Waimea River Flood Control Project Modification Study meeting March 6
Published on February 27, 2025
WAIMEA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Honolulu District, in partnership with the County of Kaua‘i is hosting a public scoping and informational meeting to introduce the Waimea River Flood Control Project Modification Study.
The meeting will be held at the Waimea Neighborhood Center on 4556 Mākeke Road, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Study partners will be in attendance to introduce the study, provide background information, answer questions and gather public input.
The County of Kaua‘i requested federal assistance from USACE to investigate flooding in the Waimea River watershed. USACE and the County of Kaua‘i, Department of Public Works, entered into a cost-share partnership on June 24, 2024, initiating a study that develops and evaluates measures that may involve modifying the existing Waimea River Flood Control Project at Waimea River, Waimea, Island of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, necessary to manage flood risk to Waimea residents. The original levee project was constructed by the County of Kaua‘i in 1951, and later modified by USACE in 1984 pursuant to section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948, as amended.
The current general investigation feasibility study is authorized and funded under Section 216 of the Rivers and Harbors Flood Control Act of 1970, which allows USACE, in partnership with a non-federal sponsor, to initiate review of completed USACE projects, investigate modifications to the structure or its operation, and to improve the quality of the environment in the overall public interest. The study will culminate in an integrated feasibility report and environmental document that will provide a recommendation to Congress to either pursue design and implementation of the recommended plan or inform Congress that there is no federal interest in modifying the existing flood control features. This study will not automatically result in construction or modification to the Waimea River Flood Control Project.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the Office of the Mayor at Mayor@kauai.gov or (808) 241-4900 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
For more information, visit https://www.poh.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Waimea-River/. For further information, contact the County of Kaua‘i Department of Public Works at 808-241-4992 or publicworks@kauai.gov or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, at 808-835-4003 or cepoh-pa@usace.army.mil.
The Waimea River Flood Control Project Modification Study study area. Image courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District.
A "sediment island" formed in the Waimea River Flood Control Project channel due to natural causes. Photo of upstream extent of sediment island taken from atop Waimea River Flood Control Project levee, right bank at Menehune Road and facing downstream. Image courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District.
Waimea River Flood Control Project floodwall and levee at Alawai Road, Waimea, Island of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. Photo taken from right bank, facing upstream. Image courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District.
Waimea River Flood Control Project levee and concrete-rubble-masonry wall. Photo taken from right bank at Lucy Wright Park, facing upstream Kaumuali‘i Highway Bridge over Waimea River. Image courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for delivering vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure the nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. As the nation’s lead engineering and public works agency, we deliver quality projects, on time and within budget, - safely - for the American people.
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