8 AM UPDATE: Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Kaua‘i

Published on April 12, 2024

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**A correction to the wastewater treatment plants update is reflected below. Mahalo!**

A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Kaua‘i through 9 a.m. due to heavy rain producing life-threatening flash flooding. The warning and watch may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.  A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurs in streams, roads, and low-lying areas. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot.

Wastewater treatments plants

**CORRECTION: Wastewater officials are continuing to control the spills at Wailua and Waimea treatment plants. The public is requested to avoid all areas of potential wastewater contamination. A corrected description is reflected below.**

Due to heavy rains, Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) at Waimea and Wailua are overwhelmed, creating spills. Department of Health regulations require that signs be posted to notify the public of the impacted area to be avoided and disinfected. In Waimea, this area would include the emergency drainage ditch to Kikiaola Harbor and the waters within the Kikiaola Harbor. For Wailua, the potentially contaminated area would include the Lydgate Beach Park makai of the roadway, including the Kamalani Park playground and the pavilions. At this time, crews have managed to stop the spill at Wailua. However, crews are working on controlling Waimea's high flows. The public is requested to avoid areas of potential wastewater contamination.  Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Donald Fujimoto at 808-241-4083 or via email at dfujimoto@kauai.gov.

Park Closures

  • Lydgate Beach Park is closed until further notice for safety concerns. Updates will be posted when the park re-opens.
  • The Kalalau Trail is closed due to high stream levels.

Public School Closures

The Department of Education has canceled public school classes islandwide today due to safety concerns and closures of various roadways due to flooding and heavy ponding as a result of the Flash Flood Warning.

Kaua‘i Bus

The Kaua‘i Bus has resumed service. All paratransit trips are being canceled with the exception of critical care appointments.

Shelters

Due to residential flooding in the Kōloa and Wailua areas, the Department of Parks and Recreation has opened shelters at the Kapa‘a and Kōloa neighborhood centers. Volunteers with the American Red Cross at both locations. Officials advise residents to shelter in place unless they need to flee due to flooding.

Road closures

Kaua‘i Police Dispatch has reported the following road closures:

  • ‘Ohana Street;
  • Koki Road;
  • Kuli Rd landslide, blocking entire roadway;
  • Hoonana and Lāwa‘i Road, Waikomo Stream overflowing;
  • Akemema Road due to a small mudslide;
  • Olohena Road near the solar farm;
  • Halehaka Road due to a downed tree;
  • Wailaau Road;
  • Aloha Place;
  • Waihohonu Road;
  • Waikomo Road;
  • A portion of Pu‘uwai Road;
  • Pua Loke Street near Haleko Road due to a sinkhole and downed powerlines;
  • Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge;
  • Southbound Wailua River Bridge on Kūhiō Highway remains closed. No contraflow;
  • Crews are clearing debris (rocks, boulders, mud) on Kaumuali‘i Highway at mile-markers 13, 19, and 20;
  • Crew has cleared Kaumuali‘i at Kuli/Lauoho intersection;
  • Crew has cleared fallen trees at Kaumuali‘i’s intersections with Kōloa and Nuhou from travel lane;
  • Rice/Nawiliwili Road is closed due to mud and trees on road fronting Sonesta resort;
  • There were rocks on Kuamoo Road pushed to the side by KPD. We will clear as crews work their way to that area; and
  • Crews will push north to clear areas on Kūhiō Highway after
    • Kūhiō Highway/ Kapa‘a Stream needs mud cleared
    • Kuhio Highway/ Anahola has debris and mud

Various crews from the Department of Public Works Roads Maintenance Division and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continue to respond to issues with the County of Kaua‘i roads and the State of Hawai‘i highways.

Please stay tuned to local media for updates on road closures. Ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If you must drive, please do so with extreme caution.

Rescues/evacuations

Officials have reported multiple rescues and evacuations from cars and houses due to flooding. There are no reported injuries at this time. In addition, flooding and heavy ponding have been reported in various locations on the island. The National Weather Services advises against travel unless you flee an area subject to flooding.

For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. If you are in an emergency, call Kaua‘i police 911.

For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for the county's emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), please go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov/kema, and click "WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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