Islanders already repairing damage

Iris Cacayon of Anahola said despite the harsh rains, she and her family had been lucky. Their home has not been as flooded as others around the island, but she and her husband drove down to the Home Depot in Lihu‘e to buy some extra plywood just in case.

“We bought some plywood to block the rain,” she said. “The plywood is for extra protection.” With the few brief breaks in the weather, homeowners have been finding ways to protect and restore their homes.

Jim Hori of the Home Depot said the plumbing department has seen the most traffic.

“The main concern for homeowners is the safety factor, the safety of their families,” he said. “The second concern is the safety and protection of the dwelling. The pumps were being purchased at a rapid rate.

“They’re using (the pumps) to get rid of all the excess water away from the property and out to the streets or into a nearby stream,” he said.

Tarps of all sizes, push brooms, squeegees, cement blocks and roofing material were flying of the shelves as well.

“For (the homeowners) to try rebuild their homes or gain a foothold on their property, they can buy the brooms or the squeegees to push the water out, or ventilators to blow the water away and dry up the property,” Hori said. “People can buy the cement blocks to build diverter walls to try and divert the water away from the home or material to insulate walls.” What homeowners can do now, Hori said, is to check their plumbing for leaks. If not attended to, leaky pipes may cause major damage to the home.

“Make sure the plumbing is in good shape. It can break, crack and cause leaks and cause further problems,” he said.

Keep checking The Garden Island’s Web site, www.kauaiworld.com, for updated weather and community information.

• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.