April 19: Flood recovery updates
With crisis cleanup efforts underway by nonprofit groups, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) have opened a crisis cleanup hotline for those affected by the April 2024 flood event.
The Kaua‘i Crisis Cleanup hotline number is 808-451-3102. It is scheduled to remain open through Friday, May 3, 2024.
The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated after last week’s flooding events. Officials announce the following updates.
Damage Assessments:
As of April 19, 2024, officials have received reports of damages to 177 residences and 26 businesses.
Thursday was the last day of damage assessments with the Hawai‘i National Guard, volunteers with the American Red Cross, and County officials. Crews paused on Friday, with the demobilization of the Hawai‘i National Guard. Damage assessments will resume on Monday as needed, utilizing County personnel and Red Cross volunteers.
“Time and time again, our partners with the Hawai‘i National Guard have provided assistance to the people of Kaua‘i in our time of need,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We thank all of our service members for their service to our community and our Kaua‘i Red Cross team, who has volunteered since the onset of the storm and continue to show up for every disaster.”
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 nonprofit 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.
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. HDOT officials report that the debris near Wailua Bridge has been cleared, and nightly closures have ended Thursday.
There are other various road closures islandwide that remain ongoing. Please continue to drive with caution and follow all closure and detour signs.
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