Public school classes canceled islandwide; shelters opened in Kapa‘a and Kōloa

The Department of Education has canceled public school classes islandwide due to safety concerns and closures of various roadways due to flooding and heavy ponding as a result of the flash flood warning.

A flash flood warning is canceled but a flood watch remains in effect till 6 p.m.

Due to residential flooding in the Kōloa and Wailua areas, the Department of Parks and Recreation has opened shelters at the Kapa‘a and Kōloa neighborhood centers. Volunteers with the American Red Cross at both locations. Officials advise residents to shelter in place unless they need to flee due to flooding.

The Kaua‘i Bus has resumed service. All paratransit trips are being canceled except for critical care appointments.

Due to heavy rains, Wastewater Treatment Plants at Waimea and Wailua are overwhelmed, creating spills. Department of Health regulations require that signs be posted to notify the public of the impacted area to be avoided and disinfected.

In Waimea, this area would include the emergency drainage ditch to Kikiaola Harbor and the waters within the Kikiaola Harbor. For Wailua, the potentially contaminated area would include the Lydgate Beach Park makai of the roadway, including the Kamalani Park playground and the pavilions. Crews are working on controlling Wailua’s and Waimea’s high flows.

The public is requested to avoid areas of potential wastewater contamination. For questions or comments, contact Donald Fujimoto at 808-241-4083 or via email at dfujimoto@kauai.gov.

Kaua‘i Police Dispatch has reported the following road closures:

Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge in both directions;
Southbound lane of Kūhiō Highway near the Wailua Bridge;
Kaumuali‘i Highway near the vicinity of Lauoho Road and Kuli Road;
Kaumuali‘i Highway near the Kaumakani and Pākalā areas;
Kuamo‘o Road near Kūhiō Highway;
‘Ohana Street;
Koki Road;
Olohena Road near the solar farm;
Halehaka Road due to a downed tree;
Wailaau Road;
Aloha Place;
Waihohonu Road;
Waikomo Road;
Kūhiō Highway near the vicinity Kuene Street due to a small landslide;
A portion of Pu‘uwai Roa; and
Kōloa Road near Piko Road due to a small landslide.

Various crews from the Department of Public Works Roads Maintenance Division and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continue to respond to issues with the County of Kaua‘i roads and the State of Hawai‘i highways.

Officials have reported multiple rescues from cars and houses due to flooding. There are no reported injuries at this time. In addition, flooding and heavy ponding have been reported in various locations on the island. The National Weather Services advises against travel unless you flee an area subject to flooding.

For updates on road conditions and closures, call 808-241-1725. If you are in an emergency, call Kaua‘i police 911.

For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), please go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov/kema, and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.