HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2022-01-10Jan10updateonMenehuneRoadclosure.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 10, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 10 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.
The county’s contractors began the first phase of rock scaling work on Sunday, and continued on
Monday. This work includes forcing loose rocks off the slope and onto the roadway below. Steel plates
and a protective layer of rock will remain on the roadway to safeguard the Department of Water’s 10-
inch waterline.
Starting Tuesday, contractors will temporarily suspend rock scaling work to focus on securing
the Waimea Swinging Bridge from further damage. This work is expected to take roughly four days, from
Tuesday through Friday. 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.
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 emergency responders only until further notice as DLNR continues to improve the roadway
for local access. Any emergency supplies or resources over this roadway must be coordinated through
KEMA for transport.
Panini Road will be opened on a limited basis to residents and responders as soon as it is
deemed safe. An updated timeline on limited local access is expected in the coming days.
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. The Elderly Affairs team is expected to
conduct door-to-door outreach with kupuna care packages on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
Refuse Service
Solid Waste officials plan to conduct a trash pick up on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and all residents have
been notified. Residents are asked to leave their bagged trash in their refuse carts on Monday, Jan. 10
for early-morning pickup on Tuesday.
Refuse collection will be limited to bagged household waste only. Bulky items, green waste, and
loose trash will not be collected at this time. Those without refuse carts are asked to contain their
bagged household waste in a covered trash receptacle at the side of the road immediately adjacent to
their driveway. The covered trash receptacle is intended to prevent animals from scattering items
placed out for collection. Trash receptacles must not exceed 50 pounds, and more than one receptacle
will be accepted.
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.”
Above photos: The first phase of rock scaling work continued Monday, which includes forcing loose
rocks off the slope onto the roadway below.
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