Kauai flood work: Lawmakers tour stream clearing

Flooding near Kainahola Stream in Kapaa has drawn scrutiny from top Hawaii lawmakers, who are reviewing the state's response to chronic drainage problems in the area.

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Senate President Ronald Kouchi and Rep. Luke Evslin joined Hawaii Department of Transportation staff and residents for a site visit on Oct. 21. The Hawaii Department of Transportation began clearing the stream in August as part of a statewide program to pull debris, sediment and overgrown vegetation from waterways that flood during heavy weather. The work draws on roughly $500,000 in state disaster funding, money directed at improving drainage and restoring water flow. State dollars also paid to remove hau bush blocking the stream near Olohena Road and the farmland around it. A local farmer there was able to return to growing kalo after the clearing wrapped up.

Nakamura said the removal of invasive plants has produced better stream flow and reduced flooding. "The clearance of invasive species has resulted in better stream flow, reduced flooding, and now supports local food production and economic development," she said. Lawmakers walked the farm operation and examined work near the Kapaa Bypass Road bridge during the visit.

Questions about flooding in the area remain open. Officials at the meeting discussed ongoing maintenance to keep blockages from reforming. The Hawaii Department of Transportation said its clearing work targets waterways that flood during severe weather, and said state officials, landowners and affected communities continue to coordinate on the effort.