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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.25.18 _5PM UPDATE04, BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR. Mayor Managing Director COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY News Release For Immediate Release: April 25, 2018 ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 6 P.M. APRIL 25 UPDATE: Kaua`i's flash flood event could set new national record According to the National Weather Service, preliminary data indicates that the rainfall during the flash flood event from April 14 to 15 broke the national record of the most rainfall during a 24-hour period. Kaua`i's rain gage located in Waipa recorded 49.69 inches of rain, and if verified, it would break the current record of 43 inches of rain reported at Alvin, Texas, in 1979. "The possibility of this record -breaking data is jaw -dropping," said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. "It puts into perspective everything we've been working on, and I cannot say thank you enough to our entire island for working diligently to recover from the worst disaster we've experienced in decades." Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) announced that satellite classes will begin Thursday at Hanalei Colony Resort for affected Wainiha and Ha`ena students, Kindergarten through 12th grade. The temporary educational site will serve 51 students enrolled at Hanalei Elementary, Kapa`a Middle and Kapa`a High Schools. Department of Health (DOH) officials announced today that there is no longer a brown water advisory in effect for the following beaches: Lawa`i Beach Park, Kukui`ula Bay, Nukoli`i Beach Park, Wapouli Beach Park, Kapa'a Pavilion, and Prince K0hi6 Park. The following information provides the current status updates. County's Point of Contact in Wainiha: Planning Director Michael Dahilig remains the county's point of contact stationed in Wainiha. He is available daily at the Camp Naue fuel distribution point from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hanalei Colony Resort. Current Road Closures and Repairs: • Kuhio Highway, between Waikoko and Wainiha, remains closed as crews work to clear multiple landslides. Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced it expects to open a one -lane route for emergency access only, to the Wainiha and H5'ena areas, on or before Monday, May 7, weather permitting. • For residents affected by the Kahiliholo Road closure in Kilauea, an emergency access road has been opened for local traffic only through the privately owned Common Ground and Wai Koa Guava Plantation properties. • Lei O Papa Road in Princeville remains closed due to a sinkhole. • Weke Road in the vicinity of Black Pot Beach remains closed. • HDOT continues to inspect bridges in the flood -affected areas on Kauai. All inspected bridges were deemed safe by HDOT. For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call Kauai police 911 unless you have an emergency. Damage to roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure may be reported to the KEMA EOC at 241-1800. Refuse Collection and Debris Management: A regular schedule for trash collection for Wainiha and H5'ena has not yet been established, and residents are asked to hold their larger items for disposal until a later announced date. Hanalei residents and businesses may utilize the following services: • Small bins staged at Waioli Park to dispose waste, green waste, and metal. • The Hanalei Refuse Transfer station, located in Princeville, has extended its hours to 5:15 p.m. until further notice. It is currently accepting all debris up to three feet in length. Furniture and beds longer than three feet in length are also being accepted. In the Koloa area, in the vicinity of Wailaau Road and Aloha Place, the County of Kauai has provided two bins for general waste and two bins for other debris. Fuel: Approximately 600 gallons of fuel has been distributed since Monday. Fuel will continue to be distributed to residents in Wainiha-HA'ena between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily from Camp Naue. Each physical address is allowed five gallons of gasoline per week, and staff will either fill your vehicle or a container. To collect gas, please bring your ID and your own container. Department of Health: • Medical Services at Hanalei Colony Resort: The medical team deployed to H5'ena jointly by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management (HHEM), and the Kauai Emergency Operations Center (EOC), has been operating out of Hanalei Colony Resort since Friday, April 20. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with after-hours care provided for urgent needs. During the first five days of clinic services, the team treated approximately 175 residents for skin and wound infections, abrasions and other injuries that are common following flooding events. In addition, they have also seen many patients for chronic health conditions and resupply of prescription medications. The medical team will remain in place while the need exists. The team is able to meet the healthcare needs of the community at this time and are not currently in need of medical volunteers. • Stay out of brown water: For the latest updates on brown water advisories, visit DOH's Clean Water Branch website at http://health.hawaii.gov/cwb/. The public is advised to stay out of floodwaters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. Continue to practice good personal hygiene by washing off with soap and clean water and washing hands before handling food. • Practice good sanitation: Wash your hands often with soap and clean water to prevent spreading and contracting any illnesses, especially before handling and preparing food to avoid food contamination. If soap and clean water is unavailable, hand sanitizer may be used instead. • Mosquito concerns: Mosquitoes can and will breed in areas of standing water. Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and covered shoes. If you're located in an area that wasn't as heavily impacted, get rid of standing water where you can. Department of Health vector control staff will be available to conduct mosquito abatement activities, including surveillance and treatment. Please call Environmental Health Vector Control at 241-3306. • Food safety tips: Make sure to throw away spoiled or unrefrigerated food to prevent foodborne illnesses. Minimize the presence of flies and rodents by disposing of food in covered and sealed containers. • Get rid of items collecting mold: Exposure to mold can have harmful health effects. Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after flooding. Remove standing water as quickly as possible. Take steps to dry out your home and remove wet materials and objects. Items that cannot be cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded. Make sure to follow label instructions and wear protective gear (i.e. gloves, face masks, etc.) when using cleaners and disinfectants during the cleanup process. Animals: The Kauai Humane Society will be offering free veterinarian services from 9 to 11 a.m. daily at the Hanalei Colony Resort for the isolated Wainiha and HA'ena communities. They have also provided pet food to the distribution sites at Camp Naue and the Hanalei Colony Resort. Donation Information: For those sheltering in place, Camp Naue and the Hanalei Colony Resort have been serving as distribution points for food, water and other provisions. Those who wish to provide donations are asked to coordinate with KEMA at 241-1800. Accepted items are being are limited to non -perishables, bottled water, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, diapers, baby food and formula. Donations are currently being accepted at the following locations: • Food Bank of Hawaii — Kaua`i Branch (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Kaua`i Independent Food Bank (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Shelters: There are currently no emergency shelters open at this time. If there are any flooding victims needing shelter, please call KEMA at 241-1800. Schools: All schools remain open. Power Outages: KIUC has no known outages at this time. If you have an outage please call 246-4300. Water Services: A water outage continues for customers located along the Makai-end of Weke Road, near Black Pot Beach in Hanalei, until further notice, due to damages to the main line. A trailer -mounted water tank with potable water is available at the intersection of Pilikoa Street and Weke Road. notice. Princeville Utilities Co., Inc. continues to ask its customers to conserve water until further Damage Assessments: As part of the FEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment process, FEMA began to assess the homes that were previously reported to the County and will continue its efforts tomorrow. If you are a property owner or renter that suffered damages, please visit www.kauai.gov or call KEMA at 241-1800 for more information or to make your report. Additional Resource Links: • ready.hawaii.gov • Flood Damage Claims FAQ: http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/flood-damage-claims- frequently-asked-questions-2/ • Repairing Your Flooded Home: http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/resource-from-the- american-red-cross-repairing-your-flooded-home/ • Hawaii Department of Health advises residents and visitors to avoid or limit exposure to flood waters: http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/hawaii-department-of-health- advises-residents-and-visitors-to-avoid-or-limit-exposure-to-flood-waters/ FAA Temporary Flight Restriction: The Federal Aviation Agency has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction in the Hanalei and Wainiha area, particularly restricting all aircraft and UAS (drones). Please avoid the area to help ensure the safety our first responders during their ongoing emergency operations.