HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220210DPW2.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 10, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Feb. 10 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.
Menehune Road and Waimea Swinging Bridge
Starting Monday, Feb. 14, Kaikor Construction – the County’s contractor for the Waimea
Swinging Bridge repairs – will begin repairs for temporary pedestrian access to the Waimea Swinging
Bridge. The scope of work includes restoring the section of the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, landing
platform, and stairs damaged by the rockfall event. This phase of work is projected to be completed in
two weeks.
During this phase of work, Menehune Road will be closed during the following dates and times:
• Monday, Feb. 14, to Thursday, Feb. 17, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
• Friday, Feb. 18, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.;
• Tuesday, Feb 22, to Thursday, Feb. 24, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and
• Friday, Feb. 25, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Traffic will be open on Feb. 19, Feb. 20, and Feb. 21 in observance of President’s Day.
The Public Works Roads Division is providing road closure signage, a messaging board, traffic
safety barriers, and personnel on-site (as needed) to assist with access control.
Temporary road closures may be needed in the future when work continues on the Waimea
Swinging Bridge or if significant rain causes additional rockfall hazards. Updates on new road closures
will be announced via this newsletter and roadway signage.
Given the historic nature of the Waimea Swinging Bridge, we expect the last phase of work to
install the permanent repair materials will require special order materials; thus, officials anticipate that
permanent repairs won’t start 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.
The County’s Geotechnical consultant continues to work on determining parameters for a
permanent solution to mitigate additional rockfall hazards in this area on Menehune Road. Survey work
to obtain topographic data of the slope is being scheduled.
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.
###