As you may or may not know, there was the big flood in April, then hurricane or Cyclone Lane. These storms caused severe damage to the north shore of Kauai. The mudslides took out part of the road, and as a result, the roads have been closed to everyone but bonafide residents since April.
In September of 2018, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. issued the following statement in regards to the emergency proclamation and rule in effect for the County of Kauai:
“The safety of our residents in the affected areas of Wainiha and Haena continues to be of the utmost priority. I want to remind everyone that due to emergency roadwork repairs on Kuhio Highway from Waikoko to Wainiha, the current emergency proclamation and rule is necessary for the well-being of our entire community.
“It is my intention to continue this emergency rule – which limits access to residents and authorized vehicles only – until the highway is deemed safe for normal travel. It is also my intention to continue to extend this emergency proclamation until all county-repairs are completed.”
“Mahalo to the people of Kauai as well as our visitors for your continued patience, understanding and aloha while we as a community remain committed to the recovery of our North Shore.”
Access is temporarily limited to the very north shore:
- Residents
- Emergency personnel
- official county, state, government officials and contractors
- approved non government organizations, such as habitat for humanity and Samaritan’s Purse.
Access to Haena/Wainiha is still restricted to bonafide residents, (convoy route image below) if you want to see our convoy schedule Our Convoy schedule here
The Progress and Challenges
They are progressing slowly and surely. For us, it seems like forever! but…There have been many significant signs of repairs and progress on the roads. The first part was initially clearing debris and mud, after that the roadwork began. DOT began scaling this tall slope wall, they are pulling tons of earth away so it doesn’t erode. Completing debris removal, slope scaling, slope stabilization, guardrail replacements, and pavement repairs.
The challenge is that the Waipa and Waikoko bridges show signs of significant deterioration and load bearing deficiencies. In that, they do not have the capacity needed for current emergency repairs. (i.e., removal of dirt material and placement of boulders needed for revetments at slope repair sites) Or additional slope mitigation work planned for this area within the next two years.
Bridge repairs
The Department of Transportation DOT has been very busy with all manner of repairs since the flood. The plan is to replace the Waipā and Waikoko Bridges, however, the Wai‘oli Bridge can be rehabilitated. All bridges will maintain existing alignments and the one-lane travel route. When the project is completed, the posted load will then be 8 tons on all three bridges. The Department of Transportation is working to ensure that the designs for the Waipā and Waikoko bridges conform to the greatest extent possible to the guidelines recommended by the Kūhiō Highway Historic Roadway Corridor Plan. The Department has also committed that designs for the rehabilitated Wai‘oli Bridge will conform with certain plans. The Secretary of Interiorʻs Standards for Rehabilitation and guidelines recommended by the Historic Roadway Corridor Plan.
When will the road open?
The bridges can hold more weight after the repairs. I suspect the repairs will move faster than they have been moving. The last projected end date was the end of October 2018. However, we are waiting on an updated ‘best case scenario’ and worst case scenario’ from the DOT.
For now, those of us who live here are enjoying the quietude and are busy with trying to make a living. Personally, for 6 months, I have been in the process of creating an online course to help people be healthier. I will announce more soon.
* as I am notified of the projected date for opening the road. Please know, prices are subject to change.
I will leave you with this beautiful saying and sunset
image of the very north shore, looking towards Kalalau, a popular hiking destination.
Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No
I give my love to you, you give your love to me.
Thank you Teri Tico for this image
Kicking off 2022 with Emotional and Mental Cleansing 
