Kauai DOW Plans Feb. 18 Water Shutdown on Anahola Road 9am-3pm

The Kaua‘i Department of Water (DOW) and contractor Cushnie Construction Company Inc. will interrupt water service on a stretch of Anahola Road to carry out water system improvements. The outage is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

The affected area runs from 4373 and 4374 Anahola Road to Anahola Beach Park. Branching roads listed as impacted are Kamane Road, Maia Road, and Pili Kai Road. The notice from DOW identifies Cushnie Construction Company Inc. as the contractor on the job and says the work is intended to upgrade the island’s water infrastructure.

DOW has arranged temporary water support for residents during the outage. “DOW will provide a water buffalo for essential water needs during the water service shutdown. The water buffalo will be located at Anahola Village Park. Customers will need to provide their own water storage containers.” Residents in the named address range and on the side streets should plan to bring jugs, coolers, or other containers if they intend to use the water buffalo.

Practical impacts for households and local businesses will include no tap water for the six-hour window and the potential need to shift basic activities such as cooking, handwashing, and sanitation to before or after the shutdown. The notice did not specify limits on distribution from the water buffalo, whether that supply is potable, or any post-restoration advisories; DOW recommends monitoring its announcements for updates and any quality guidance once service resumes.

For ongoing updates and maps of the affected area, DOW directs customers to its website and social channels. “The water service shutdown is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.” For further questions, DOW provided a direct contact: “For further information, please contact Scott Suga of the Department of Water at 808-245-5411 or publicrelations@kauaiwater.org.” The Department of Water administrative phone is (808) 245-5400 and its office is at 4398 Pua Loke Street, Lihuʻe, HI 96766.

Local leaders and contractors typically coordinate these brief shutdowns to limit long-term disruptions while improving resiliency. For Anahola residents, the short interruption is a reminder of the island’s ongoing infrastructure needs and the value of community preparedness. Expect DOW to post any weather-related changes or restoration notices ahead of the work; plan to secure sufficient water before 9 a.m. on Feb. 18 and monitor official DOW communications for the latest information.