As Kaua‘i County remains in a Hurricane Warning, officials are urging all residents and visitors to get prepared, and are announcing the following important updates.
The County of Kaua‘i has announced it will close its offices to the public on Monday, July 27, as officials prepare for possible impacts from Hurricane Douglas. All essential employees will continue to follow their current protocols as they respond to storm-related matters for the health and safety of the community. All non-essential employees of the county are advised to shelter in place.
WEATHER UPDATE
Kaua‘i County remains in a Hurricane Warning as of 11 p.m., Saturday, July 25. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
According to the National Weather Service, hurricane conditions are expected Sunday night. A Flash Flood Watch also remains in effect from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that leads to flash flooding.
SHELTERS
The American Red Cross will open shelters on Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at the Kīlauea and Kalāheo neighborhood centers and Kaua‘i Community College. Additional shelters will open on an as-needed basis, and updates will be announced.
PARK CLOSURES
All state and county beach parks and campsites are now closed. Campers leaving the beach parks or any individuals who are unable to shelter with family or friends are advised to seek an American Red Cross shelter as announced above.
County lifeguards will close lifeguard towers at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26. However, lifeguards with the South, East, and North Roving Patrols will remain on duty until 4 p.m. Sunday. Updates on reopening towers will be announced once conditions are assessed.
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed all state forest lands until the threat has passed. DOFAW is advising people, for their own safety to avoid travel and other activities in State Forest Reserves, Game Management Areas, Natural Area Reserves, Wilderness Preserves, and on Na Ala Hele trails. Updates can be found on the DLNR Facebook page.
BUS SERVICES
The Kaua‘i Bus services have suspended on Sunday, July 26, and will remain closed through Monday, July 27.
Customers are advised to contact the Transportation Agency for questions or further assistance, at 246-8110.
SOLID WASTE SERVICES
There will be no household refuse collection on Monday, July 27. Therefore, residents should not leave out their trash carts on Sunday. Monday’s refuse collection has been postponed to Friday, July 31.
Additionally, all refuse transfer stations, the Kekaha landfill, and the Kōloa HI-5 Redemption Center operated by Kaua‘i Community Recycling Services (KCRS) are now closed.
CLOSURE OF VOTER SERVICE CENTER
Due to the closure of County offices on Monday, the Office of the County Clerk has announced that the Voter Service Center will be closed on Monday, July 27.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A WEATHER EMERGENCY
• Emergency Preparedness Kits – Emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-day supply of food and water (to include non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day). Kits should also include a battery powered radio, flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines and other items specific to individual and family needs. It is also recommended that face coverings and hand sanitizer be included in your kits. Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
• Check Your Property – Walk your property, checking for small outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds, and check for potential flood threats. If time and conditions permit, clear your gutters and other drainage systems.
• Make an Action Plan – Discuss with family members what you plan to do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Make an action plan, which should include details such as whether your family will shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter. There are no plans to open shelters at this time; however, the county will work with the American Red Cross to open shelters on an as-needed basis and will announce a list of open shelters if or when they become available.
• Visitor Information – Visitors are urged to confirm flight arrangements with their airlines prior to heading to the airport. Visitors should review the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s travel safety tips at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. A copy of their brochure can also be downloaded from the site.
• Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – KIUC members should prepare for potential storm impacts and possible power outages. For tips, updates, and more information, visit http://website.kiuc.coop/.
• Kaua‘i Department of Water – DOW officials advise that during a weather emergency, strong winds and/or flooding can disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, road-access to water sources, and may impact water quality. For more information on preparedness tips for a water emergency, please visit www.kauaiwater.org.
• Stay Tuned – Continue to stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness.
o Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – www.kauai.gov/kema
o NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center – www.hurricanes.gov/cphc
o National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 245-6001
o Blackboard Connect (The county’s free emergency notification service) – Sign up at www.kauai.gov/kema, or call the KEMA at 241-1800.