The County of Kaua‘i shared the following press release with updates for communities affected by the March 2021 flooding.
3:30 p.m., March 14, Update: Officials announce updates for flood-affected
communities
Officials are announcing the following updates for communities affected by the March 2021 flood.
New Webpage: A new webpage has been created on the County of Kaua‘i website, providing ongoing information and resources for those affected by the March 2021 flood.
Residents, especially those who reside in the isolated North Shore areas, are advised to visit
www.kauai.gov/kema and view the webpage “March 2021 Flooding” where up-to-date information will be posted on current Kūhiō Highway closures and repairs, damage assessments, refuse services, postal services, power and water utility services, COVID-19 vaccines and other health-related resources.
HLF and AMR Medevac Services: Hawai‘i Life Flight and American Medical Response have placed into service its medical helicopter, now stationed at the Līhu‘e Airport. The helicopter will be used for all patient transports north of the Hanalei Hill landslide. Staffed with one pilot, and two medical staff, AMR and HLF will continue 24-hour emergency response services, day and night, for our isolated North Shore community.
Kūhiō Highway at Hanalei Hill: Both lanes of Kūhiō Highway, at the Hanalei Hill approaching Hanalei Bridge, will remain closed as officials continue to assess the damage, conduct debris removal, and stabilize the slopes. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) officials are still targeting early next week to establish single lane emergency access through the area, weather permitting. HDOT will provide an update on the time frame after today’s work is completed.
Other Current Road Closures:
• Kūhiō Highway, between Kolopua Apartments and Hanalei Plantation Road, remains closed
out of an abundance of caution. This is the road above the Hanalei Hill site. HDOT officials
have installed systems to monitor any movement in the road.
• One lane of Kūhiō Highway at mile marker 4.5 near Waikoko is currently open to alternating traffic.
Water Conservation Notice: The Department of Water (DOW) has issued a water conservation notice for customers from Wainiha to Hā‘ena, until further notice, due to an electrical power outage affecting the system’s well site. As a precautionary measure, customers are advised to limit water use to essential needs only in order to avoid a full water service outage. For updates and more information about water conservation measures, visit www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW.
Weather Update: A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for Kaua‘i through 6 p.m. Monday. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for all North-, East- and West-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau through 6 p.m. Monday. Strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents are expected. All weather and ocean advisories may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.
For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.
FAA Temporary Flight Restriction: The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction from Princeville to Kē‘ē Beach, particularly restricting all aircraft and UAS (drones). Please avoid the area to help ensure the safety our first responders during their ongoing emergency operations.
Damage Assessments: The county is continuing to conduct assessments of storm-affected areas across the island. If your home suffered damages due to the March flooding, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on the green link “March 2021 Rain Damage/Flood Reporting” to complete a form. The information you provide will help to gather necessary data which may be used to determine whether or not certain federal aid is made available to residents of Kaua‘i and/or the State of Hawai‘i. For assistance on how to fill out the form, you may call KEMA at 241-1800.
Updates will be posted as information becomes available. Official county press releases are
posted at www.kauai.gov, or you may follow the County of Kaua‘i Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/CountyofKauai
Last modified: March 14, 2021
