Third shelter opens on Kauai; more supplies delivered to Hanalei

HANALEI, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) - As severe weather pummels the Garden Isle, volunteers from the American Red Cross are working to ensure those stranded have a place to stay.

Early Sunday night, 40 people were reported to be stranded at the Red Cross shelter located at Hanalei Elementary School.

"It's a pretty scary situation," Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross said. "They're completely surrounded by water. The original plan was to have them airlifted to the Church of the Pacific shelter, where food and water are waiting."

Red Cross officials say food and water supplies ran out earlier in the day, but county crews were able to make it through the flooding to deliver more supplies.

The Red Cross has also opened a third shelter at Koloa Elementary School for flood victims. That brings the total number of shelters open on the Garden Isle to three. The other two include Hanalei School and the Church of the Pacific location.

There are about 40 people also at the Koloa shelter, officials say.

Officials urge anyone who evacuates to the shelter to bring a supply of personal items. Pets are not allowed, but volunteers will work to make special accommodations.

Walmart Lihue also donated two pallets of water to the shelter in Princeville.

Red Cross volunteers will continue their disaster response into the week. After flooding on Oahu, they conducted damage assessment and helped residents begin the clean up process.

Four volunteers from Oahu will be dispatched to Kauai for further aide, and to help with emotional stress of impacted residents.

For more information on the Red Cross Hawaii chapter or to donate, click here.

This story will be updated.

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