Kauai County Update: 1:00 p.m. – April 17, 2018

Posted on Apr 17, 2018 in Information and News Releases, Main

 

KAUA’I EMERGENCY MANAGEMEMENT AGENCY

News Release
For Immediate Release: April 17, 2018

ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR

Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860

 

1 P.M. UPDATE: Multi-agency relief efforts continue on Kaua‘i

  • Donations are currently being accepted at the following locations:
    • Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
    • Kīlauea Neighborhood Center (9 a.m. to 5 P.M.)
  • Items being accepted include:
    • Non-perishables;
    • Bottled water;
    • Hygiene items;
    • Diapers
    • Baby food and formula
  • The Hanalei refuse transfer station is currently accepting all debris up to three feet in length. Furniture and beds longer than three feet in length are being accepted.
  • The Kapa‘a refuse transfer station green waste site is closed today but the other services are still available. All other refuse transfer station green waste sites are fully operational.
  • Current road closures include the following:
    • Kuhio Highway, between Waikoko and Wainiha, due to multiple landslides;
    • A portion of Kahiliholo Road in Kilauea;
    • Lei o Papa Road in Princeville due to a sinkhole;
    • Hanalei Plantation Road in Princeville remains closed due to a sinkhole; and
    • Weke Road in the vicinity of Black Pot each remains closed;
    • For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency.
  • The Kīlauea Neighborhood Center is currently open as a Red Cross shelter.
  • The Department of Health is advising the following:
  • Stay out of brown water: Kaua‘i remains under a brown water advisory. Testing is ongoing around the island and results may be available later today. If you must enter brown water along coastlines or in areas where water has pooled due to flooding, take precautions to cover any open wounds or injuries, and be sure to wash and rinse thoroughly with soap and clean water afterwards.
  • Practice good sanitation: Wash your hands often with soap and clean water to prevent spreading and contracting any illnesses, especially before handling and preparing food to avoid food contamination. If soap and clean water is unavailable, hand sanitizer may be used instead.
  • Food safety tips: Make sure to throw away spoiled or unrefrigerated food to prevent foodborne illnesses. Minimize the presence of flies and rodents by disposing of food in covered and sealed containers.

Multi-agency relief efforts are continuing this morning for residents and visitors stranded in the isolated communities of Hā‘ena and Wainiha. National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i Police Department, American Medical Response, the American Red Cross, along with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers and other partners work together to provide essential public safety services, food, water and supplies into Wainiha and Hā‘ena.

The American Red Cross are in the areas of Kōloa, Lāwa‘i, and the North Shore area to conduct additional damage and needs assessments throughout today.

The U.S. Army, National Guard, and the County of Kaua‘i have airlifted over 220 people from the Hā‘ena and Wainiha area on Monday¬. Those who need to be evacuated can go to the Wainiha landing zone located just east of Ala Mihi Road between approximately 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, weather permitting.

Those who wish to be evacuated are advised that it is unknown at this time when they can return home, as landslides continue to block access along Kūhiō Highway between Waikoko and Wainiha.

For people leaving the area between Kīlauea and Hanalei, the Kaua‘i Bus is allowing free service and will also allow luggage on board. The carry-on policy will be waived for those leaving the disaster area.

The Department of Water (DOW) has issued a “do not drink” advisory for customers located along a portion of Weke Road, from Pilikoa Street to the Makai-end of Weke road towards Black Pot Beach in Hanalei. DOW crews have repaired a portion of a damaged main line to restore water to the affected area; however, due to the exposure to the service lines from recent damage, residents along the described portion of Weke Road in Hanalei are advised not to drink or cook with tap water, as a precautionary measure, until further notice. DOW urges residents to please share this information with other residents and guests that reside in the affected portion of Weke Road in Hanalei.

The water conservation notice from Princeville Utilities Co., Inc. continues for all its customers in Princeville, Anini Vista, Kalihiwai Bay Estates, Kapaka Road and Hanalei Plantation Road. Please be advised that as the pipe empties, it is possible that some air or sediment may enter your home plumbing. When turning on your faucet after water service is restored, please allow your water to run until it is clear to ensure flushing of any air or sediment from your plumbing.

State Department of Transportation continues to work to clear landslides along Kūhiō Highway, while the Kaua‘i Utility Cooperative and Hawaiian Tel crew simultaneously work on repairs to fallen utility poles.

All residents and visitors on Kaua‘i are advised to stay out of flood waters and limit exposure. Heavy rains have caused storm water runoff throughout Kaua‘i, leading to widespread flooding producing large areas of standing water. Coastal waters have also been affected and a brown water advisory remains in effect until further notice.

Resource links are now available at ready.hawaii.gov: