Flooding closes 2 roads in Kapaa

Another day of heavy rain over Kauai resulted in two roads in Kapaa being closed yesterday.

The unsettled weather prompted the National Weather Service to extend a flash flood warning for Kauai through yesterday evening.

According to the weather service, the Kapahi area was hit the hardest with more than 5 inches of rain falling in a three-hour period in the late afternoon. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain was recorded in Kilohana, Wainiha and Wailua during the same period.

In response to dangerous flooding, Kauai Civil Defense closed Kahuna Road east of Hulu Road, and Kawaihau Road near the Kahuna Road intersection.

By evening the weather had calmed in the northern side of the island, although thundershowers were still anticipated to the south.

In Hanamaulu, heavy rain Wednesday night caused the sewer pump station to exceed its capacity, leading to about 1,000 gallons of sewage being released onto the ground. From there it flowed down a slope along the northeastern end of Hanamaulu Road and possibly reaching the valley above the beach park.

Waste-water crews worked through yesterday morning to clean up.

The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch issued a warning for residents to say out of Hanamaulu Stream and Bay.

A good start

The Salvation Army launched its “We Believe!” community fundraising campaign yesterday in anticipation of the opening this fall of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Kapolei. McDonald’s of Hawaii kicked off the campaign with a $300,000 donation. For information or to make a donation, go to kroccenterhawaii.org.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Ethics charge fails to stick to politician

A South Kona councilwoman has been cleared of ethics charges brought against her by a county fire commissioner.

West Hawaii Today reported the county Board of Ethics voted 3-1 Wednesday to dismiss the charge against Councilwoman Brenda Ford.

James “Kimo” Lee has claimed he was humiliated when Ford singled him out during his confirmation hearing in November. Ford’s attorney said she was exercising free speech when she made comments about Lee’s qualifications for the commission.

Hanapepe waterline repairs done

Kauai County said yesterday that it has finished repairs to a broken waterline in Hanapepe, ending a plea for water conservation in Hanapepe and Eleele.

Visit the Kauai Department of Water’s website, www.kauaiwater.org, or call 245-5455.