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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 4:58 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Emergency declaration issued on Kaua'i

Advertiser Staff

LIHU'E — Kaua'i County Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste has issued an emergency declaration for the island of Kaua'i, a news release from the Kaua'i Emergency Operating Center said.

Emergency officials are reminding residents that the makai side of Kuhio Highway in Kilauea between mile markers 21 and 22 near Morita Reservoir is an evacuation area and they should stay away from the area for safety reasons.

Traffic is being diverted from Kapaia Hill. Westbound drivers are advised to take Kapule Highway, not Kuhio Highway, into Hanama'ulu. Motorists heading east are advised to take Ahukini Road to Kapule Highway.

Kuhio Highway at Kapaia Hill is temporarily closed while utility crews are working and traffic is being diverted from the area.

Morita Reservoir in Kilauea is being monitored for signs of potential breaching. Residents who live in the area are urged to evacuate.

The Kilauea Neighborhood Center and Kula School are open as shelters for those who need to evacuate on the North Shore.

Previously, Koloa residents who live near the Waikomo Stream were urged to evacuate to the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center. Emergency officials have since deemed it safe for these residents to return to their homes.

There are seven people reported missing in the Kilauea area. Rescue specialists from various state and county agencies are conducting a search for these individuals.

A water main along Wailapa Road has broken so residents in the area are urged to conserve water. Those affected by the waterline break are being served with potable water by Department of Water personnel.

As of this writing, officials with the National Weather Service have downgraded conditions over Kaua'i to a flash flood watch. However, they caution that this could change at anytime.