Kauai Travel Blog
Hurricane Lane didn’t make a direct hit on Kauai, but heavy rains from the storm are leading to another flooding disaster similar to the one experienced by the island in April 2018. The Hanalei Valley is flooded once again, with the Kuhio Highway closed in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge and Dolphin Restaurant.
Reports also indicate Haena and Wainiha (areas still closed to the general public due to damages from April 2018) are experiencing flooding that is threatening homes.
Social media posts show the waterfall on the highway at Kalihiwai gushing a torrent of water.
In the south, some residents of Koloa are being advised to evacuate and in the west Polihale State Park is closed.
The County of Kauai reports:
Flash Flood Warning extended for Kaua‘i; Some residents in Kōloa advised to evacuate–
The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Kaua‘i until 2:30 p.m., and a Flash Flood Watch for the island remains in effect through this afternoon.
A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. The warning may be extended, dropped or modified as conditions develop.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.
Residents on Aloha Place, Waihohonou Road and part of Waila‘au Road in Kōloa, are being strongly advised to evacuate the area as a safety precaution. This is a voluntary evacuation, due to reports of rising stream levels. A shelter will be open at the Kalāheo Neighborhood Center. Again, residents on Aloha Place, Waihohonou Road, and part of Waila‘au Road in Kōloa, are being strongly advised to evacuate. For more information, please call 241-1800.
OFFICIALS REPORTING THE FOLLOWING HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS:
• Kūhiō Highway, in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge, remains closed.
• The convoy between Waikoko and Wainiha remains closed until further notice.
• Heavy ponding and hazardous conditions are being reported island wide. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution. Updates will be given as more information is made available.
STATE PARK CLOSURES
Polihale State Park and the Marina, Kaumualiʻi and Old Smithʻs Landing Sections of Wailua River State Park are closed due to heavy rains and flooding. No one should attempt to launch a vessel on the river until flooding recedes. Haʻena State Park and the east end of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park which were damaged during April Floods remain closed and are currently experiencing additional flooding.
Officials are announcing the following updates.
REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS/ GREEN WASTE SERVICE
All green waste sites at the refuse transfer stations are closed except Hanapēpē. In addition, refuse stations are not accepting scrap metal and appliances at Kapa‘a RTS due to muddy conditions.
The Kepuhi site in Hā‘ena remains closed today.
Additionally, all HI5 Redemption Centers in Kapa‘a scheduled to be open on Tuesdays are open at this time. All others are closed.
Refuse collection service for the following areas may experience delays today, Aug. 28: Kalāheo, Lāwa‘i, Wailua Homesteads, and Kapa‘a.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Public Charter School will be closed today due to weather conditions.
The Department of Education announced that Hanalei Elementary School will be closed today, Aug. 28. For students attending Kapa‘a Middle School and Kapa‘a High School that reside in Hanalei, Wainiha and Hā‘ena, bus services will not be operating. Additionally, the satellite school located at the Hanalei Colony Resort is also closed today.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FORMS
All residents are advised to report any damages that have resulted from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lane, including the Flash Flood events on Monday, Aug. 27, and Tuesday, Aug. 28. If your home was damaged, please visit www.kauai.gov and click on the “Lane Damage Form Aug 2018” icon and fill out a damage assessment form.
The information you provide may be used to determine whether or not certain federal aid is made available to residents of Kaua‘i and the State of Hawai‘i. Please contact KEMA at (808) 241-1800 if you require assistance with the form.
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency.
For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hawaii.
