E komo mai! Welcome! This is the message from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for global travellers and tourists, travel trade professionals, and industry partners in domestic and international markets to remember as they consider booking a trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
All of Kauai is open and welcoming travelers to enjoy a beautiful place known as the Garden Island, with the only exception being the northernmost communities from Wainiha to Haena, which are temporarily closed to vehicle traffic while repairs continue to reopen Kuhio Highway.
Communities in east Oahu and Kauai’s north shore recently took the brunt of an abnormally powerful thunderstorm that settled above those areas, first over Oahu on the evening of April 13 and then over Kauai on April 14 and 15.
Kauai’s north shore absorbed the worst of the thunderstorm with more than 28 inches of record-setting rainfall in a 24-hour period, resulting in flooding, landslides blocking Kuhio Highway, and extensive property damage, the totality of which some lifelong Kauai residents say they have never seen before. Fortunately, no one was killed or seriously injured.
George D. Szigeti, HTA president and CEO, noted that as relief efforts for Kauai’s north shore is continuing, the tourism industry has a vital role in the recovery process. “Kauai, including most of Hanalei on the north shore, is open for business and ready to share the charms and beauty of this idyllic, unforgettable island with visitors from around the world.
“Travelers can book a trip to Kauai with confidence knowing they will enjoy a vacation experience that is uniquely appealing within all of Hawaii, while also supporting island businesses and residents who depend on a thriving tourism industry.
“Before the thunderstorm, Hanalei was bustling with business because of tourism. Since then, visitors have been staying away from Hanalei, which is hurting businesses and putting at risk the jobs they provide to residents. Visitors can help with the north shoreʻs recovery by patronizing Hanaleiʻs restaurants, retail shops, specialty stores and activities that support the livelihoods of so many area residents.
“We also ask visitors to be respectful and avoid going into neighborhoods where recovery efforts are ongoing, and to not go beyond Waioli Huiia Church in Hanalei or try to enter the closed section of Kuhio Highway until State and County officials reopen it to all vehicle traffic.”
Since the thunderstorm ended, State of Hawaii and County of Kauai emergency crews have been working around the clock to evacuate residents and visitors from Wainiha to Haena, bring in food, water and supplies, clear away debris and repair the communities’ infrastructure. Residents throughout Kauai have been wonderful in assisting with the relief and recovery efforts, while people from the other islands and outside of Hawaii have been generous in donating food, clothing, supplies and funds.
Szigeti said, “It’s been inspiring to see so many individuals and companies from around the state come forward with donations and volunteer their time to help those in need. I believe what we will remember most from this disaster are the extraordinary efforts to help rebuild these communities and assist our fellow residents. Everyone has come together, unified with a single purpose to do what’s best for the greater good of all and that’s the way it should always be.
“The work done by State and County emergency crews has been awesome and they are making tremendous progress every day. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has provided the guidance and logistical support needed to help get our communities and residents back on track. Our state lawmakers deserve a huge mahalo for quickly appropriating $125 million in funding to support the relief and recovery efforts on Kauai and Oahu. This is a collective team effort that reflects the best of Hawaiiʻs residents, communities and government leaders when help is needed the most.”
Visitors planning a trip to Kauai who have questions can contact the Kauai Visitors Bureau Call Center by calling 1-800-262-1400.
Why do eTurboNews journalists need your support?
Powerful corporations, organizations and governments control so much information that reaches the public- including in our travel and tourism industry.
eTurboNews is trying to avoid the trap that befalls much of the U.S. and international media. As a global news organization, we fight to keep our independence when reporting relevant news. Research and fairness in journalism also cost money!
YOU are our inspiration. You could help a little more to keep us going and click here: A free luxury cruise, a first-class airline ticket, or a stay in a 5-star resort could be YOUR reward.
