April 17: Flood recovery updates
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated after last week’s flooding events. Officials announce the following updates.
Road and Highway Closures:
The Niumalu Bridge on Niumalu Road near Hulemalu Road, in Nāwiliwili, remains closed until further notice due to flood damage and safety concerns. Residents and businesses in the area are advised to use Hulemalu Road as a detour. County officials are working diligently to expedite repairs. Updates will be announced.
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continues to work on the Wailua River Bridge on southbound Kūhiō Highway (aka “mauka Wailua Bridge”). The two southbound lanes on the mauka Wailua Bridge will be narrowed and open during the day. Nightly closures of the mauka Wailua Bridge for debris removal continue from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday, April 18, and is expected to reopen at 5 a.m. Friday, April 19. During the nightly closures, two-way traffic will be limited to the northbound Kūhiō Highway (aka “makai Wailua Bridge”), and motorists should anticipate traffic delays.
There are other various road closures islandwide that remain ongoing. Please continue to drive with caution and follow all closure and detour signs.
Damage Assessments:
As of April 17, 2024, officials have received reports of damages to 157 residences, 12 businesses, and 4 farms.
County officials, with assistance from the National Guard and volunteers from the American Red Cross, continued damage assessments on Wednesday.
If you are a property owner or renter, business, farm, or ranch who suffered damages due to the April 2024 storms, please report damages through KEMA’s website www.kauai.gov/kema.
Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for any state or federal assistance. Affected parties must still file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses. Completing a damage report does not constitute an application for assistance or relief programs; however, KEMA can share your information with non-profit partners if assistance becomes available. For assistance with the form, please call Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
Additionally, the Kaua‘i County Farm Services Agency advises farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers to document damages from the April 2024 flooding event. According to FSA officials, you must notify the FSA within 72 hours of a crop loss becoming apparent for hand-harvested crops and certain perishable crops. If you sustained any farm or crop damage during the recent rainstorm, you may contact the Kaua‘i County Farm Services Agency Office at 808-245-9014 extension 2 as soon as possible.
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