HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2022-01-07MenehuneRoadJan7Update.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 7 UPDATE: Rockfall mitigation work on Menehune Road continues Saturday
WAIMEA – Officials are announcing the following updates for the isolated Waimea community
affected by the rockfall that occurred on Menehune Road on Jan. 4.
“As Menehune Road remains closed, it’s important for us to emphasize that the area is still very
dangerous and that rocks are continuing to fall,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “For everyone’s
safety, please do not go near the area until work is complete and it is deemed safe. We thank all our of
partners for working diligiently towards opening this road, and we especially thank our residents for
your patience and coming together during this difficult time. We also want to give a special mahalo to
Hawai‘i Food Bank Kaua‘i Chapter and Waimea High School for assisting in today’s food distribution,
along with other community partners who are supporting our emergency response.”
Road Closure and Slope Stabilization
The County’s contractors began rockfall mitigation work Friday, which included airlifting drilling
equipment and materials to the slope above the roadway.
Initial side-slope boulder and rock removal will begin on Saturday, Jan. 8. Part of the mitigation
work will include forcing large boulders off the slope and onto the road.
Additionally, contractors will begin work to protect the road, waterline, and historic bridge from
mitigation work.
Work will continue daily, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Officials anticipate it will take approximately
three weeks to remove all rockfall hazards.
Emergency Access Route
The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) continues to work on opening an
alternate emergency access route via UTV from Waimea Canyon Drive, located on State Forest Reserve
land.
This access will serve as an emergency route for officials to deliver food and other urgent
supplies to residents. It will not be open for public access until officials can deem the route safe for
larger vehicles. The County is in communication with DLNR, and will provide updates on public access
plans.
Utilities
As of 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Spectrum has restored service to residents on Menehune Road, and
Hawaiian Telcom restored service to customers on Friday.
Wellness Checks/Needs Assessment
Officials conducted another wellness check Friday and delivered food packages to residents.
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.
Refuse Service
In anticipation of an emergency access route being established, solid waste officials plan to
conduct a trash pick up on Monday, Jan. 10. Trash collection will be limited to household waste only.
Residents are asked to leave bagged trash in county refuse carts. Bulky items, green waste, and loose
trash will not be collected at this time.
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.
Waimea resident receives food from Hawai‘i Food Bank Kaua‘i Chapter and Waimea High School during
Friday’s food distribution.
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