5:15 p.m., April 12, Update: Flash Flood Watch canceled

Published on April 12, 2024

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The Flash Flood Watch for Kaua‘i was canceled by the National Weather Service Friday afternoon. However, officials advise that additional inclement weather is expected this weekend and the public is reminded to remain vigilant if an emergency occurs.

Officials are announcing the following updates.

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.
  • 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.
  • Po‘ipū:
    • Ho‘one Road, near Po‘ipū Beach Park and Kuai Road, is currently 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 currently closed due to flooding.
  • All athletic events at county parks are canceled this weekend.

Utilities

  • 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.

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 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.

State Emergency Proclamation Issued

Governor Josh Green, M.D., issued an emergency proclamation on Friday, April 12, in response to the heavy rains, flooding and landslides impacting the County of Kaua‘i. The Emergency Proclamation can be found at governor.hawaii.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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