Bridge repairs always present an inconvenience to drivers, but for the Kauai North Shore commuters who have endured a year of mudslide closures on Kuhio Highway, having only that disruption will be cause for celebration.

The closed stretch of Kuhio, through which scheduled convoys have provided the only access back and forth since the spring 2018 floods, is due to reopen May 1. The Waioli, Waipa and Waikoko bridges still need work, but the traffic flow everywhere else will surely feel good.

… and in Aina Haina

Meanwhile, one year after record rain and flooding in East Oahu caused its closure, Aina Haina Public Library reopened this week, much to the delight of patrons and staff. The deluge of muddy water and debris caused major damage to the library, to the sum of $650,000 in renovations.

On the mana (spiritual) side, let’s hope Tuesday’s blessing will help ward off such calamities in the future. As for the practical side: Let’s hope maintenance of Wailupe Stream, which overflowed due to debris blockage, has vastly improved.