LIHUE — The state Department of Transportation, along with county, federal and other state agencies, are working on the clearing and repair of Kuhio Highway between Lumahai and Wainiha on Kauai’s North Shore following the historic rainfall.
LIHUE — The state Department of Transportation, along with county, federal and other state agencies, are working on the clearing and repair of Kuhio Highway between Lumahai and Wainiha on Kauai’s North Shore following the historic rainfall.
HDOT crews from Kauai, Oahu and Maui have accessed the areas via helicopter, boat and by hiking in and are assisting with the repairs and recovery.
A damage assessment has confirmed multiple landslides blocking Kuhio Highway, and that two areas on the road have suffered structural damage.
One area is in Waikoko and the other in Wainiha. HDOT is designing plans to repair and support the roadways to allow for emergency access through effected areas as soon as it is safe. After emergency access is provided, crews will work to restore the entire width of Kuhio Highway.
While crews are repairing the two structurally damaged areas, clearing of debris on the Lumahai end will continue.
“We are working with contractors in the Wainiha area to start clearing out that end as well,” HDOT said. “Six larger landslides and six smaller landslides have been discovered and thousands of pounds of mud, trees and debris must be cleared from the roadway to allow passage by vehicle.”
Because of the terrain and load restricted bridges along the route, smaller trucks must be utilized for recovery operations. HDOT is exploring options to improve the infrastructure to allow larger vehicles into the area to speed recovery efforts. Before the highway can be reopened the following will have to occur:
• Clear and remove the mud, trees and debris from the roadway;
• Inspect and stabilize the mauka slopes to ensure they are clear of falling debris and sloughing material; and
• Stabilize the two areas of roadway that suffered structural damage in Wainiha and Waikoko.
“A definitive timeframe has not been established, however it will take time to provide emergency and full access to the highway, especially if more wet weather passes over the island,” HDOT said.
