Rockslide Update: Menehune Road Open During Non-Repair Hours

Officials are announcing the following updates for the Waimea community affected by the rockslide that occurred on Menehune Road on Jan. 4. The next update is expected to be announced on Monday, Jan. 31.

Road Closure and Slope Stabilization

Upcoming work on the slope includes installing erosion control measures prescribed by Geolabs – the county’s contracted geotechnical engineering firm. HiTech, a contractor for the County, will perform the installation.

Road closures are scheduled for the affected area above the slope on Menehune Road, Monday through Friday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No road closures are scheduled for the weekend. Weekday road closures are necessary to accommodate slope and bridge work.

The Public Works Roads Division is providing road closure signage, a messaging board, traffic safety barriers, and personnel on-site (as needed) to assist with access control.

Menehune Road is now open to regular vehicle traffic during non-working hours. However, ongoing temporary road closures may be necessary for the future, as work on the slope may be necessary until permanent measures are designed and constructed.

Waimea Swinging Bridge

Starting Feb. 1, Kaikor Construction – the county’s contractor for bridge repair work – will conduct additional safety measures to stabilize the bridge further before temporary repairs begin. Work is scheduled from Monday to Friday. Temporary repairs are anticipated to start soon after to restore pedestrian access.

Given the historic nature of the bridge, we expect the permanent repair project will require special order materials; thus, it will not occur for several months. We will continue to work with Makaweli residents on their continued needs. If you require assistance, please contact KEMA at the numbers listed below.

Refuse Service

The next refuse collection is currently scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 1. Residents are asked to leave their bagged trash in their refuse carts on Monday, Jan. 31, 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.

Food Distribution/Wellness Checks/Needs Assessments

Families are reporting that they have food and supplies for the time being. Supply deliveries will occur, however, on a case-by-case basis.

Wellness checks and needs assessments will continue as needed 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.

Panini Road Emergency Access Route

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) alternate emergency access route from Waimea Canyon Drive, known as Panini Road, will remain open to local residents and first responders via 4 x 4 usage only. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and cautiously through the area.

Additional Assistance

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.

The next update is expected to be announced on Friday, Jan. 28, via news release and online newsletter available on the “Waimea Valley Rockslide” page at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.