LIHUE, Hawaii — The Kauai Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated as damage assessments continue around the island. KEMA is also working with the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to leverage community-based volunteer organizations for those who need assistance.

What You Need To Know

  • Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers should contact the Kauai County Farm Services Agency office at 808-245-9014 ext. 2 as soon as possible if there has been any farm or crop damage caused by the storm

  • The county also reports Niumalu Bridge on Niumalu Road near Hulemalu Road has been closed because of flood damage

  • County officials urge property owners and renters who suffered damage from the April 2024 storm to report it on the Kauai Emergency Management Agency’s website

  • Storm damage to businesses, farms and ranches can be reported via a new online form

The Kauai County Farm Services Agency advises farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers to document damages from the flooding and notify the FSA within 72 hours of a crop loss becoming apparent for hand-harvested crops and certain perishable crops, according to FSA officials.

Contact the Kauai County Farm Services Agency office at 808-245-9014 ext. 2 as soon as possible if there has been any farm or crop damage caused by the storm.

Road and highway closures are still in effect with the addition of debris on Kuli Road in Lawai impeding traffic and heavy ponding on Kanu Road near Menehune Road in Waimea also impeding traffic.

The county also reports Niumalu Bridge on Niumalu Road near Hulemalu Road has been closed because of flood damage. County Engineer Troy Tanigawa said in a news release that the closure was necessary for the safety of the community. Motorists are advised to use Hulemalu Road as a detour. Repairs will be expedited.

For updates on road conditions and closures, call 808-241-1725.

The Department of Water also lifted the water conservation notice for the portion of Kuamoo Road from Kimo Drive through the north end of Kuamoo Road late Tuesday.

Following torrential rains that began last Thursday and continued into the weekend, county and state officials continued to assess damage from flooding and address recovery efforts islandwide into Monday.

The Kauai Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated.

County officials assisted by the National Guard and volunteers from American Red Cross walked door-to-door on Monday visiting residents in Kapaa, Wailua, Koloa, Kalaheo and Waimea who were affected by flooding.

In Wailua, as of late Monday afternoon, the Hawaii Department of Transportation continues work on the Wailua River Bridge on southbound Kuhio Highway. The two southbound lanes will be narrowed and remain open during the day, but nightly closures to remove debris began 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday and will continue through Thursday, April 18. During nightly closures, there will be two-way traffic on the northbound Kuhio Highway. Motorists should anticipate delays.

Also in Wailua, Apana Road remains closed because of heavy ponding and Wailua Forest Management Road (aka Loop Road) is closed until further notice.

In Lihue, Pua Loke Street near Haleko Road remains closed because of a sinkhole.

In Poipu, Hoone Road and Kuai Road near Poipu Beach Park remain closed due to flooding and the entire parking lot at Poipu Beach Park remains flooded.

In Kalaheo, motorists are advised to drive with caution on Wawae Road east of Kikala Road that was cleared of a small landslide over the weekend.

For updates on road conditions and closures, call 808-241-1725.

Kalalau Trail remains closed due to high stream levels.

Department of Parks and Recreation officials anticipate Lydgate Beach Park and Kamalani Playground will remain closed at least through April 21. Updates will be announced.

County officials urge property owners and renters who suffered damage from the April 2024 storm to report it on the Kauai Emergency Management Agency’s website.

Storm damage to businesses, farms and ranches can be reported via a new online form.

Damage reports will be used to determine whether residents qualify for state or federal assistance; however, those suffering damage still have to file claims with insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses. Filling out a damage report is not an application for assistance or relief program, but KEMA can forward information to nonprofit partner if assistance becomes available, according to the release. Call KEMA at 808-241-1800 for assistance with the form.

Call the National Weather Service automated weather line for updates, 808-245-6001 or visit the NWS website.

Sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System on the Kauai County website (click WENS).

Editor’s note: The article has been updated to include information for farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers needing to contact FSA as soon as possible and additional road closures including the closure of Niumalu Bridge. (April 17, 2024)