The AP article cited notes that the "barricades" were in many cases downed live power and telephone lines: "The utility says more than 30 power poles are down

The AP article cited notes that the "barricades" were in many cases downed live power and telephone lines: "The utility says more than 30 power poles are down in West Maui, including along the Honoapiilani Highway at the south end of Lahaina." (That Highway aka Highway 30) was the main southern route out of town.) "A telephone pole falls behind their car, causing an accident and blocking a side street."