes a day after MPD shut access to West Maui after a few hours because of confrontations from residents in the restricted area and officers who were trying to get them to leave.

Honoapiilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving West Maui through Maalaea.