3:35 p.m., April 13, Update: Officials conducting damage assessments

Published on April 13, 2024

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With the assistance of the Hawai‘i National Guard and the American Red Cross, County personnel are conducting island-wide damage assessments in areas affected by flooding.

“We express our gratitude to our partners with the Hawai‘i National Guard, volunteers with the American Red Cross, and County officials for their assistance in conducting damage assessments caused by flooding,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “The information provided will aid us in comprehending the extent of residential damage and its impact on our community.”

As officials are out on the field, they remind residents and businesses that more inclement weather is anticipated late Saturday through Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Kaua‘i beginning midnight Saturday through 6 a.m. Monday. The public is reminded to be prepared and remain vigilant if an emergency threatens.

Officials announce the following updates:

Damage Assessments

If you are a property owner or renter who suffered damages due to the April 2024 storms, please visit KEMA’s website www.kauai.gov/kema. Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for any state or federal assistance. Affected parties must still file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses. Completing a damage report does not constitute an application for assistance or relief programs; however, KEMA can 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.

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.

Officials with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation anticipate the Southbound lane of Kūhiō Highway at the Wailua Bridge will open on Monday, April 15, weather permitting. Drive times of an hour or more have been reported. Officials strongly advise those with appointments and flights to make the appropriate arrangements and take the reported hour-long or more traffic waits into effect with their drive times.

Please stay tuned to local media for updates. Below is an update on the current road closures and conditions:

  • Wailua:
    • Southbound lanes of Kūhiō Highway at Wailua Bridge remain closed. Traffic in both directions remains open on the northbound bridge.
    • Apana Road in Wailua is closed due to heavy ponding.
  • Līhu‘e:
    • Pua Loke Street near Haleko Road remains closed due to a sinkhole and a leaning utility pole.
  • Kalāheo
    • Wawae Road, east of Kikala Road, is clear after a small landslide. However, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
  • Po‘ipū:
    • Ho‘one Road and Kuai Road near Po‘ipū Beach Park are closed due to flooding. Additionally, the entire parking lot at Po‘ipū Beach Park is flooded.

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 open for the first nine holes. Cart play is unavailable and only accepts walkers.
  • All athletic events at county parks are canceled this weekend.

Utilities

  • Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) – To report a power outage, please visit KIUC’s outage map at https://www.kiuc.coop/outage-center.
  • The Department of Water – For updates on DOW operations, visit DOW’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW.
  • Wastewater Treatments Plants – Due to heavy rains, Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) at Waimea and Wailua experienced wastewater spills. The Wailua spill has since been controlled. In Waimea, the affected area includes the emergency drainage ditch to Kikiaola Harbor and the waters within the Kikiaola Harbor. Signs have been posted to notify the public of the impacted area to be avoided and disinfected. 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.

Emergency Preparedness Information

Officials recommend the following actions when preparing for a weather emergency:

  • Emergency Preparedness Kits – Emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-day supply of food and water (including non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day). Kits should also include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra prescription medicines, and other items specific to individual and family needs. It is also recommended that face coverings and hand sanitizer also be included in your kits. Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
  • Check Your Property – Walk your property, check for small outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds, and check for potential flood threats. If time and conditions permit, clear your gutters and other drainage systems.
  • Make an Action Plan – Discuss with family members what you plan to do if severe weather threatens. Make an action plan, including details such as whether your family will shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter. The county will work with the American Red Cross to open shelters on an as-needed basis and announce a list of open shelters if or when they become available.
  • Outdoor activities – Visitors and residents are urged to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
  • Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – Please visit https://www.kiuc.coop to learn more about how to prepare for a power outage.
  • Kekaha landfill and refuse transfer stations – The Kekaha Landfill and County refuse transfer stations may close due to severe and inclement weather. For more information, visit www.kauai.gov/TransferStations or call 808-241-4841.
  • Kaua‘i Department of Water – Severe weather storms can cause damage to water systems, disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, block road access to water sources, and may impact water quality. Customers should prepare for emergency water service disruptions by having the recommended water storage supply readily available for essential uses.  For more water emergency preparedness tips, please visit kauaiwater.org.
  • Stay Tuned – Continue to stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness.
    • Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/kema
    • National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
    • Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
    • Do not call Kaua‘i Police 911 unless it is an emergency.
  • To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency notification service, please visit kauai.gov/KEMA and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

 

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