Heavy rain and flooding is impacting Kauai, causing school, park and road closures, spills at two Wastewater Treatment Plants, and multiple rescues, according to a news release. 

The National Weather Service ended its Flash Flood Warning for Kauai at noon Friday because significant rainfall has ended. However, the flash flood watch remains in effect because flooding, landslides and sinkholes are affecting several parts of the island, especially in the east and southeast areas.

What You Need To Know

  • Acting Mayor Reiko Matsuyama signed an emergency proclamation for Kauai County, which will provide continued relief for disaster damages, losses, and suffering

  • U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a statement he is “closely monitoring the severe flooding on Kauai” and is in contact with Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami

  • The heavy rains caused the Wastewater Treatment Plants at Waimea and Wailua to be overwhelmed

  • The Department of Education canceled public school classes across Kauai and the Department of Parks and Recreation closed Lydgate Beach Park and the Kalalau Trail

Kauai County reported multiple rescues and evacuations from cars and houses because of the severe flooding, but no injuries have been reported. 

Acting Mayor Reiko Matsuyama signed an emergency proclamation for Kauai County, which will provide continued relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering.

The Department of Parks and Recreation's open shelters at the Kapaa and Koloa neighborhood centers were closed Friday at noon. However, the community-run shelter at Hale Halawai in Hanalei remains open while Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is closed.  

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a statement he is “closely monitoring the severe flooding on Kauai” and is in contact with Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami. 

“I stand ready to work with county, state, and federal agencies to make sure that Kauai gets all the support it needs from the federal government. I encourage everyone to stay safe by following the advice of county officials and avoiding flooded areas,” Schatz said. 

The heavy rains caused the Wastewater Treatment Plants at Waimea and Wailua to be overwhelmed. Crews are currently working to control the spills.

The Department of Health is putting up signs to notify the public of areas affected by the wastewater spills, which need to be avoided and disinfected. In Waimea, signs are going up at the emergency drainage ditch to Kikiaola Harbor and the waters within the Kikiaola Harbor. In Wailua, Lydgate Beach Park is closed until further notice and signs about the wastewater spill are going up makai of the roadway, including the Kamalani Park playground and the pavilions. 

The Department of Education canceled public school classes across Kauai because of safety concerns and the closure of multiple roadways. 

Officials closed the Kalalau Trail because of high stream levels. Wailua Golf Course is closed because of flooding. Also, all athletic events at county parks are canceled this weekend. 

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported multiple power outages in Hanalei and Lihue.

The Department of Water issued a water conservation request for Powerhouse Road in Wainiha because of an electrical power outage. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes.

The Kauai Bus is currently operating, but paratransit trips have been canceled except for critical care appointments. 

Below is an update list of road closures and conditions:

  • Hanalei:
    • Kuhio Highway near Hanalei Bridge remains closed.
  • Wailua:
    • Southbound lanes of Kuhio Highway at Wailua Bridge remain closed. Traffic in both directions remains open on the northbound bridge.
  • Lihue:
    • Pua Loke Street near Haleko Road remains closed because of a sinkhole and a leaning utility pole.
    • Rice Street, near Mokoi Street, is closed because of a landslide.
  • Lawai:
    • Hoona Road and Lawai Road remain closed as Waikomo Stream is overflowing on the roadway.
    • Akemama Road remains closed because of a small mudslide.
  • Koloa:
    • The bridge on Wailaau Road remains closed because of flooding.
  • Poipu:
    • Hoone Road, near Poipu Beach Park, is currently closed because of flooding.

Kauai County officials urge anyone who needs to drive to do so with extreme caution as they expect ponding, low visibility and other hazardous driving conditions.

Officials recommend calling 808-241-1725 for updates on road conditions and closure. Anyone in an emergency should call 911. For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website. To sign up for the county's emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System, go to the county’s website and click "WENS.” People may also call the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

Kauai County will start conducting assessments of flood-impacted areas on Saturday. Property owners or renters that suffered damages should visit this link or KEMA's website. Damage reports will be used to determine if Kauai qualifies for state or federal assistance. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

Editor's note: This story was updated with information about the Wastewater Treatment Plants, the emergency proclamation, the shelters, power outages, the water conservation request, damage assessments, and road and park closures. (April 12, 2024)