Landslide Forces Closure of Menehune Road in Waimea; Emergency Shelter Opens

Menehune Road is closed near the vicinity of the Waimea Swinging Bridge until further notice due to a landslide that occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross will be open an emergency shelter at the Waimea Neighborhood Center at 5 p.m.

Officials are on scene and first responders are on standby. Affected residents are urged to avoid the dangerous conditions. Anyone needing emergency access during the closure should contact 911.

 “We are working diligently to open this roadway and restore utilities to affected residents as soon as possible, but safety is our highest priority,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We have multiple agencies working together at this time. We wish to thank the Department of Public Works crews, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, Kaua‘i Department of Water, American Red Cross, and our first responders for assisting in this effort. Additionally, we thank the residents for their patience and cooperation while work continues.”

Kawakami signed an emergency proclamation on Tuesday as a result of a landslide.

The disaster emergency relief period shall now continue until terminated 60 days after Jan. 4, or by a separate proclamation – whichever comes first.

The purpose of the emergency proclamation is to provide continued relief for disaster damages, losses, and suffering, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Kaua‘i residents and visitors.

There is no timeline yet on when the road will be reopened. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.