HANAPEPE — “It’s a miracle,” said a spectator who stopped by the Hanapepe Soto Zen Temple on Wednesday, after Hurricane Lowell toppled a historic tree there.
“The tree could’ve fallen anywhere — on top of the statue, in front of the statue, and even onto the neighboring yard,” said Todd, who stopped to help following a trash run to the Hanapepe Refuse Transfer Station that opened its gates to all types of trash. “But it fell behind the statue without damaging the statue. It’s a miracle.”
Winds from Hurricane Lowell toppled the Bodhi tree that graced the Kanon peace statue at the Hanapepe Soto Zen Temple. It was uprooted on Tuesday from its fairly sandy base.
Jerry Hirata of the Hanapepe Soto Zen Temple said the historic tree — they can trace it back to Nepal where the Buddha was Enlightened — was between 30 to 40 feet tall. The statue is 18 feet in height.
Hirata said there are plans for arborists to check the tree over in hopes of keeping the tree’s lineage going.
The following are updates regarding the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency’s post-disaster response to Hurricane Lowell:
Facilities open
• The Kekaha Landfill is open for residents only. However, please stay off the roads if debris blocks your access to the landfill.
• Hanapepe refuse transfer station is open for trash until 3:15 p.m. Hanapepe is accepting metals until it reaches capacity.
• Lihu‘e, Hanapepe, and Kapa‘a green waste is open until it reaches capacity.
Facility closures
• All county, state, and Department of Education offices and schools are closed through Friday.
• All county parks, campgrounds, and the Wailua Golf Course are closed until further notice.
• All refuse transfer stations and refuse collection services remain suspended until further notice due to numerous road closures.
• The Kaua‘i Bus has suspended service.
• All Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.
• The Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
• The state Department of Health has issued an islandwide brown water advisory for Kaua‘i. Stay out of floodwaters and ocean water near stream mouths, drainage outlets, and harbors, which may contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals, and debris.
• The Ocean Safety Bureau advises no swimming or outdoor recreational activities until further notice.
Status of roads
• On Kaumuali‘i Highway in Kalaheo, a very long line of motorists waiting to fill gas formed on the highway.
• Kaumauli’i Highway (vicinity of Moi Road and Puolo Road) has traffic being diverted to Hanapepe Road.
• Hoone Road in Po‘ipu is impassable due to debris.
• Kuhio Highway is now open.
• Maluhia Road (Tunnel of Trees) is now open in both directions.
• Kuhio Highway is open.
Traffic lights are non-functioning island-wide. When a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Additional closures are expected as the Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation and County Public Works crews assess and clear roadways. Debris has been reported islandwide. Road and closure conditions are available at 808-241-1725.
Essential travel only
The public is urged to drive only for essential needs. Please keep off roads to allow crews to assess damage, clear debris, and restore power and services safely.
Do not drive through flooded roadways or around barricades, and stay away from downed power lines.
Document damage
Residents are urged to closely document damage to their homes and property.
A damage assessment form is available through the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website at bit.ly/kauaidamage
The information provided will help the County of Kaua‘i understand the scope of residential damage and impacts to the community. Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for state or federal assistance. Affected parties still need to file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses.
Residents can also notify authorities about public hazards at: bit.ly/kauaihazard. This form is for reporting non-life-threatening roadway and public space flood damage and hazards.
Businesses can notify authorities about public hazards at: bit.ly/lowelldamage.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative
Members without power should expect prolonged outages. Please stay clear of downed lines and report any that pose an immediate danger to 9-1-1.
• Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts
• Outage Center and FAQs: https://kiuc.outagemap.coop/#/.
Department of Water
The Kaua‘i Department of Water has issued an islandwide conservation notice. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential needs while crews work to maintain service during power outages. Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400, or visit kauaiwater.org.
• Power outages can affect pumps and wells. Water service may be interrupted, or pressure may drop, even if your home is not damaged.
• Use water sparingly while storm response and utility repairs are ongoing.
• Do not use water you suspect has been contaminated by flooding.
• Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400.
• Updates will be posted at kauaiwater.org and on DOW’s social media channels.
Refuge areas
The county’s five open refuge areas:
• Kaua‘i High School Gym, 3577 Lala Road, Lihu‘e
• Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Papalina Road, Kalaheo
• Waimea Canyon Middle School, 9555 Huakai Road, Waimea
• Kilauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke Street, Kilauea
• Kapa‘a Middle School, 4867 Olohena Road, Kapa‘a
Refuge areas remain open. Anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply go-kit, medications, and important documents.
Household pets are welcome, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.
Do not travel to a refuge area if conditions are unsafe.
Other important numbers and resources
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:
• Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
• National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
• Kaua‘i Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
• Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and safety, speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To sign up for Everbridge, the county’s emergency notification service, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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