Storms soak Big Isle; some schools closed

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Staff Writer

At least a half-dozen schools will to be closed today on the Big Island after storms yesterday dumped as much as 12 inches of rain on the windward side and damaged the major water main supplying Waimea.

Waimea was without water last night but Civil Defense officials expected to be able to provide a reduced capacity line today while repairs were made.

"We know where it's broken, but we can't do repairs until the stream subsides," said Civil Defense administrator Troy Kindred last night. "It also takes daylight."

Water rose so high in a section of the gulch above Waimea where the water main runs that the main was damaged, Kindred said.

The rain dumped 9 1/2 inches in Laupahoehoe and the same amount in Waimea, with 12 inches in other areas.

More rain is expected today.

Because of the loss of water, six schools decided to doors today, but several more private schools may be closed as well, Kindred said. Parents are advised to call the schools this morning for the latest information.

The schools to be closed include: Waimea Elementary, Waimea Middle School, Kanu o Ka 'Aina charter school, Small World Preschool, Hawai'i Montessori and Parker School.

The Kanu o Ka 'Aina charter school was flooded and had no water, and was planning to close for the entire week. But it expects to be open next week, which was going to be spring break. But school officials have switched the weeks to have the break this week while water damage is cleaned up.

Meanwhile in Waipi'o Valley three, people were plucked by helicopter from their home in the midst of storm conditions that caused three rivers to rise and overflow the main road.

They had been waving for help.

Alberta Mock Chew, her 3-year-old granddaughter, and her friend Debbie Fisher were airlifted from their single-family home in an area where the rising water affected 17 homes.

Roads weren't passable by vehicles or on foot, according to the Hawai'i County Fire Department.

The high waters were fed by heavy rainfall in the upper elevations and in the area.

The three people evacuated were dropped off at the top of the Waipi'o Valley lookout road and later picked up by family members. They had no injuries.

Other people in the area decided to wait out the storm, fire officials said.

Reach Beverly Creamer at 525-8013 or at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com.