Ongoing heavy rains began to take their toll on the east side of the Big Island on Thursday, as roads closed amid several flood warnings.
Hawaii Civil Defense closed four Hilo roads Thursday morning: Kamehameha Avenue between Pauahi and Ponahawai streets, Pauahi Street between Aupuni Street and Kamehameha Avenue, East Kawailani Street between Hoonani Place and Ahuna Road, and Kukila Street in front of Ken’s Towing.
The closures caused traffic backups throughout downtown Hilo as commuters were rerouted through inland streets.
Civil Defense administrative officer John Drummond said the roads would remain closed until the continuing rains subside and water recedes. However, National Weather Service forecasts do not predict a break in the weather until Sunday night.
In Honokaa, Drummond said Waipio Valley Road is only open to local traffic, while Civil Defense is monitoring Wood Valley Road in Pahala for potential flooding.
Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for East Hawaii districts including Kohala, Hamakua, Hilo, Puna and Ka‘u. All county parks, gyms, swimming pools and community centers from Honokaa to Mountain View were closed.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter for those displaced by flooding at the Butler Building near the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
The National Weather Service reports that Hilo International Airport recorded nearly 5 inches of rain since Tuesday after an ongoing front of moisture sweeps across the eastern side of the Big Island. Other areas such as Mountain View, Piihonua and Glenwood received well more than 10 inches of rain during the same period.
At higher elevations, 42 inches of precipitation was recorded at the Saddle Road quarry since Tuesday.
The Maunakea summit road was closed indefinitely to the public Thursday morning because of a combination of rain, snow and thick fog.
The summit has been under a winter weather advisory since Monday and, while the advisory was scheduled to end today at 6 a.m., the advisory has been repeatedly extended this week.
Mountain View resident Anita Owen said she and her husband are effectively trapped in her home as floodwaters swept over Lauko Road, the narrow drive that serves her property.
“I don’t know what to do,” Owen said. “At this rate, we’ll run out of gas for the generator pretty soon. I’m old enough that I don’t know what I’ll do if something happens and we need a doctor.”
Owen said she is unsure if either of her vehicles can negotiate the water, admitting she is “too chicken” to attempt it.
“It’s an awkward situation,” Owen concluded.
Meanwhile, tourists swarmed to Rainbow Falls to see the swollen Wailuku River churn over the cliffs.
Florida resident Lissa Weddington, who has been staying on the island with her family for several months, said the engorged falls resembled hurricane floodwaters in Florida.
“It’s powerful, man,” said Guam resident Frank Manibusan. “It’s amazing how powerful it is. I’ve never seen a waterfall so big.”
The river’s surface, now a muddy brown, completely engulfed the rocks at the top of the falls and obscured the legendary cave behind the waterfall.
The National Weather Service strongly advises that people not attempt to cross any flowing or rising water whether on foot or in a vehicle. The Wailuku River, treacherous even in the best of conditions, claimed the lives of two tourists last week, before the flooding began.
The latest flash flood watch is scheduled to last until 6 p.m. today.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com