Looks like a really nasty storm has hit Kauai. While there seems to be damage across the island, the worst incident appears to be a dam break that cut off access to the North Shore and apparently killed several people. Those planning on travelling in the next couple of months should follow the latest developments.

http://www.kauaiworld.com/

KILAUEA, Hawaii - An earthen dam burst on the Hawaiian island of Kauai on Tuesday, sweeping away at least two houses and washing out the only road along the island's north shore. One person was killed and as many as seven others were reported missing.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060315/ap_on_re_us/dam_burst


Oops. I see that a similar post was already made. My apologies.

Looks like a really nasty storm has hit Kauai. While there seems to be damage across the island, the worst incident appears to be a dam break that cut off access to the North Shore and apparently killed several people. Those planning on travelling in the next couple of months should follow the latest developments.

http://www.kauaiworld.com/

not so much a nasty storm as an unusually prolonged period of heavy winter rains.

we've had over 9 inches of rain at our house since this time yesterday. it is raining pretty good right now. yikes.

the other dams and streams won't take much more. in addition to the dam near kilauea that overflowed, the marriott had a river open through the property onto kalapaki beach taking 25 rooms out of service. waikomo stream near poipu and the south shore reservoir (the island's largest) are at overflow levels.

Merging the Kauai rain related threads together just for housekeeping. :)

slippahs, hawaii co-mod

Leaving ResortQuest Islander this morning there was substantial confusion about road conditions. The day before many people watching TV wrongly assumed the downed power lines being reported were on Kauai when in fact the report was from an HNL station. Today, the desk staff had no clue about how to even check road closings, much less other emergency conditions. They weren't sure whether the reports the guests were asking about concerned Kauai or Oahu.

Is there no unified emergency service or warning system on Kauai?

Leaving ResortQuest Islander this morning there was substantial confusion about road conditions. The day before many people watching TV wrongly assumed the downed power lines being reported were on Kauai when in fact the report was from an HNL station. Today, the desk staff had no clue about how to even check road closings, much less other emergency conditions. They weren't sure whether the reports the guests were asking about concerned Kauai or Oahu.

Is there no unified emergency service or warning system on Kauai?

i speak as a resident, not officially.

there is good communication and it is generally easy to get answers here. this is a very small community, and the communications needs and systems are unlike the mainland.

if you had called the police department or county roads, i believe you would have gotten a correct answer. the fact that your hotelier didn't have the wherewithal to do so is another matter.

It's not online, but I suggest you listen to the local radio on Kauai. In particular, there is one morning DJ that gives birthday greetings. I was on Kauai three weeks ago when there was incredible rain. The Hanalei Bridge was closed that day. The DJ also lets you know what's going on around the island. He and his callers were very up to date with road and emergency issues.

http://www.khnl.com/ has plenty of video for those interested

channel 14 (which has the zap2 tv listings) runs constant noaa weather in background. (808) 274-3111 is kauai ofc of state highways btw.

I have a friend traveling to Kauai on Monday. With the rain and especially the dam break what advice would you give him? Cancel trip? Is it bad enough for tourist that an airline might allow soem changes to date of travel?

Clincher,

I was there just a few weeks ago. It was key for us to stay in Poipu, the south side of the island. While Princeville, Hanalei and the east side were getting hammered with rain, we were swimming in sunshine. I would guess the worst is over as far as flooding goes since the dam can't break again. Good luck to your friend.

Clincher,

I was there just a few weeks ago. It was key for us to stay in Poipu, the south side of the island. While Princeville, Hanalei and the east side were getting hammered with rain, we were swimming in sunshine. I would guess the worst is over as far as flooding goes since the dam can't break again. Good luck to your friend.

unfortunately, above info isn't correct now. poipu is as hard hit as north shore. actually heaviest rainfall amounts have been just inland of poipu. the largest dam on the island and a related stream in poipu are in danger. this morning's noaa.org forcast is for continued rain for at least 5 days (as far out as they predict). this is the most prolonged heavy winter rains that anyone here (even oldtimers) can remember, so i'm not predicting.

btw, the dam that failed is on private property (owned by car dealer pflueger) that he graded illegally. a criminal investigation is underway.

Wow, the mud must be awful. I'll bet the driving is treacherous. Best of luck on the Garden Island.

This is not Pfleuger's first violation on this property...

"Since a November 2001 landslide from James Pflueger's land on Kauai's North Shore sent mud onto Pilaa beach and reef, several actions have been taken against the retired Oahu car dealer."

http://starbulletin.com/2006/03/10/news/story05.html

His total fine at the time: more than 12 million dollars.

Some pictures here...

http://kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/03/17/breaking_news/story01.txt

Some pictures here...

http://kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/03/17/breaking_news/story01.txt
Some incredible pictures! Looking at the Marriott under water really helps put things into perspective. Continuing to pray for all those on the Garden Isle.