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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9AMUPDATE4171804, 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 17, 2018 ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 8:45 A.M. UPDATE: Multi -agency relief efforts continue on Kauai Multi -agency relief efforts are continuing this morning for residents and visitors stranded in the isolated communities of H5'ena and Wainiha. National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department, American Medical Response, the American Red Cross, along with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers and other partners work together to provide essential public safety services, food, water and supplies into Wainiha and H5'ena. "There was an incredible effort that took place yesterday by both first responders and the community as a whole. Our first priority was to address immediate life/safety needs of the people in the most isolated areas of H5'ena and Wainiha, along with life -sustaining needs," stated Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. "Another priority has been infrastructure restoration — highway/roadways, water, power, and we are now adding damage assessment and documentation relating to public and private property. However, if you know of anyone in any part of the island who was affected by the flooding and storm who needs assistance, please contact the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 241-1800 so that we can coordinate assistance with the American Red Cross to assist those in need." The American Red Cross will be in the areas of Koloa, Lawa`i, and the North Shore area to conduct additional damage and needs assessments throughout today. The Department of Water (DOW) has issued a "do not drink" advisory for customers located along a portion of Weke Road, from Pilikoa Street to the Makai-end of Weke road towards Black Pot Beach in Hanalei. DOW crews have repaired a portion of a damaged main line to restore water to the affected area; however, due to the exposure to the service lines from recent damage, residents along the described portion of Weke Road in Hanalei are advised not to drink or cook with tap water, as a precautionary measure, until further notice. DOW urges residents to please share this information with other residents and guests that reside in the affected portion of Weke Road in Hanalei. The U.S. Army, National Guard, and the County of Kauai have airlifted over 220 people from the Ha`ena and Wainiha area on Tuesday. Those who need to be evacuated can go to the Wainiha landing zone located just east of Ala Mihi Road between approximately 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, weather permitting. Those who wish to be evacuated are advised that it is unknown at this time when they can return home, as landslides continue to block access along Kuhio Highway between Waikoko and Wainiha. For those remaining in Wainiha and Ha`ena, water and food supplies can be picked up at Camp Naue and at the Hanalei Colony Resort. Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is open. Upon reopening the highway, the Kauai Bus worked with the American Red Cross to shuttle 121 people from the Hanalei Shelter back to Princeville. With the reopening of the highway, the shelters at Hanalei Elementary School and the Church of the Pacific are now closed. For people leaving the area between Kilauea and Hanalei, the Kauai Bus is allowing free service and will also allow luggage on board. The carry -on policy will be waived for those leaving the disaster area. The Kapa`a refuse transfer station green waste site is closed today but the other services are still available. All other refuse transfer station green waste sites are fully operational. Hanalei Elementary School is closed today to allow for repair and clean-up of the school facilities. School will resume on Wednesday, April 18. The water conservation notice from Princeville Utilities Co., Inc. continues for all its customers in Princeville, Anini Vista, Kalihiwai Bay Estates, Kapaka Road and Hanalei Plantation Road. Please be advised that as the pipe empties, it is possible that some air or sediment may enter your home plumbing. When turning on your faucet after water service is restored, please allow your water to run until it is clear to ensure flushing of any air or sediment from your plumbing. State Department of Transportation continues to work to clear landslides along Kuhio Highway, while the Kauai Utility Cooperative and Hawaiian Tel crew simultaneously work on repairs to fallen utility poles. Officials are also reporting the following road closures: • Weke Road in the vicinity of Black Pot Beach remains closed due to a sinkhole; • Severe erosion closed the mauka portion of Kahiliholo Road at Kalihiwai Ridge; • Kuhio Highway, between Waikoko and Wainiha, remains closed due to multiple landslides; • Hanalei Plantation Road in Princeville remains closed due to a sinkhole. For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call Kauai police 911 unless you have an emergency. All residents and visitors on Kauai are advised to stay out of flood waters and limit exposure. Heavy rains have caused storm water runoff throughout Kauai, leading to widespread flooding producing large areas of standing water. Coastal waters have also been affected and a brown water advisory remains in effect until further notice. Resource links are now available at ready.hawaii.gov: • Flood Damage Claims FAQ o http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/flood-damage-claims-frequently-asked-questions-2/ • Repairing Your Flooded Home o http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/resource-from-the-american-red-cross-repairing-vour- flooded-home/ • Hawaii Department of Health advises residents and visitors to avoid or limit exposure to flood waters o http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/hawaii-department-of-health-advises-residents-and- visitors-to-avoid-or-limit-exposure-to-flood-waters/ The Federal Aviation Agency has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction for the above marked areas 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.