12:45 p.m., April 12, Update: Flash Flood Warning canceled, various

Published on April 12, 2024

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The National Weather Service has canceled the Flash Flood Warning for Kaua‘i on Friday, as heavy rainfall has subsided. However, a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through 6 p.m., Friday, and residents and visitors should continue to monitor the weather and be prepared to take action if conditions change.

Officials are announcing the following updates.

County Emergency Proclamation Issued

Acting Mayor Reiko Matsuyama signed an emergency proclamation on April 12, 2024, for the County of Kaua‘i. The purpose of the emergency proclamation is to provide continued relief for disaster damages, losses, and suffering, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Kaua‘i residents and visitors.

The disaster emergency relief period shall now continue until terminated 60 days after April 12, 2024, or by a separate proclamation – whichever comes first.

Road closures

Various crews from the Department of Public Works Roads Maintenance Division and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continue to respond to issues of closures on island. Please stay tuned to local media for updates. Below is an update on the current road closures and conditions:

  • Hanalei:
    • Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge remains closed.
  • Wailua:
    • Southbound lanes of Kūhiō Highway at Wailua Bridge remain closed. Traffic in both directions remains open on the northbound bridge.
  • Līhu‘e:
    • Pua Loke Street near Haleko Road remains closed due to a sinkhole and a leaning utility pole.
    • Rice Street, near Mokoi Street, is closed due to a landslide.
  • Lāwa‘i:
    • Ho‘ona Road and Lāwa‘i Road remain closed as Waikomo Stream is overflowing on the roadway.
    • Akemama Road remains closed due to a small mudslide.
  • Kōloa:
    • The bridge on Wailaau Road remains closed due to flooding.
  • Po‘ipū
    • Ho‘one Road, near Po‘ipū Beach Park, is currently closed due to flooding.

Shelters

Due to the reopening of roadways, the shelters at Kapa‘a and Kōloa neighborhood centers are closed as of noon, Friday. However, the community-run shelter at Hale Halawai in Hanalei will stay open while Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge remains closed.  

Park Closures

  • Lydgate Beach Park is closed until further notice for safety concerns. Updates will be posted when the park re-opens.
  • The State of Hawai‘i’s Kalalau Trail remains closed due to high stream levels.
  • Wailua Golf Course is currently closed due to flooding.
  • All athletic events at county parks are canceled this weekend.

Utilities

  • Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) reports various power outages in Hanalei and Līhu‘e. For more information on current outages, please visit www.kiuc.coop.
  • The Department of Water has issued a water conservation request for Powerhouse Road, in Wainiha, until further notice due to an electrical power outage. Customers are advised to limit water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes, in order to avoid a full water service outage. Water conservation measures include turning off plumbing fixtures and appliances that automatically draw water such as ice machines and irrigation systems, refraining from car washing and using water wisely indoors and outdoors. An update will be posted to the DOW’s Facebook page at facebook.com/KauaiDOW and sent via Kauai County Alerts, when the conservation notice is lifted. 
  • Wastewater Treatments Plants: Due to heavy rains, Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) at Waimea and Wailua are overwhelmed, creating spills. Department of Health regulations require that signs be posted to notify the public of the impacted area to be avoided and disinfected. In Waimea, this area would include the emergency drainage ditch to Kikiaola Harbor and the waters within the Kikiaola Harbor. For Wailua, the potentially contaminated area would include the Lydgate Beach Park makai of the roadway, including the Kamalani Park playground and the pavilions. Crews are working on controlling Wailua's and Waimea's high flows. The public is requested to avoid areas of potential wastewater contamination.  Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Donald Fujimoto at 808-241-4083 or via email at dfujimoto@kauai.gov.

Damage Assessments

The County will begin conducting assessments of flood-affected areas across the island, starting Saturday. If you are a property owner or renter that suffered damages as a result of the April 2024 storms, please visit the following link: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/960e4dda54164e39bcc647b537491c9a, or visit KEMA’s website www.kauai.gov/kema.

The information you provide will help the County of Kaua‘i understand the scope of residential damage and impacts to our community. Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for any state or federal assistance. Affected parties will still need to file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses. Completion of a damage report does not constitute an application for assistance or relief programs; however, KEMA is able to share your information with non-profit partners if assistance becomes available. For assistance with the form, please call Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

Public School Closures

The Department of Education has canceled public school classes islandwide today due to safety concerns and roadway closures.

Kaua‘i Bus

The Kaua‘i Bus has resumed service. All paratransit services are canceled with the exception of critical care appointments.

Rescues/evacuations

Officials reported multiple rescues and evacuations from cars and houses due to flooding. There are no reported injuries at this time. In addition, flooding and heavy ponding have been reported in various locations on the island.

Important Resources

For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency.

For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for the county's emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), please go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov/kema and click "WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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