Nearly 200 evacuated from North Shore; Hanalei Bridge open

Multi-agency relief efforts are continuing today for residents and visitors stranded in Ha‘ena and Wainiha as the National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department and the American Red Cross work together to bring water and supplies into Wainiha and Ha‘ena.

“A tremendous effort is underway with the assistance of our county, state and federal partners, along with countless donations and volunteers from across our island and state, we are slowly but surely getting food, water and medical supplies to those in need,” states Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “We are also working to clear the highways and roadways of mud and debris so that we can reopen public access where we are able. While we have a long road to recovery ahead of us, we are incredibly grateful for everyone who has stepped to the plate to help in one way or another.”

Over 100 people have been airlifted from the Ha‘ena and Wainiha area and have transported to the Kilauea Gym. Those who need to be evacuated can go to the Wainiha landing zone located just east of Ala Mihi Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. until further notice.

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

For those remaining in Wainiha and Hāa‘ena, water and food supplies can be picked up at Camp Naue.

Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is now open to the public as repairs to the bridge were completed this morning. Upon reopening the highway, the Kaua‘i Bus worked with the American Red Cross to shuttle 121 people from the Hanalei Shelter back to Princeville. With the reopening of the highway, the shelters at Hanalei Elementary School and the Church of the Pacific are now closed.

The Department of Water reports that it has power has been restored to its Wainiha pump stations which will allow water services to be slowly restored to customers in the Wainiha and Ha‘ena area. However, DOW has issued a ‘do not drink’ advisory and a conservation notice for Wainiha and Hā‘ena customers. Those who are receiving water are also urged to heed the conservation notice.

Power has been restored to some customers in the Hanalei area, while outages continue for Wainiha and Hā‘ena customers.

State Department of Transportation crews were able to access the first of at least eight landslides along Kuhio Highway. They are working to clear mud and debris from the highway at Waikoko while the Kaua‘i Utility Cooperative and Hawaiian Tel crew simultaneously work on repairs to fallen utility poles.

The evacuation order for low-lying areas of Kalihiwai Valley has been lifted as of Sunday morning. On Saturday afternoon, the Kalihiwai Reservoir was nearing capacity and residents in the low-lying areas were directed to evacuate as a safety precaution. Since that time, the dam has been inspected and it has been deemed safe for residents to return. Officials will continue to monitor the reservoir.

The Department of Education has announced that due to the need to address safety concerns, Hanalei Elementary School will continue to be closed on Tuesday to allow for repair and clean-up of the school facilities. School will resume on Wednesday.

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.

Officials are also reporting the following road closures:

• Weke Road in the vicinity of Black Pot Beach due to a sinkhole;

• Severe erosion closed the mauka portion of Kahiliholo Road at Kalihiwai Ridge;

• Kūuhio Highway, between Waikoko and Wainiha, due to multiple landslides;

• Hanalei Plantation Road in Princeville due to a sinkhole.

For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency.

All residents and visitors on Kauai are advised to stay out of flood waters and limit exposure. Heavy rains have caused storm water runoff throughout Kauai, 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.