While the storm brought periods of heavy rain and severe weather conditions, Kaua‘i was spared the significant widespread impacts from the recent Kona low storm system experienced by other counties.
Damage reports received on Kaua‘i have been limited, with seven residential properties and four commercial properties reporting impacts. Damage and costs reported thus far by state, county, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance-eligible nonprofits total $745,665, with the most significant item being damage to the Department of Public Works Auto Shop roof at approximately $680,000.
“Our island was fortunate,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “While we experienced heavy rains and localized impacts, we did not see the level of devastation that our neighbors are facing. Our hearts are with the families and communities throughout our state who are working through significant recovery efforts. Kaua‘i stands ready to support our sister islands in any way we can.”
Kawakami maintained regular contact with state and county senior elected leaders before and throughout the incident, and the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center engaged in daily and sometimes twice-daily statewide coordination calls.
As part of this coordination, the County of Kaua‘i was able to offer statewide support and consultations, resulting in the deployment of personnel to Maui County to assist with response and recovery operations.
Kaua‘i’s first seven-member team deployed on March 16. A supplemental team deployed March 22-27, with additional personnel supporting the emergency operations centers and joint preliminary damage assessments from March 25-27.
County personnel are supporting Maui’s Emergency Operations Center along with field operations such as preliminary damage assessments for both individual assistance and public assistance, including assessments related to businesses and infrastructure.
“This is what we do as island communities. When one of us is hurting, we step up to help. I am proud of our county employees who answered the call and are assisting Maui’s recovery efforts,” Kawakami added.
The County of Kaua‘i will continue to monitor local conditions and remains in close coordination with state and county partners as recovery efforts continue statewide.
