In its daily flooding report, Malama Kauai said Monday that “the one essential ask from the community on the north was requesting time and space to manage current disaster relief efforts without visitor industry interference during this sensitive time.”
“The devastation in Wainiha was especially heart-wrenching,” said Donovan Kanani Cabebe, project manager for Malama Kauai. “The feedback we got from the community on the north is that they need the time and space to heal and rebuild, alongside the desire for self-determined economic development moving into the future.”
The county announced emergency-only road accessibility to the north, allowing limited disaster response staff and emergency response vehicles access. All visitors and those not in pre-approved work crews are directed to avoid the areas north of Hanalei.
Here are some of the happenings and needs in Wainiha and Haena:
The towns are working together to develop long-term community resources and assets, such as community tool sheds, food pantries, and feeding locations or potlucks to empower community self-reliance and sustainability for long-term disaster response.
Gas distribution for affected residents will resume at 8 this morning.
Volunteer needs in Haena: a metal detection operator to secure and retrieve vehicles, tools, and other needs from flooded areas, including rivers.
Most needed items for Haena are a waterproof metal detector; tool sets; Lucas Oil stabilizer (three cases); jumper box for car batteries; jumper cables; case of “Fix a Flat”; tire plugs to fix tires; Corrosion X spray or corrosion block; air compressors that plug into the car outlet; actual air compressors (any size); pop up tents; extension cords; bikes; a small generator; bleach; paper towels; Simple Green; laundry detergent (pod kind or small liquid bottles).
Most needed items for Wainiha are power washers and masks for personal protection against mold and dust for cleaning crews; Supplies for temporary housing: (10 x 10 tent with sides, XL camping tent, rubber palettes for under tent, stoves and propane, extension cords, lights/lanterns, blow up beds, small table with two chairs, coolers, plastic storage shelves.
In Kalihiwai Over the weekend, the community demolished several homes affected by the floods, and did extensive chipping in the valley. Supply needs for Kalihiwai area include: Diesel fuel, tarps and bungees.
Most needed items in Anahola and east side areas are work gloves, masks, a collapsible wagon, baby supplies, size 3-4 diapers, baby wipes, girls clothes 13 months old, and plastic containers for storage. Please mark donated items with the name of the area where you want your contribution to go and drop off at Malama Kauai Distribution Center at Common Ground on Kuawa Road in Kilauea from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
