Torrential Rains Devastated Kauai

If you’re heading to Hawaii anytime soon, you’ll want to double check your plans.  That’s because, over the weekend, torrential rains devastated Kauai and parts of Oahu.

The past few years have brought strange weather patterns to Hawaii.  And though we’ve largely dodged hurricanes, we’ve been experiencing more and more, quick, devastating storms.  The outcome of these storms has been getting worse too.  For example, two years ago Maui’s Iao Valley was torn apart by flash flooding.  And that flooding event not only wrecked many homes, but it destroyed Iao Valley State Park, one of the Valley Isle’s top attractions.  But this past weekend was Kauai and Oahu’s turn for weather-related devastation.

Oahu

Much of Oahu was not subject to the full force of this past weekend’s storms.  However, the east side of the island, including Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo, was hit particularly hard.  And, unfortunately, the storm destroyed Oahu’s Nalo Farms.

What’s so important about Nalo Farms?  Well, the farm is Hawaii’s first celebrated farm, growing baby greens which became a featured item at many of Hawaii’s restaurants.  In fact, Nalo supplies greens to around 80 local restaurants today.  However, thanks to the unusually wet weather, the farm had already lost a crop this year.  But this past weekends storm not only took out the farm’s crops, but it also destroyed their irrigation system and fencing.  So this made an already bad situation even worse.  To survive, Nalo Farms hopes to raise at least $100,000 in a GoFundMe campaign to fix the irrigation system and fencing.

Kauai

While damage in certain parts of Oahu is bad, the situation on Kauai is far worse.  As a result, Hawaii Governor, David Ige, has issued an emergency proclamation for the island of Kauai.   The damage on the Garden Isle is concentrated on the island’s North Shore and hit the Hanalei area particularly hard.  In fact, once the weather improved, the Hawaii National Guard was called in to evacuate stranded visitors and residents from the affected area.  This included evacuation via helicopters thanks to the persistent flooding and poor road conditions.  And those roads will, unfortunately, remain unusable for the foreseeable future.

The existing infrastructure in the area is some of the worst in the state, with current bridges being unable to support the weight of heavy construction equipment.  This, of course, is going to hamper repair work in the area, and will inevitably change the lives of those that live in the area for a long time more to come.

The impact to visitors will be significant too.  Hanalei is home to many famous attractions, such as Kee Beach and the iconic Hanalei Pier.  In fact, the road to Hanalei Pier saw significant damage during the storm too.  So even if access to the area is clear, the pier remains cut off.  Further, the beautiful Hanalei Valley and its iconic taro farms have been inundated as well.  But, this flooding not only ruins gorgeous views, but it also creates further food issues for the state.  And this is because Hanalei is home to a lot of Hawaii’s taro producing capacity, and this taro is essential in making poi, kulolo (taro + coconut dessert), poi bread, poi pancakes, etc.  Supplies of these food items could become limited, and if available at all, could see large price increases.

Impact to Visitors

While the impact is readily obvious for residents, the impact to visitors may not be as apparent.  But there will be impacts nonetheless.  If you’re visiting Kauai, you’ll feel the greatest impact from the storms.  As mentioned above, expect many famous sights to be inaccessible.  Heck, large portions of the island continue to be inaccessible.  However, the resort along Kauai’s south coast saw minimal impact from the event.  But, again, if you have plans to visit these areas, speak to your hotel concierge for the latest info.  If, however, you booked a tour, get in contact with your tour operator to see how your tour may be impacted.

If you’re not visiting Kauai, there shouldn’t be too much you need to worry about.  The primary concern, in this case, is food.  While there won’t be a food shortage, popular taro-based items could be costlier, in shorter supply, or may just not be available at all.  Locally grown greens may also suffer a supply shortage, too.

Regardless of what island you’re visiting, if you go to the beach and the water is brown, stay out of the water.  These brown waters, while unattractive, can also be dangerous.  At the minimum, they contain storm runoff that can include pesticides, rat, and wild boar excrement, etc.  And, at worst (as is the case on Kauai) the runoff can contain sewage.  And even if the runoff is clean, the murky water conditions attract sharks.  So do yourself a favor and just stay out.  Find another beach not affected or enjoy the pool at your hotel.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Torrential Rains Devastated Kauai, Final Thoughts

The rains and the damage that they caused are unfortunate.  However, things will improve and we will rebuild.  How long that will take is anyone’s guess, though, thanks to the poor condition of the existing infrastructure on Kauai.  And, unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods yet.  More rain is in the forecast for later this week.  The rains won’t be as bad as this past weekend, but with the ground already saturated, even a little rain can be problematic.

If you’d like to assist those impacted by the storms, please visit the Nalo Farms GoFundMe campaign, haraguchiricemill.org, or the Hawaii Red Cross.  And for more information, pictures, and continuing coverage visit Hawaii News Now.