6 p.m, Aug. 15, County of Kaua‘i, Hurricane Lala Update
County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to be vigilant due to severe weather conditions as Kauaʻi is expected to experience increasing impacts from Hurricane Lala.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has signed an emergency proclamation, streamlining the County’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently by expediting necessary processes and reducing administrative barriers, allowing critical resources and services to be deployed without unnecessary delay to help protect lives and property.
Weather Forecast
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Lala, now with an estimated maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, is expected to remain south of Kauaʻi as it moves westward through the weekend, but significant impacts are still possible across the island. Kauaʻi remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, with strong and gusty winds potentially developing as early as tonight, along with periods of heavy rainfall beginning this evening and continuing into Sunday. A Flood Watch is in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau from this evening through early Monday morning, with the potential for flash flooding and rapidly rising streams, particularly in windward and mauka areas, while leeward areas may also experience significant flooding. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores of Kauaʻi, where large and rough surf is expected to increase through Saturday and Sunday. Residents should continue monitoring the latest forecasts and prepare for changing conditions, as impacts can extend well beyond the center of the hurricane.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning that will remain in effect until further notice.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for east-facing shores that will remain in effect through 6 a.m. Sunday, August 15.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch that will remain in effect through 6 a.m. Monday, August 17.
Road Closures/Conditions
There are no road closures at this time. Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.
Refuge Areas (NEW UPDATE)
The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has opened the following refuge areas:
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo;
- Kauaʻi Veterans Center located at 3215 Kapule Highway in Līhuʻe; and
- Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa.
Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas.
KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue news releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
Facilities Closures (NEW UPDATE)
All County Parks and Recreation camping areas are closed until further notice.
The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed tomorrow, August 16, due to inclement weather.
The Wailua Golf Course will be closed tomorrow, August 16, due to inclement weather.
Additional County services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.
The Līhuʻe Airport remains open but those traveling are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations, or additional changes.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has closed the Kalalau Trail, the Nāpali Coast State Park, and Polihale State Park. The Hā'ena Shuttle has also been suspended.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife have closed all State Forest Reserves until further notice.
Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) guest passes and recreational areas are closed until further notice.
Do not go hiking or participate in outdoor and ocean recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, and more. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.
Pre-Storm Mitigation Work
Department of Public Works crews at the County’s district baseyards have conducted storm preparations, including clearing ditches, cleaning drains, and checking and fueling equipment. Crews have pre-staged equipment in flood-prone areas so they can respond quickly if flooding or other storm impacts occur. County crews are have prepared signs, cones, barricades, and electronic message boards for deployment during road closures, traffic control, and public alerts as conditions change.
Outreach Efforts
County officials and partners were in the field ahead of the storm to conduct houseless outreach, which included sharing information about the approaching weather and providing individuals with available resources.
Preparation
County officials encourage the public to check and replenish their emergency disaster kits. Emergency disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs. A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate. County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate in preparation for this potential event.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from KIUC include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances & equipment
- Turn off & unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio & flashlights with extra batteries
- Stay away from downed lines & report to 9-1-1
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts
Other important numbers and resources:
To stay updated, stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness.
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA.
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Kaua‘i Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org.
- Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.
For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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