As Hurricane Lane approaches, on the North Shore in Wainiha and Haena there’s more than just regular preparation necessary due its isolation.
At a meeting at Opakapaka Grill and Bar Tuesday night attended by about 100 people, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced that Hurricane Lane went from a Category 4 to 5 storm, and received gasps and worried looks from the audience.
“You guys are a very resilient crowd,” said Sgt. Rod Green with Kauai Police Department told the audience, starting off on a positive note. He was answered with clapping and cheers.
Green’s advice was to stay away from windows and out of rooms with windows.
He also pointed out that the penalty for crimes is increased during an emergency, that a crime normally categorized as a misdemeanor during this time will be considered a felony.
Solomon Konoho spoke on behalf of the Kauai Fire Department. He said fire trucks will be in the area in the case of an emergency, adding that there are about five personnel who live and will be in the area with medical equipment to assist.
Larry Dill with the Department of Transportation announced that the convoy may be closed Thursday and to check for updates.
Typically the public is notified within 24 hours prior to the closure.
Brian Weinard with the Department of Water announced that should water service go off during the storm preparations are being made, and the department will have a truck in the area with a generator to power the water pumps.
Water pumps in Haena and Wainiha will be shut off today as part of their procedures to test the waterlines and ensure they work effectively during the storm. Officials were not sure when they will be turned off.
A 2,000 gallon water tank will be filled by Thursday for residents to ensure they have an emergency supply of water. Weinard added, “We can’t guarantee water service for any specific duration.”
Patrick Gallagher with the American Red Cross spoke on evacuation and shelters.
He said that today around 4 p.m. shelters will open at Church of the Pacific, Kilauea Gym and Neighborhood Center, and Kilauea School.
Gallagher recommended that everyone going to a shelter should bring a 14-day emergency kit including medical supplies and food.
Bill Arakaki with the Department of Education said that updates on school closures for Kauai will be available this morning.
