What you need to know about the kona low Monday on Kaua‘i: Portion of Ke Ala Hele Makālae closed as crews clear debris

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

A powerful kona low northwest of the Hawaiian Islands brought a prolonged period of hazardous weather throughout the state last week.

Kaua‘i County was able to weather the storm and reopened all county facilities and services as of Saturday, March 14, including including the Wailuā Golf Course, Kapa‘a Swimming Pool and Kaua‘i Bus.

Weather conditions began to improve as of Friday night, March 13, after the island and all of Kaua‘i County had endured more than a day of flooding, heavy rainfall, strong winds, power outages, rising streams and other impacts as the kona low slammed into the northern end of the state.

All power outages still outstanding as of Saturday also were corrected and power restored by Kaua‘i Island Utilities Cooperative.

Kaua‘i County Public Works Roads Division crews continued Saturday clearing up debris from various drains, culverts, roadways and county infrastructure.

County and state closures

The County of Kauaʻi Department of Parks and Recreation has closed a portion of Ke Ala Hele Makālae, from Keālia Beach to Pālikū Beach in Kapaʻa, until further notice.

The closure is necessary to allow crews to clear debris from the recent storm. Updates will be provided when that section of the path reopens.

For more information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 808-241-4460 or email parks@kauai.gov.

Wailuā Golf Course

The back 9 holes at Wailuā Golf Course is closed Sunday, March 15, because of inclement conditions; however, the front 9 remains open; though for walkers only until further notice.

The closure is necessary for safety reasons while Kaua’i County Parks and Rec crews assess and address course conditions. Storm impacts on the course include downed tree limbs, ponding and damage to course amenities.

Contact Wailuā Golf Course at 808-241-6666 or via email at doprgolf@kauai.gov. The email address is for informational inquiries only. Tee time reservations must be made in person or by calling.

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.