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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR082918_1245pmupdate04, BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. Mayor REZENTES JR. COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY News Release For Immediate Release: August 29, 2018 ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 12:45 p.m., August 29, Update: Damage assessment begins for Kauai While flash flooding has now subsided for the island of Kaua'i, officials are deploying equipment assets and have begun damage assessments for the flood -affected areas islandwide. "The degree of destruction from the historic April flood, and now with this week's flooding, has been nothing short of devastating; but Kaua'i people are resilient," said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. "Today is the first day we are boots on the ground to assess the damages from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lane, and we will continue to work with the community as we begin this recovery process." DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FORMS All residents are advised to report any damages that have resulted from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lane, including the Flash Flood events on Monday, Aug. 27, and Tuesday, Aug. 28. If your home was damaged, please visit www.kauai.gov and click on the "Lane Damage Form Aug 2018" icon and fill out a damage assessment form. The information you provide may be used to determine whether or not certain federal aid is made available to residents of Kaua'i and the State of Hawai'i. Please contact KEMA at (808) 241-1800 if you require assistance with the form. NOTICE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH The public is advised to stay out of floodwaters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, animal fecal matter, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. DOH recommendations for protection from floodwaters also apply to areas that have been in contact with floodwaters. As the floodwaters recede, residual contamination will persist in mud, debris, vegetation, and sand. The appropriate precautions include: avoiding contact as much as possible, using protective clothing and covering if contact is necessary, washing off promptly with soap and clean water after contact, and seeking prompt medical attention if skin irritation or signs of infection develop. Tetanus: Participating in cleanup operations following a flood event increases the likelihood of wounds that are susceptible to tetanus and other infections. These risks can be reduced with wound care and tetanus vaccination. Immediately clean all cuts and scrapes with soap and water to reduce the chance of infection. Make sure you are up-to-date on your immunizations by checking your record or contacting your healthcare provider. For additional information on tetanus vaccination, please call the Kaua'i District Health Office at 808-241-3495. Leptospirosis: Exposure to floodwaters also poses a risk of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, sweating, muscle pain, and vomiting. Occasionally, yellowing (jaundice) of the skin and the whites of the eyes and a rash may also occur. If you have symptoms that indicate possible leptospirosis infection, visit your healthcare provider immediately. 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: 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. Mold Exposure and Removal: 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. WAINIHA WATER OUTAGE AND WATER CONSERVATION NOTICE The Department of Water (DOW) announced a water service shutdown for customers located on Anahulu Road, Ananalu Road, and portion of Kuhio Highway (between Ananalu Road and Powerhouse Road) in Wainiha, until further notice. DOW crews are conducting repairs to a mainline break in the system. Water services have been restored to all customers on Powerhouse Road as of approximately 9 a.m. today. The DOW has provided access to potable water for Wainiha residents from two hydrant connections fitted with faucets, located at the intersection of Powerhouse Road and Kuhio Highway. A trailer -mounted water tank containing potable water is also available and is stationed at the Hanalei Colony Resort's parking lot. Additionally, a water conservation notice continues for all Wainiha residents until further notice, in order to avoid a full water outage in the system. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential uses only such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes. To monitor DOW updates, visit www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW. ROAD CONDITIONS Kuhio Highway, in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge, was reopened at approximately 7:20 a.m. today, Aug. 29. The convoy on Kuhio Highway, between Waikoko and Wainiha has been reopened to a Monday through Saturday schedule for the remainder of the day, weather permitting. The Kuhio Highway convoy schedule can be found on the county's "Flood Recovery" page at www.kauai.gov. REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS AND RECYCLING SERVICES UPDATE All HI-5 Redemption Centers that are normally open on Wednesdays are open today. All transfer stations are open, except that Green waste collection at Hanalei, Kapa`a, and LThu`e transfer stations are closed today, due to muddy conditions. Scrap metal and appliance recycling at Kapa`a Transfer station is closed due to muddy conditions. The Kekaha Landfill is open. The temporary solid waste collection site at Kepuhi Point in Wainiha remains closed. For updates throughout the work day, please call 241-4841 or visit www.kauai.gov/transferstations or www.kauai.gov/HI5. SCHOOL CLOSURES The Hanalei Elementary School and the satellite school at the Hanalei Colony Resort is closed today, Aug. 29. Both schools will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 30. For students attending Kapa`a Middle School and Kapa'a High School that reside in Hanalei, Wainiha and H5'ena, bus services will not be operating, today, Aug. 29. Alaka`i 0 Kaua`i Public Charter school is open today, Aug. 29. STATE PARK CLOSURES - Polihale State Park is closed. - The Marina (Kaumuali`i and Old Smith's Landing Sections of Wailua River State Park) is closed. - Ha`ena State Park is closed (since April flood). - Napali Coast State Wilderness Park is closed (since April flood). - Black Pot Beach Park is closed (since April flood).