HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220112DPW3.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 12, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 12 update on Menehune Road closure
WAIMEA – Officials are announcing the following updates for the Waimea community affected
by the rockslide that occurred on Menehune Road on Jan. 4.
Road Closure and Slope Stabilization
Menehune Road is expected to remain fully closed for roughly three weeks, until the slope
above the roadway can be stabilized and is deemed safe for daily passing. Contractors will continue to
work seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., until the slope is stabilized.
Today, Jan. 12, contractors utilized a lift and air hammer to remove additional high-risk rock and
further stabilized slope edge atop the 60-foot cliff above Menehune Road. Work also included
placement of concrete eco blocks to further secure the Waimea Swinging Bridge from further damage.
Additional work to install measures to secure/protect the bridge is expected to be completed by Friday,
Jan. 14. Slope stabilization activities will continue once the bridge is secure.
While repairs are underway, large, loose boulders will continue to fall onto the roadway below.
The public is reminded not to cross or approach the rockfall site at any time. Doing so could result in
severe injury or death. Please heed all warning signs around the construction zone.
Waimea Swinging Bridge
Contractors continue to assess damage to Waimea Swinging Bridge. However, repair work to
the bridge cannot begin until the slope is stabilized. Given the historic nature of the bridge, officials
expect this to be a long-term repair project. Understanding that the pedestrian bridge is an important
point of access to Makaweli residents, officials will continue to work with residents on continued needs.
Makaweli residents requiring assistance are urged to contact the Kaua‘i Emergency Management
Agency (KEMA) at 808-241-1800.
Food Distribution
The Kekaha Ag Association, E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha, Hawai‘i FoodBank – Kaua‘i Branch
(HFB-Kaua‘i), and Kumano I Ke Ala organized a food distribution yesterday, Jan. 11, for the affected
residents in Waimea Valley.
Subsequent food distribution is planned for Friday, Jan. 14. If needed, further food distributions
will take place with the continued closure of Menehune Road.
Mahalo to KIUC, Chad Buck of Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, Waimea Hongwanji, West Kaua‘i
Christian Center, County officials, Council Member Billy DeCosta, Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro, Hawai‘i
Community Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, Vandersloot Foundation, Nourish Kaua‘i, Waimea High
School, Senate President Ron Kouchi, ‘Āina Ho‘okupu O Kīlauea, and local farmers and fishers for also
contributing to the food distribution.
Panini Road Emergency Access Route
The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has opened an alternate
emergency access route from Waimea Canyon Drive, known as Panini Road. The Panini Road access is
limited to local residents and first responders via 4 x 4 usage only. Motorists are urged to drive slowly
and cautiously, as heavy machinery is in the area, and crews with DLNR are continuing to improve the
road.
Utilities
All utilities in the area have since been restored, including power, water, phone and
cable/internet services.
Wellness Checks/Needs Assessment
KEMA continues to coordinate door-to-door wellness checks to residents along Menehune Road
and on the Makaweli-side of the river. Officials thank all community partners who have donated food,
pet food, and other supplies. While the road remains fully closed, crews will continue wellness checks
and needs assessments in this area, as well as provide daily updates online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.
Kupuna Care
The County’s Agency on Elderly Affairs is conducting wellness checks specifically for kupuna in
the area, age 60 and older. If you have a kupuna that has not yet been contacted by the Agency on
Elderly Affairs, please contact their office at (808) 241-4470.
Refuse Service
Residents are asked to leave their bagged trash in their refuse carts next Monday, Jan. 17, for
early-morning pickup on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
For those without cans, please leave your bagged household waste in a covered trash receptacle
at the side of the road immediately adjacent to your driveway. Trash receptacles must not exceed 50
pounds, and more than one covered receptacle may be used.
To ensure efficient pickup, please double bag your household trash and place it in your County
issued refuse carts. Bulky items, green waste, and loose trash will not be collected at this time.
Postal Service
Officials continue to work with USPS officials to establish mail service. Updates will be provided
once confirmed.
School/Education Needs
Families with school-aged children who have limited internet access were provided MiFi devices
by the Department of Education to assist children with distance learning options during the road
closure. If you have a school-aged child who needs assistance with distance learning options, please
contact KEMA at 808-241-1800.
More Info
If anyone in the affected area requires assistance during work hours, please call the Kaua‘i
Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) at 808-241-1800. After working hours, please call Kaua‘i Police
Dispatch at 808-241-1711. If you have an emergency and require immediate assistance, please call 911.
Those wishing to provide services or resources are asked to coordinate with KEMA.
A daily newsletter with up-to-date information will continue to be posted online. To view, visit
www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click on the blue button at the top of the page labeled “Waimea Valley
Rockslide.”
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