Here is what you need to know about Tropical Storm Lala and recovery efforts.
To report damage
Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency opened damage reporting portals for the public to submit damage reports related to Tropical Storm Lala. The portal can be found at the Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency website.
Road closures/conditions
All roadways were open as of Monday, as per Kaua’i County’s final Tropical Storm Lala update that night.
Road work ahead
Kaua’i County Department of Public Works and contractor Grace Pacific announce lane closures from Aug. 18 to Sept. 4 along portions of Kīlauea Road in Kīlauea for road repairs, weather permitting.
Flaggers will be positioned at the ends of the closures to direct traffic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during workdays. No parking will be allowed in the work zones during this time.
Access to properties will be provided.
Contact Grace Pacific at 808-652-0402 or Todd Ozaki with Kauaʻi County at 808-241-4845 or via email at tozaki@kauai.gov for additional information.
Public Works and contractor The Cutting-Edge also announce lane closures and intermittent full road closures for Aug. 17 along a portion of Hailima Road in Lāwa‘i to conduct emergency tree removal.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane with alternating flow, and intermittent full road closures could be necessary. Flaggers will be positioned at the work zone to direct traffic.
During this time, no parking will be allowed in the work zones.
Contact Kelli-Ann Oku with the Public Works Roads Division at 808-241-4899 or via email at koku@kauai.gov for additional information.
Motorists should observe and obey all traffic controls, posted signs and flaggers in both work areas. Anticipate delays and allow extra travel time to get to your destination if you must drive through the areas.
Emergency proclamation
Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami signed an emergency proclamation, streamlining the county’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently by expediting necessary processes and reducing administrative barriers, allowing critical resources and services to be deployed without unnecessary delay to help protect lives and property.
County and state closures
- The Kalalau Trail, the Nāpali Coast State Park and Polihale State Park are closed through at least Aug. 20. The county reported in its final Tropical Storm Lala update Monday night that Hāʻena Shuttle remained suspended.
- Pacific Missile Range Facility guest passes and recreational areas are closed until further notice.
- Kauaʻi County Department of Motor Vehicles was closed Monday, so all DMV appointments scheduled for Monday must be rescheduled.
Recreation
The public is advised to 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.
For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, speak with a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com or call Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative’s Outage Management System automatically alerts members when power is lost. Outage status also can be monitored on the co-op’s outage map.
Members are asked to report downed power lines, damaged poles, arcing equipment or any information that can help crews identify hazards and restore service.
Never approach a downed power line. Always assume it is energized, keep others away and call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate danger.
Visit Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative Facebook page for the latest updates.
Brown water advisory
The Brown Water Advisory for Kauaʻi has been lifted island-wide, but a new advisory remains at Waimea Recreational Pier and Koloa Landing.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain because the water could contain higher than normal pollutant levels.
It is recommended to stay out of affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain stops and after the beach received full sunshine.
Avoid swimming, wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent the bacterial infection leptospirosis.
Remember: if the water is brown, turn around. Click here for additional information and updates.
Department of Water
Receive alerts from Kauaʻi County Department of Water alerts by signing up on Everbridge, the county’s mass notification system.
Important numbers and resources
Stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. Here is a list of important resources and emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency: kauai.gov/kema.
- National Weather Service: weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Kaua‘i Department of Water: 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org/.
- Road and closure conditions: 808-241-1725.
