HomeMy WebLinkAbout930AMWEATHERUPDATE4151804,
BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Mayor Managing Director
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMEMENT AGENCY
News Release
For Immediate Release: April 15, 2018
ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860
9:30 a.m. UPDATE: Air recue operations commence on Kaua'i; Flash Flood
Warning extended to 10:45 a.m.
LIHU'E — Air rescue operations have commenced on the North Shore area of Kaua'i, as
heavy rain and severe flooding continues to affect the island.
The Kaua'i Fire Department is coordinating with Honolulu Fire Department personnel to
conduct air rescue operations in the North Shore.
The Department of Water (DOW) announces a water service outage for Haena and
Wainiha customers until further notice. Severe weather has affected the electrical power and
other working functions of the DOW's well site and pump stations causing its tank to deplete
storage capacities. There is no timeline for water service restoration at this time, due to the
inaccessibility of the area. Affected customers are advised to collect rain water to use for non -
potable water needs.
All Refuse Transfer Stations are closed islandwide due to severe weather and flooding.
Officials are also reporting the following road closures:
• One lane of Kuhi6 Highway, between Kuamoo Road and Wailua Golf Course;
• Kuhi6 Highway, between Waikoko and Wainiha, due to multiple landslides;
• Kuhio Highway, between Princeville and the Hanalei Bridge, due to multiple
landslides and flooding;
0 Kuhi6 Highway at Kalihiwai Bridge due to flooding and debris.
Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. has signed an emergency proclamation as the County of
Kauai engages in various emergency response operations associated with record -breaking
rains, flooding and thunderstorms.
"We are working with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Governor's
Office, the Coast Guard, and other partners to respond to the immediate safety needs for the
people in the hardest -hit area between Hanalei and H5'ena," stated Kauai Mayor Bernard P.
Carvalho Jr. "This morning, we will be working to assess the extent of the damage that occurred
throughout the night. For now, we are urging people to stay off the roadway. Shelter in place in a
safe location or evacuate to higher ground if you are in a flood -prone area."
Dozens of homes are reported flooded or damaged in the communities of Hanalei,
Wainiha, and H5'ena. Several homes in Anahola are also experiencing flooding.
The American Red Cross has opened evacuation shelters at Kapa`a Middle School, the
Church of the Pacific in Princeville, and at Hanalei Elementary School in Hanalei.
The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the island of
Kauai until 10:45 a.m. Sunday. This warning could be extended, modified or dropped as
conditions develop.
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call
Kauai police 911 unless you have an emergency.
For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-
6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hawaii.
To sign up for Blackboard Connect, the county's emergency notification service, please
go to the county's website, www.kauai.gov/KEMA, or call the Kauai Emergency Management
Agency at 241-1800.