HANALEI — The community-led recovery efforts continue, during day eight of what is said to be the worst disaster on Kauai since Hurricane Iniki.
Monday, these efforts focused on securing reliable transport and access to the more remote areas of Wainiha and stranded families in Waioli, while reorganizing efforts and communications channels for streamlining efficiencies.
Community-based efforts that initialized the first responses on the ground are organizing and connecting with government agencies for further cooperation.
“The community really is just reinstating traditional systems of taking care of one another using modern technology,” said Donovan Cabebe, project manager for Malama Kauai, one of the many organizations who quickly sprung into action. “We’re not the kind of community that waits for government to come save us. We can.”
Agencies came together at Anini boat dock to streamline communications and plans, including Malama Kauai, Red Cross, HI Emergency Management Agency.
The topic of the meeting was the incredible capabilities of the communities impacted to step into action, and how the agencies may be able to meet community requests for localized employment of continuing emergency response efforts.
The agencies were overwhelmed by the community’s actions, with one stating that it was something they needed to look at institutionalizing in other areas.
“This devastation has brought out the best in our whole community and all the islands. We are truly ‘ohana in Hawaii,” said Mahinanani Laughlin, one of those severely impacted in Wainiha. “I’ve lived here for almost 50 years and I’ve never spent so much time with me neighbors laughing and crying. I really feel like this is bringing out the best in everybody and all old negative energies have truly been washed away by Mother Nature.”
Wainiha has been hit the hardest and still has not been given air landings approval. This is compounded by the potential for a rough couple of days on the sea, which may make it impassable by boats. A small group of ATVs from Princeville Ranch were deployed to deliver supplies and reach the affected areas for assessments, but as of Monday that road has been closed by the State Department of Transportation, only allowing access by government staff. Volunteers wishing to assist in the heavy-duty cleanup efforts can report to Hanalei Courthouse by 9 a.m. daily.
w Limited boat transportation will be continuing for priority items only due to ocean conditions. Pickups are from Hanalei Pavilion, at 10, noon and 2 p.m., bringing supplies to Wainiha. Boats interested in helping in this effort today can check in at Hanalei Pavilion. This may be shifting to Anini Beach as large swells are projected.
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Megan Fox is executive director Malama Kauai.
