Rockslide Update: Normal Refuse Collection Service Starts Monday

Officials are announcing the following updates for the Waimea community affected by the rockslide that occurred on Menehune Road on Jan. 4.

Menehune Road and Waimea Swinging Bridge

The county’s geotechnical consultant continues to work on determining parameters for a permanent solution to mitigate additional rockfall hazards in this area on Menehune Road. Survey work to obtain topographic data of the slope is being scheduled.

On Thursday, Kaikor Construction – the county’s contractor for the Waimea Swinging Bridge repairs – completed initial bridge stabilization work ahead of schedule. Bridge repairs for the temporary restoration of pedestrian access is anticipated to start in 2-3 weeks, once all materials and equipment are secured and mobilized.

In the meantime, Menehune Road is now open to regular vehicle traffic. Temporary road closures may be needed in the future when work continues on the Waimea Swinging Bridge, or if significant rain causes additional rockfall hazards. Updates on new road closures will be announced.

Given the historic nature of the Waimea Swinging Bridge, officials expect permanent repairs will require special order materials; thus, officials anticipate that permanent repairs won’t start 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

Effective Monday, Feb. 7, the County will revert to the area’s normal Monday morning refuse collection service. Residents are asked to leave their bagged trash in their refuse carts on Sunday, Feb. 6, for early-morning pickup on Monday.

If you currently don’t have a refuse cart and would like to continue receiving county refuse collection service, please contact the Division of Solid Waste Management at 808-241-4840.

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 online newsletter is available on the “Waimea Valley Rockslide” page at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.