HAENA — Landslides and heavy rains forced the closure of Kuhio Highway from the area north of Hanalei known as Waikoko to the end of the road at Haena.
The road was closed overnight Saturday, and crews were to assess the situations this morning.
County officials reported three landslides between Hanalei and Wainiha blocking both lanes of the highway, and water rushing over the road near Haena Beach Park.
State Department of Transportation crews working to clear the road were forced to quit work shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday due to heavy rains and other hazardous conditions. There were no injuries reported.
Kauai Police Department officials advised motorists to avoid the areas except for emergencies.
Also Saturday, the Department of Water issued an immediate water conservation notice for all residents in Wainiha and Haena until further notice, due to the inclement weather and an electrical power outage affecting the area’s well site.
Residents and businesses in Wainiha to Haena are urged to limit water consumption to essential uses only, in order to avoid a water outage.
Essential water uses include cooking, bathing and toilet flushing.
Water conservation measures include refraining from car washing, turning off automatic outdoor irrigation and sprinkler systems, and using water wisely both indoors and outdoors.
Updates will be provided when new information becomes available.
All Wainiha and Haena residents should continue water conservation measures until the request is lifted, the county said.
To monitor updates online, visit www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW.
• For updates on road conditions and closures, call 241-1725. Do not call 911 unless there is an emergency.
• For weather updates, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hawaii or call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001.
• To sign up for Blackboard Connect, the county’s emergency notification service, go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov/KEMA, or call the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 241-1800.
Really crazy weather here in Haena! Neighbors all pulling together and watching out for each other! Beautiful thing in the midst of disaster.
Is the flooding continuing in Haena? Is anyone losing a home? I called a friend but she has moved to Lihue and didn’t know. What about Wainiha residents? It seems very worrying. Take care.