LIHU‘E — Several Lihu‘e Civic Center offices have been closed to the public after the building’s sprinkler system was activated on Sunday night.
The incident has resulted in the closure of the following offices until further notice: Department of Human Resources, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Public Works Engineering and Buildings divisions, according to a statement from the County of Kaua’i.
“The cause of the fire sprinkler activation is currently unknown,” said Wallace Rezentes, deputy director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, in an email response to The Garden Island on Monday afternoon.
It’s also unknown exactly how long the sprinklers were spraying water, but Rezentes said the Kaua‘i Fire Department received a call about the activated sprinkler system shortly after 8:50 p.m. on Sunday.
Water flow to the sprinkler system was then disabled by fire personnel at around 9:10 p.m., and power to the affected areas was also turned off.
“The entire office occupying the Engineering Division and portions of the Human Resources and parks permitting offices were inundated with 2 inches of water,” said Rezentes.
Fire personnel found no indication of fire or smoke at the scene, and the crew cleared the area just before 10:30 p.m.
According to Rezentes, employees are busy working to remove office supplies, contents and equipment.
Rezentes did not say how long it would take for the damage to be repaired.
“We have engaged a contractor to perform remediation work, including water, carpet, drywall and debris removal. We then anticipate to engage a general contractor for the necessary carpentry, electrical and fire suppression system repairs,” he said.
The county’s Public Information Office says it will update the public on the situation when alternative locations have been secured.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
