HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220131DPW2.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 31, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 31 update on Waimea Valley Rockslide
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
Today, Jan. 31, HiTech, the County of Kaua‘i’s contractor, installed erosion control measures
prescribed by Geolabs – a contracted geotechnical engineering firm.
Road closures are scheduled for the affected area above the slope on Menehune Road,
Monday through Friday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No road closures are scheduled for
the weekend. Weekday road closures are necessary to accommodate slope and bridge work.
The Public Works Roads Division provided road closure signage, a messaging board, traffic safety
barriers, and personnel on-site (as needed) to assist with access control.
Menehune Road is now open to regular vehicle traffic during non-working hours. However,
ongoing temporary road closures may be necessary for the future, as work on the slope may be
necessary until permanent measures are designed and constructed.
Waimea Swinging Bridge
Starting today, Jan. 31, Kaikor Construction – the County’s contractor for bridge repair work –
began construction for additional safety measures to stabilize the bridge further before temporary
repairs start. The work includes addressing the bridge tower base and installing two new kickers that
span across the road, from the tip of each tower on the bridge to the rock wall. This work is scheduled
from Monday to Friday. Temporary repairs are anticipated to start soon after to restore pedestrian
access.
Given the historic nature of the bridge, we expect the permanent repair project will require
special order materials; thus, it will not occur for several months. We will continue to work with
Makaweli residents on their continued needs. If you require assistance, please contact KEMA at the
numbers listed below.
Refuse Service
Effective Monday, Feb. 7, the County will revert to the regular Monday morning refuse
collection service. If you currently don’t have a refuse cart and would like to continue receiving County
refuse collection service, please contact the Division of Solid Waste Management at 808-241-4840.
The next refuse collection is currently scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 1. Residents are asked to
leave their bagged trash in their refuse carts on Monday, Jan. 31, 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/Wellness Checks/Needs Assessments
Families are reporting that they have food and supplies for the time being. Supply deliveries will
occur, however, on a case-by-case basis.
Wellness checks and needs assessments will continue as needed for residents along Menehune
Road and on the Makaweli-side of the river. Anyone needing assistance is asked to call KEMA at 808-
241-1800, who will coordinate with community partners.
Panini Road Emergency Access Route
The State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) alternate emergency access route
from Waimea Canyon Drive, known as Panini Road, will remain open to local residents and first
responders via 4 x 4 usage only. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and cautiously through the area.
Additional Assistance
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.
The online newsletter is available on the “Waimea Valley Rockslide” page at
www.kauai.gov/KEMA.
Photo caption: HiTech, the County of Kaua‘i’s contractor, installed erosion control measures prescribed
by Geolabs – a contracted geotechnical engineering firm – on Monday, Jan. 31.
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