HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211205KEMADEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: December 5, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
(808) 241-1800
County of Kaua‘i officials urging residents to be vigilant as potential severe weather
conditions may occur early this week
LĪHU‘E – County of Kaua‘i officials this afternoon are urging residents to be vigilant due to
potential severe weather conditions starting Monday and into Tuesday.
“We are urging the public to be vigilant as the threat of severe weather may impact the island
early this week,” said Managing Director Michael A. Dahilig. “Hiking, swimming, and other outdoor
activities during these hazardous conditions are highly discouraged and may put you and our first
responders at risk.”
Additionally, in anticipation of severe weather, Solid Waste Division Officials are announcing the
following to trash services:
Trash collection service this week may experience interruption due to heavy rain, flooding, and
other impacts from the weather.
The Kekaha Landfill will be open starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, and will accept trash
from the public through the end of the day or until conditions permit.
Refuse transfer stations islandwide will be open during their regular business hours. However,
the public is encouraged to bring in their trash by noon on Monday, Dec. 6, in anticipation of
stormy conditions.
The National Weather Service has announced that a Kona low will bring the threat of
widespread heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, capable of producing catastrophic flooding, and strong
south to southwest winds through the first half of the week.
The island of Kaua‘i and the state of Hawai‘i remain under a Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday.
A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for 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.
A High Surf Warning for all north-facing shores and a High Surf Advisory for all west-facing
shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau remain in effect through 6 a.m. Monday.
County, state, and federal officials are monitoring the situation and are actively coordinating in
preparation.
Officials recommend the following actions when preparing for a weather emergency:
Emergency Preparedness Kits – Emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-
day supply of food and water (to include non-perishable food and one gallon of water per
person per day). Kits should also include a battery powered radio, flashlight, an extra supply
of prescription medicines and other items specific to individual and family needs. It is also
recommended that face coverings and hand sanitizer also be included in your kits. Set aside
an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in
case you run out of medication after a disaster.
Check Your Property – Walk your property, checking for small outdoor items that could be
picked up by high winds, and check for potential flood threats. If time and conditions permit,
clear your gutters and other drainage systems.
Make an Action Plan – Discuss with family members what you plan to do if a hurricane or
tropical storm threatens. Make an action plan, which should include details such as whether
your family will shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter. There are no plans to open shelters
at this time; however, the county will work with the American Red Cross to open shelters on
an as-needed basis and will announce a list of open shelters if or when they become
available.
Outdoor activities – Visitors and residents are urged to check conditions before venturing
out for any hiking, river or beach excursions. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and
always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know
before you go. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety,
please speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean
Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – Please visit http://website.kiuc.coop/ to learn more
about how to prepare for a power outage.
Kaua‘i Department of Water – Severe weather storms can cause damage to water systems,
disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, block road access to water sources,
and may impact water quality. Customers should prepare for emergency water service
disruptions by having the recommended water storage supply readily available for essential
uses. For more water emergency preparedness tips, please visit www.kauaiwater.org or see
more information at the end of this news release.
Stay Tuned – Continue to stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-
date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency
preparedness.
o Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – www.kauai.gov/kema
o National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-
245-6001
o Blackboard Connect (The county’s free emergency notification service) – Sign up at
www.kauai.gov/kema, or call the KEMA at 808-241-1800.
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