LIHUE — A disaster response team is planning a one-day rebuild on the North Shore.
For three weeks after April’s historic flooding, Team Rubicon deployed to Kauai to assist with the flood relief efforts. They’ll be heading back to Wainiha and Haena and on Sept. 22 will be teaming with Habitat for Humanity.
“We have to pick up some walls, floors and other things to prevent mold,” said Kauai District Coordinator Dan Abadilla.
While there, they’ll be assessing the community’s needs and, depending on funding, will possibly be going back for a more extensive operation, he said.
Team Rubicon is made up mostly of military veterans, allowing them to continue their service by helping citizens impacted by disasters, but first-responders and civilians can also join, Abadilla said.
“When you look at it, it’s a sense of purpose, identity and community,” he said.
The operations are basically the same thing they’ve been doing in the military — risk assessments, emergency management and logistics.
In April, record rains fell on Kauai in 24 hours causing major flooding in certain parts of the island. Wainiha and Haena were isolated for weeks due to multiple landslides that blocked the road and the area is still off-limits to tourists and the general public.
Recently, Team Rubicon assisted in a three-day operation on the North Shore, after Hurricane Lane dumped more rain on Kauai and there was more flooding.
Veterans and first-responders are invited to participate in the rebuild event. For more information, contact Abadilla at 346-1830.
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Bethany Freudenthal, Crime, courts and county reporter, 652-7891, bfreudenthal@thegardenisland.com
