HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2022-01-21Jan 21updateonMenehuneRoadclosure.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 21, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Jan. 21 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 Monday, Jan. 24. 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.”
Road Closure and Slope Stabilization
Menehune Road is expected to remain fully closed until further notice, with a possibility of
reopening before 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.
HiTech, the County’s contractor, completed two full scaling runs on Thursday, removing
boulders and rocks off the slope above Menehune Road. They also cut and removed overhanging
hazardous trees on top of the slope, and removed small scaling rocks from the Menehune Ditch.
Rock scaling operations continued Friday. On Saturday, HiTech plans to further secure the
rockfall barrier fence to the slope by drilling additional anchors and replacing damaged mesh panels and
other hardware.
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 if you need to access the area,
please use the alternate route on Panini Road, which is limited to 4 x 4 vehicles, or contact KEMA at 808-
241-1800.
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
Refuse collection is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25. Residents are asked to leave their bagged
trash in their refuse carts on Monday, Jan. 24, 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.
Wellness Checks/Needs Assessments
While the road remains fully closed, wellness checks and needs assessments will continue 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.
Food Distribution
Families are reporting that they have food and supplies for the time being. Supply deliveries will
occur, however, on a case-by-case basis.
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.”
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