HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230330KFD.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 30, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL GIBSON, CHIEF
(808) 241-4980
First responders conduct multiple rescues during Flash Flood Warning Wednesday
LĀWA‘I – On Wednesday, first responders conducted multiple vehicle rescues in the Lāwa‘i area
during a Flash Flood Warning.
“Mahalo to our first responders and Good Samaritans for rescuing three individuals during
yesterday’s Flash Flood Warning,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Fast-flowing or
rising water in streams and roads are very unpredictable during Flash Flood Warning conditions. As a
reminder, please heed all warnings during extreme weather events for the safety of yourself, others,
and our first responders.”
First responders were dispatched to the first incident reported on Lāwa‘i Road shortly after 1:35
p.m.
Personnel with the Kōloa fire station, on-duty Battalion Chief, American Medical Response,
Department of Public Works Roads Division, and the Kaua‘i Police Department responded to the
incident.
According to a preliminary report, first responders arrived on scene at approximately 1:40 p.m.
They discovered two females in a vehicle on a flooded portion of Lāwa‘i Road near the National Tropical
Botanical Gardens. Rescuers observed water elevated 2.5 feet above the roadway, disabling the car.
Firefighters assisted the two individuals out of the car and walked them to higher ground.
No injuries were reported.
KPD personnel closed Lāwa‘i Road near the National Botanical Gardens until water levels
receded. Road closed signs were posted by the Department of Public Works Roads Division.
The scene was cleared at approximately 2:20 p.m.
The second rescue occurred on Lāwa‘i Stream near Kua Road.
Shortly after 2:25 p.m., first responders were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that was swept
into Lāwa‘i Stream, occupying a male and a dog.
Personnel with the Kalāheo fire station, Rescue 3, American Medical Response, and Good
Samaritans responded to the incident.
According to a preliminary report, when first responders arrived on scene, a Good Samaritan
had already entered the stream to rescue the male from the car. The Good Samaritan retrieved the man
from the vehicle and brought him safely to the streambank. There were no signs of the dog.
No injuries to the male were reported.
The scene was cleared shortly before 3 p.m.
Wednesday’s Flash Flood Warning was in effect from 11:37 a.m. to 4:24 p.m. for the island of
Kaua‘i.
Photo caption: On Thursday, first responders rescue two individuals from a car on Lāwa‘i Road near the
National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
Photo caption: On Wednesday, Good Samaritans rescued a male after his vehicle was swept into Lāwa‘i
Stream.
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