HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-11_445PMUPDATEResponsecontinuesforisolatedNorthShorecommunityfollowsevereweatherimpactsDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
(808) 241-1800
4:45 p.m., March 11, Update: Response continues for isolated North Shore community
following severe weather impacts
As the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (KEMA) Emergency Operations Center remains
activated, and multiple agencies respond to the severe weather impacts, officials are announcing the
following updates.
Kūhiō Highway closures will be maintained until officials can safely assess the amount of
damage, conduct debris removal and stabilize the slopes. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation officials
anticipate the closure of Kūhiō Highway at Hanalei Hill will extend at least through Tuesday.
First responders will continue to have access to the North Shore community by boat and Air 1
operations for emergency calls. The public is reminded not to call 911 unless you have an emergency.
Food supplies are available at stores and food pantries in the affected areas. The county is
working on coordinating a system to bring in additional food and medical supplies for the community as
needed.
The county is beginning to conduct assessments of storm-affected areas across the island. If
your home suffered damages as a result of the March flooding, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and
click on the green link “March 2021 Rain Damage/Flood Reporting” to complete a form. The information
you provide will help to gather necessary data which may be used to determine whether or not certain
federal aid is made available to residents of Kaua‘i and/or the State of Hawai‘i. For assistance on how to
fill out the form, you may call KEMA at 241-1800.
Current Road Closures:
• Both lanes of Kūhiō Highway, at the Hanalei Hill, approaching Hanalei Bridge remains closed
due to a landslide.
• Kūhiō Highway, between Kolopua Apartments and Hanalei Plantation Road, remains closed
out of an abundance of caution. The area will be assessed, and more information provided
shortly.
• One lane of Kūhiō Highway at mile marker 4.5 near Waikoko is currently open to alternating
traffic.
Weather Update: A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the island of Kaua‘i until at least
Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions
may develop that lead to flash flooding. Residents and visitors should monitor the weather and be
prepared to take action in the event that a Flash Flood Warning is issued. For weather updates call the
National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001, or visit the NWS website,
www.weather.gov/hfo.
Refuse Service: There will be no refuse collection on Friday for residents in the Hanalei to
Hā‘ena areas. Officials are working on solutions for refuse service and will announce updates when more
information is available.
Ocean Safety: Due to limited access, the Kē‘ē and Hā‘ena lifeguard towers are currently closed.
Lifeguards on the North Roving Patrol Unit will continue to monitor the Hanalei Bay area during normal
work hours and are available to respond to calls if necessary.
Schools: The state Department of Education announces that Hanalei Elementary School is
currently closed.
Power Outages: Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) members from Hanalei to Hā‘ena are
advised to prepare for extended periods without power if outages occur while Kūhiō Highway remains
closed. The KIUC Facebook page will provide status reports, and the outage map on the homepage of
the cooperative’s website is another resource for current information: www.kiuc.coop.
Water Services: Department of Water (DOW) also advises residents on water emergency
preparedness and service advisories that may be issued during an emergency. For more preparedness
tips and service announcements, visit www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW.
Stay Out of Standing 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.
Updates will be posted as information becomes available. Official county press releases are
posted at www.kauai.gov or you may follow the County of Kaua‘i Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/countyofkauai.
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