HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2022-01-14Jan14updateonMenehuneRoad.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 14, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 14 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.
The next news release update is expected to be given on Tuesday, Jan. 18. A daily newsletter
with up-to-date information will continue to be posted online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA. To view, click on
the blue button at the top of the page labeled “Waimea Valley Rockslide.”
“As we approach day 11 since the rockslide, we’ve seen our westside community come together
in many ways that it is truly inspiring,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “This week’s food distributions
were another example of a community-led, government-supported initiative that works. I want to thank
our community partners for stepping up and offering the help our residents needed while providing a
huge relief for our team – we couldn’t have done it without all of you. I also want to acknowledge our
elected officials for their invaluable support and assistance throughout this incident. And of course,
mahalo to our entire County of Kaua‘i team for leading us throughout this emergency, both on and
behind the scenes.”
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.
Due to roadway embankment erosion concerns, crews on Thursday removed a large (6’ x 10’)
boulder that had fallen into the river during the rockslide. Contractors simultaneously continue to work
on slope stabilization activities, including the installation of a chain link fence along a portion of the
slope. The fence will protect the historic bridge from rocks released during ongoing rock scaling work.
HiTech, the county’s contractor, anticipates the focus of work will shift primarily to rock scaling by Friday
afternoon.
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 scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18. Residents are asked to leave their
bagged trash in their refuse carts next Monday, Jan. 17, for early-morning pickup on Tuesday. Any
updates or changes to this schedule will be announced in the online daily newsletter.
To ensure efficient pickup, please double bag your household trash and place it in your county-
issued refuse carts. Bulky items, green waste, and loose trash will not be collected at this time. For those
without refuse carts, please leave your double bagged household waste in a covered trash receptacle at
the side of the road immediately adjacent to your driveway. Trash receptacles must not exceed 50
pounds, and more than one covered receptacle may be used.
Food Distribution
Another community-led food distribution was held Friday, Jan. 14. 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.”
Above photo courtesy of County of Kaua‘i: The State DLNR has opened an alternate emergency access
route from Waimea Canyon Drive, known as Panini Road. This access is limited to local residents and
first responders via 4 x 4 usage only.
Above photos courtesy of County of Kaua‘i: A community-led food distribution was held today, Jan. 14,
for Waimea Valley residents. Mahalo to 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, ‘Āina Ho‘okupu O
Kīlauea, state DLNR-DOFAW, and local farmers and fishers for also contributing to the food distribution.
Below photos courtesy of Hawai‘i Food Bank – Kaua‘i Branch:
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