Over the weekend, residents of Kauaʻi experienced a series of emergency incidents, including a tsunami alert, flash flooding, and a significant road closure due to a two-vehicle crash that resulted in injuries.
These coordinated emergencies prompted Kauaʻi Fire Chief Michael Gibson to remind the community about the importance of preparedness for various emergencies.
“While rare, back-to-back emergencies can and do happen,” Gibson stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance in emergency readiness.
Elton Ushio, the administrator for the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA), echoed this sentiment, highlighting that simultaneous emergencies that require KEMA activation are not uncommon.
During the extended activation for COVID-19, KEMA dealt with floods, tropical cyclones, and several other public safety incidents, highlighting the agency’s crucial role in times of need.
An alarming incident occurred on July 11, 2024, when a fatal helicopter crash off the Nā Pali Coast took place concurrently with the Kōkee wildfire. The Robinson R44 helicopter, operated by Aliʻi Kauai Air Tours & Charters, tragically resulted in the deaths of the pilot and two passengers while the wildfire consumed about 1,600 acres.
This past weekend’s alarming events began around 9 p.m. on Saturday, when a tsunami alert was issued by the National Weather Service following a series of significant earthquakes, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
Officials indicated that if tsunami waves were to reach Hawaiʻi, they would likely arrive by approximately 2:43 a.m. on Sunday.
Fortunately, the tsunami watch was canceled by the National Weather Service at 9:42 p.m. on Saturday.
However, at 1 a.m., a flood advisory was issued for northern and central Kauaʻi, which was escalated to a flash flood warning by 5:30 a.m. When heavy rains triggered severe flooding in the Hanalei area, Kūhiō Highway was closed in both directions near the Hanalei Bridge.
Flooding was primarily noted from Ohiki Road to the Hanalei Dolphin, escalating concerns among residents.
Around 7:45 a.m., law enforcement was forced to shut down Kūhiō Highway again, this time near Hoʻokui Road in Kilauea, due to a two-vehicle accident that resulted in two individuals being hospitalized.
Traffic was diverted onto Kolo Road for approximately three hours and 45 minutes as the Kauaʻi Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted their investigation into the crash.
Kūhiō Highway near Hoʻokui Road reopened around 11 a.m., while the segment near the Hanalei Bridge reopen later at 5:50 p.m., but only to alternating one-lane traffic.
This rare combination of emergency events heightened awareness regarding preparedness among the local community.
Melissa R, a bartender at Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, shared that they were ready for emergencies, especially during this time of year.
“It had rained all day, and it wasn’t a sudden downpour. So we assumed the bridge could close,” she reflected.
Interestingly, the restaurant did not receive any tsunami notifications. “We only found out when the manager sent texts to all of us,” she remarked.
Despite the heavy rains and flooding, Melissa mentioned, “We’re always told to have a 14-day supply of food and water, as well as an emergency kit, and we’re set to go.”
Although the restaurant remained closed throughout the day, it reopened with a modified menu in the early evening, with the floodwaters not reaching the premises.
Interestingly, the last tsunami watch for the State of Hawaiʻi was issued three years ago, on January 15, 2022, following a significant underwater eruption in Tonga.
Ushio noted that Kauaʻi is one of the more active areas in issuing advisories and warnings for flood threats, along with frequent road closures.
“Hazard awareness, preparedness, and resilience are everyone’s kuleana and begin at the individual and household level,” Ushio emphasized, urging community members to take personal responsibility in assessing their risk of tsunamis and floods.
To assist residents, the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency lists several locations that may be utilized as Tsunami Refuge Areas on their website.
Gibson mentioned that when emergencies arise, it is critical for community members to stay updated through local media, know their evacuation routes, and ensure that their emergency kits are accessible.
“We are so used to it,” said Melissa. “That is just part of living the Kauaʻi life. I know babies that have been born in incidents like that; people who have missed their weddings. It’s a very different lifestyle, but we are ready.”
Her advice for visitors is simple: carry flashlights in their vehicles, maintain a full gas tank, and stay informed about local conditions.
Individuals interested in staying updated can subscribe to the County’s WENS notification service. For comprehensive emergency food supply tips and preparedness materials, residents can visit the KEMA website.
image source from：kauainownews
