Ho‘one Road in Po‘ipū Now Open For Traffic

A Po‘ipū roadway that was damaged by the historic south swell during the weekend is open again.

Ho‘one Road is open to traffic after crews with the county Department of Public Works Roads Division on Tuesday, July 19, finished patching the damaged portion. Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami even joined crews Tuesday.

“We want to thank the public for your patience, as our crews with the Roads Division worked quickly to make Ho‘one Road accessible to traffic,” Kawakami said in a news release. “Because the South Shore is under a high surf advisory and dangerous ocean conditions persist, we want to remind everyone to remain vigilant.”

The county is assessing damages caused by the south swell. In addition, details about repairs and further updates to county public structures will be announced when assessments are made.

Officials continue to urge the public to stay away from the shorelines along Po‘ipū, other areas on the south shore and west-facing beaches as significant wave run-ups on roadways and into nearshore properties were reported during the weekend. In addition, organizers with events near the shore are urged to relocate or reconsider postponing their events.

According to the National Weather Service, a high surf advisory remains in effect for south-facing shores through 6 p.m. today. The advisory could be extended or modified as conditions develop.

Surf of 8-12 feet is forecast today, lowering to 7-10 feet by this afternoon.

Until further notice, Ocean Safety Bureau officials continue to advise no swimming and snorkeling on south- and west-facing shores because of the dangerous ocean conditions.

Beachgoers are urged that large, breaking surf, significant shore break and dangerous currents make entering the water hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death. Spectators are also urged to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

For updated information about ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, click here or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

For information about road closures, call Bryson Vivas with the Department of Public Works at 808-241-4841.