What you need to know about the kona low Saturday on Kaua‘i: Flood watch canceled for Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau

Editor’s note: This page will be continuously updated throughout the day, if necessary.

A powerful kona low northwest of the Hawaiian Islands continues to bring a prolonged period of hazardous weather throughout the state.

However, Kaua‘i County officials Friday evening (March 13) already reported improving weather trends over the Garden Isle after enduring a day and more packed with flooding, heavy rainfall, strong winds, power outages, rising streams and more impacts from the storm.

Their final storm update, pending any significant updates or changes, said because of the diminishing severe weather threat, all regular county facilities and services — including all transfer stations, Kekaha Landfill, Wailuā Golf Course, Kapa‘a Swimming Pool and Kaua‘i Bus — were set to reopen today (March 14).

Officials assessed conditions this morning to make a final determination, and the county reported shortly after 8:30 a.m. on its Facebook page: “All County of Kaua‘i facilities and services are operational today. Mahalo!”

Kaua‘i County Public Works Roads Division crews Friday evening continued clearing various drains, culverts, roadways and county infrastructure.

Officials also urged the public — despite the improving weather — to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions, local media and official government channels for any changes in the weather and further updates, if warranted.

Waimea wastewater spill

A spill of about 285,750 gallons of wastewater happened at between about 8 p.m. Friday and about 6 a.m. Saturday at the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The spill occurred because of high flows from heavy rains and high infiltration and inflow from the powerful kona low still moving through the state. High flows might continue depending on the direction of the rains, and future spills might happen until the storm passes the state.

The spill was isolated to overflow from the effluent tank after passing through the biological treatment process and ultraviolet disinfection. It was confined on-site.

However, some of the spill might have entered the adjacent drainage ditches that do not touch state waters. Additional disinfection was done in the spill areas.

Kaua‘i County Wastewater Management Division is working on immediate repair projects to address the infiltration and inflow problem. Crews also are working with Hawai‘i Department of Health to identify options and expand capacity of injection wells and reuse distribution to handle the higher storm flows.

Anyone with questions can contact Donald Fujimoto with the Wastewater Management Division at 808-241-4083 or via email at dfujimoto@kauai.gov.

Current weather advisories

High surf advisory: In effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for south-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Gale force southerly winds are creating large and rough surf along southern shorelines. Large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet are forecast, which combined with strong currents are making swimming and other ocean activities dangerous. Remember: when in doubt, don’t go out.

High wind warning: In effect until 6 a.m. Sunday (March 15) for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 60 mph. Areas most at risk are communities north and east of steep mountain slopes.

Flood watch: Was originally In effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. National Weather Service forecasters, however, canceled the flood watch for both islands as flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

Emergency water service shutdown

Kaua’i County Department of Water reported just before 10 a.m. Saturday on the county’s Facebook page that an emergency water service shutdown was initiated after a mainline break on a portion of Kuamoʻo Road, between ʻŌpaekaʻa Road and Hie Street, and would last for an estimated 5 hours. Affected customers should expect no water service, low water pressure or intermittent water outages during the shutdown. Water Department crews are working to repair the infrastructure.

Power outages

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative reported just after 11 a.m. Saturday that there is an outage in Kapahi. The co-op’s troubleshooter was dispatched.

The utility co-op reported at just before 9:30 a.m. Saturday that power was restored following an earlier separate outage affecting members in Kapahi. The utility co-op estimated it would take about an hour for power to come back on as personnel diagnosed the problem and attempted to restore power.

Another outage that started about 11:30 a.m. Saturday is affecting cooperative members in Wainiha. The utility co-op advises those affected to plan for at least 4 hours before power is restored while personnel diagnose the issue and attempt to fix it.

More information and an updated estimated time of restoration will be provided as it becomes available.

Road closures

NOTE: These were the last road closures and announcements available Friday night. The county had not released any further updates as of just before noon about the roads that were still seeing flooding or impacts from the storm.

• Hoʻone Road and Kūʻai Road in Poʻipū are closed because of flooding.
• Puolo Road in Hanapēpē is closed for debris cleanup.
• Akemāmā Road in Lawaʻi is open.
• Single-lane closure along Ala Kinoiki near the Waialau Road intersection reopened.
• Pe‘e Road at the intersection with Poʻipū Road is open through Monday. The roadway was previously shuttered because of construction.

County and state closures

NOTE: This is the most recent information available, which is from Friday evening.

• All public and charter schools are closed.
• Kaua‘i Community College reported shortly before 6 p.m. Friday via a Facebook post that it would reopen and resume operations today. Those with classes or an activity on campus should check with organizers to see if the event is still happening.
• Kaua‘i Bus operating as scheduled.
• All state facilities and services on Kaua‘i are closed.
• Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources closed Polihale State Park and Hā‘ena State Park, as well as all parking lots within Koke‘e State Park until further notice. Overnight camping at Koke‘e State Park is suspended until further notice.

Safety advisory

• Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a brown water advisory for Kaua‘i. Health officials advise beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
• The public should check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails and other outdoor recreation areas can quickly become hazardous, and emergency rescues might not be possible during severe weather.
• Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean: know before you go.
• Speak to a Kaua‘i county lifeguard, visit the Safe Beach Day website or call Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 dor up-to-date information about ocean conditions and safety.

Get the most updated information about weather conditions plus Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau forecasts by visiting Kaua‘i Now’s weather page and the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website.