Residents and nongovernmental agencies seeking access into the Wainiha- Haena area will be required to exchange placards previously required for entry for window decals.

Kauai County officials said the change is to address a rash of thefts and attempted unauthorized access to the area.

County personnel will install the decals in exchange for the issued placards, indicating the vehicle has authorized access to pass the Waikoko checkpoint, provided the placard matches the vehicle. Exchanges do not require new paperwork or additional forms.

From Wednesday to Aug. 10, county staff will be posted at various locations to exchange placards.

All placards will expire after Aug. 31. Until that date both the new decals and original placards will be honored by checkpoint staff.

Any beige governmental contractor passes issued by the state Department of Transportation or the County of Kauai, or Waikoko-only access resident passes do not require an exchange and will remain valid past Aug. 31.

Placard exchange locations and times

>> Wednesday • Wainiha checkpoint line, 8:30-9 a.m. • Hanalei Colony Resort, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Waikoko checkpoint line, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

>> Thursday • Wainiha checkpoint line, 8:30-9 a.m. • Hanalei Neighborhood Center, 10 a.m.-4:30 a.m. • Waikoko checkpoint line, 4:30-6:30 a.m.

>> Friday • Planning Department Office, Lihue, 9 a.m.-noon

>> Aug. 6 • Planning Department Office, Lihue, 9 a.m.-noon

>> Aug. 8 • Wainiha checkpoint line, 8:30-9 a.m. • Hanalei Colony Resort, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Waikoko checkpoint line, 4:30-6:30 a.m.

>> Aug. 9 • Wainiha checkpoint line, 8:30-9 a.m. • Hanalei Neighborhood Center, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Waikoko checkpoint line, 4:30-6:30 a.m.

>> Aug. 10 • Planning Department Office, Lihue, 9 a.m.-noon