The Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster has opened a crisis cleanup hotline for those affected by the April 2024 flooding. The Kauai Crisis Cleanup hotline number is 808-451-3102 and is scheduled to remain open through May 3.
The Kauai Emergency Operations Center remains partially active.
Regarding damage assessments, Kauai officials say they have received damage reports from 177 residences and 26 businesses as of April 19.
The last day for damage assessments by the Hawaii National Guard, American Red Cross volunteers and county official was Thursday. The Hawaii National Guard was demobilized on Friday, but assessments will continue on Monday as needed.
“Time and time again, our partners with the Hawaii National Guard have provided assistance to the people of Kauai in our time of need,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a news release. “We thank all of our service members for their service to our community and our Kauai Red Cross team, who has volunteered since the onset of the storm and continue to show up for every disaster.”
Property owners or renters, businesses, farms and ranches can still file damage reports through the Kauai Emergency Management Agency website.
Officials remind people that damage reports will be used to determine whether residents qualify for state or federal assistance, however, those suffering damages 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.
In addition, the Kauai County Farm Services Agency advises farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers to document damages from the April flooding. They say according to FSA officials, those affected must notify the FSA within 72 hours of a crop loss for hand-harvested crops and certain perishable crops. Contact the Kauai County Farm Services Agency office at 808-245-9014 ext. 2 as soon as possible.
County officials say Niumalu Bridge on Niumalu Road near Hulemalu Road in Nawiliwili remains closed until further notice because of flood damage and safety concerns. People are advised to detour on Hulemalu Road.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation continues work on Wailua River Bridge on southbound Kuhio Highway. The two southbound lanes will continue to be narrowed and open during the day. HDOT officials say debris near the bridge has been cleared and nightly closures ended on Thursday.
Other road and park closures on the island remain ongoing.
Source - https://spectrumlocalnews.com
