HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220119DPW3.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 19, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 19 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 until the end of January. Reopening of the
roadway will be based on when the slope above the roadway is stabilized and deemed safe for daily
passing. Contractors are working seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Today, Jan. 19, HiTech (the County’s contractor) is removing and hauling rock from Menehune
Road and continuing scaling runs, removing rocks and boulders off the slope above Menehune Road.
Yesterday, Jan. 18, the contractor performed two total scaling runs. Additionally, the contractor will
continue to remove small rocks that fall into Menehune Ditch during scaling activity earlier in the
workday.
As the contractor scales higher up the slope, the impact on Menehune Road and the steel plates
may increase due to rockfall scaling. Because of this, Menehune Road is lined with 25 yards of cushion
material to prevent further damage to the road and steel plates from rockfall scaling.
Another 5-6 days of rock scaling on the slope are anticipated, weather permitting. A day or two
is needed for cleaning up Menehune Road, the Menehune Ditch, and demobilization.
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. The public is urged to heed all warnings and use the alternate route on Panini
Road if you need to access the area.
Waimea Swinging Bridge
Work to repair the Waimea Swinging Bridge will start after 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.
Refuse Service
The next refuse collection is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25. Residents are asked to
leave their bagged trash in their refuse carts Monday for early-morning pickup on Tuesday. To ensure
efficient pickup, please double bag your household trash and place it in your county-issued refuse carts.
For those without refuse carts, please leave your bagged household waste in a covered trash receptacle
at the side of the road immediately adjacent to your driveway. Trash should be double-bagged in the
event manual loading into a truck becomes necessary. Trash receptacles must not exceed 50 pounds,
and more than one covered receptacle may be used. Bulky items, green waste, and loose trash will not
be collected at this time.
Food Distribution
Families are reporting that they have food and supplies for the time being. Supply deliveries will
occur, however, on a case-by-case basis.
Officials thank the following organizations and community partners for their past and ongoing
assistance with providing food and supplies to residents: The Kekaha Ag Association, E Ola Mau Na Leo
O Kekaha, Hawai‘i FoodBank – Kaua‘i Branch (HFB-Kaua‘i), Kumano I Ke Ala, KIUC, Chad Buck of Hawaii
Foodservice Alliance, Waimea Hongwanji, West Kaua‘i Christian Center, County officials, Kaua‘i County
Council Members, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, Vandersloot Foundation,
Nourish Kaua‘i, Waimea High School, Senate President Ron Kouchi, U.S. Representative Kaialiʻi (Kai)
Kahele, ‘Āina Ho‘okupu O Kīlauea, state DLNR-DOFAW, and local farmers and fishers for also
contributing to the food distribution.
The next food distribution will be announced when a schedule is confirmed.
Wellness Checks/Needs Assessment
While the road remains fully closed, crews will continue wellness checks and needs assessments
for residents along Menehune Road and on the Makaweli-side of the river, as well as provide daily
updates online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.
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.
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.
If you have a kupuna needing assistance from the Agency on Elderly Affairs, please contact their office at
808-241-4470. If you have a school-aged child who needs assistance with distance learning options,
please contact KEMA at 808-241-1800.
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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