PHOTOS: Gov., Kaua‘i Mayor Survey Flood, Landslide Damage 

Haena, Kaua‘i, April 16, 2018. PC: Office of the Governor

Gov. David Ige, Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, and military and county emergency crews took a helicopter tour of the devastated areas of the North Shore aboard a Hawai‘i National Guard Black Hawk Helicopter Monday morning, April 16, 2018.

Hanalei, Kaua‘i, April 16, 2018. PC: Office of the Governor

The governor and mayor flew over heavily damaged regions in the Hanalei District—including Wainiha and Haena, where they saw the swollen Hanalei River, and flooded neighborhoods and farmlands.

Emergency rescue crews have evacuated 152 people by helicopter, 121 by bus and others by water.

Hanalei, Kaua‘i, April 16, 2018. PC: Office of the Governor

“Damage is very extensive in this area,” Gov. Ige said. “The immediate problem is access. Several landslides are blocking roads into the communities. Crews are working to restore access to the Hanalei District, but it will take some time. We are establishing landing zones for aircraft. The Hawai‘i National Guard has deployed two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, two CH-47 Chinooks, eight Zodiacs and more than 45 soldiers and airmen to support rescue efforts, and to get medical aid and necessary supplies to the area.”

The governor landed at the Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i at about 7:30 a.m. Monday and headed straight to the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency’s operations center for a video teleconference briefing with state and county emergency personnel.

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency briefing, April 16, 2018. PC: Office of the Governor

“I’m here on Kaua‘i to support Mayor Carvalho, all of the Garden Island’s first responders, the Coast Guard and the National Guard,” Gov. Ige said. “Other counties have also agreed to provide personnel and services as necessary. This is a statewide, collaborative effort to reestablish access and help this community in any way we can.”

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency briefing, April 16, 2018. PC: Office of the Governor

Gov. Ige and Mayor Carvalho issued emergency declarations on Sunday and are in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as Kaua‘i plans its recovery and rebuilding efforts.