County of Kauaʻi provides update on Kona low storm impacts and deployment of personnel to Maui
LĪHU‘E – The County of Kauaʻi is providing an update following the recent Kona low storm systems that impacted communities across the state.
While the storm brought periods of heavy rain and severe weather conditions, Kauaʻi was spared from the widespread significant impacts experienced by other counties. Damage reports received on Kauaʻi have been limited, with seven residential properties and four commercial properties reporting impacts. Damage and costs reported thus far by State, County and FEMA Public Assistance-eligible non-profits total $745,665, with the most significant item being damage to the Department of Public Works Auto Shop roof at approximately $680,000.
“Our island was fortunate,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “While we experienced heavy rains and localized impacts, we did not see the level of devastation that our neighbors are facing. Our hearts are with the families and communities throughout our state who are working through significant recovery efforts. Kauaʻi stands ready to support our sister islands in any way we can.”
Mayor Kawakami maintained regular contact with state and county senior elected leaders before and throughout the incident, and the KEMA Emergency Operations Center engaged in daily and at times twice daily statewide coordination calls.
As part of this coordination, the County of Kauaʻi was able to offer statewide support and consultations, resulting in the deployment of personnel to Maui County to assist with response and recovery operations.
Kauai’s first seven-member team deployed on March 16. A supplemental team deployed March 22 through March 27, with additional personnel supporting the EOC and Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments from March 25 through March 27.
To date, Kauaʻi has deployed 12 employees to Maui, including Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and personnel from the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Planning Department.
County personnel are supporting Maui’s Emergency Operations Center along with field operations such as preliminary damage assessments for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance, including assessments related to businesses and infrastructure.
Mayor Kawakami added, “This is what we do as island communities. When one of us is hurting, we step up to help. I am proud of our County employees who answered the call and are assisting Maui’s recovery efforts.”
The County of Kauaʻi will continue to monitor local conditions and remains in close coordination with state and county partners as recovery efforts continue statewide.
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