Damage assessments, clean-up continue on Kaua‘i; farmers, ranchers advised to document damages

The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated after last week’s flooding events, as county and state officials continue to address various recovery efforts islandwide.

On Tuesday, county officials, with assistance from the National Guard and volunteers from the American Red Cross, continued damage assessments on the island. (See below for more information.)

In addition, the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is working with the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

“Leveraging community-based volunteer organizations has proven highly effective in providing services to those affected by this and all of our prior disasters,” a county official said Tuesday.

The Kaua‘i County Farm Services Agency is advising farmers, ranchers and agriculture producers to document damages from the recent flooding event. According to FSA officials, you must notify the FSA within 72 hours of a crop loss becoming apparent for hand-harvested crops and certain perishable crops.

If you sustained any farm or crop damage during the recent rainstorm, you may contact the Kaua‘i County Farm Services Agency Office at 808-245-9014 extension 2 as soon as possible.

Officials have announced the following updates:

Road and highway closures

• Wailuā
  • The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continues to work on the Wailuā River Bridge on southbound Kūhiō Highway (aka “mauka Wailuā Bridge”).
    The two southbound lanes on the mauka Wailuā Bridge will be narrowed and open during the day.
    Nightly closures of the mauka Wailuā Bridge for debris removal continue from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through April 18, and is expected to reopen at 5 a.m. on April 19.
    During the nightly closures, two-way traffic will be limited to the northbound Kūhiō Highway (aka “makai Wailuā Bridge”), and motorists should anticipate traffic delays.
    
  • Apana Road in Wailuā remains closed due to heavy ponding.
    
  • Wailuā Forest Management Road (aka Loop Road) is closed until further notice.
    
• Līhu‘e
  • Pua Loke Street, near Haleko Road, remains closed due to a sinkhole.
    
• Po‘ipū
  • Ho‘one Road and Kuai Road near Po‘ipū Beach Park remain closed due to flooding. Additionally, the entire parking lot at Po‘ipū Beach Park is flooded.
    
• Kalāheo
  • Wawae Road, east of Kikala Road, is clear after a small landslide. However, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
    
• Lāwa‘i
  • Kuli Road has reports of debris impeding traffic.
    
• Waimea
  • Kanu Road, near Menehune Road, has heavy ponding impedeing traffic.

Damage Assessments

• If you are a property owner or renter who suffered damages due to the April 2024 storms, please report damages through KEMA’s website, www.kauai.gov/kema.
  A new form is also available on KEMA’s website to report storm damages to a business, farm, or ranch.
  Damage reports may be used to determine whether the jurisdiction qualifies for any state or federal assistance. Affected parties must still file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses. Completing a damage report does not constitute an application for assistance or relief programs; however, KEMA can share your information with non-profit partners if assistance becomes available. For assistance with the form, please call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

Park Closures

• Lydgate Beach Park, including the Kamalani Playground, remains closed until further notice for safety concerns. Department of Parks and Recreation officials anticipate the closure to extend at least through April 21. Updates will be announced.
  
• The State of Hawai‘i’s Kalalau Trail remains closed due to high stream levels.

Important Resources

• For updates on road conditions and closures, call 808-241-1725. Do not call the Kaua‘i Police Department at 911 unless you have an emergency.
  
• For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the National Weather Service website, www.weather.gov/hfo.
  
• To sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System, 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.