Updated on Sept. 5 at 10:35 a.m.
Kauaʻi Emergency Management urges residents to finish storm preparations today, as National Weather Service forecasters say hurricane or tropical storm watches likely will be issued for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau later today.
“Mahalo to our [Kauaʻi Emergency Management] team, our first responders, field crews and visitor industry partners for all the work they’re doing to prepare and keep Kauaʻi safe,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a Saturday morning county update. “And mahalo to Gov. [Josh] Green and all of the mayors for reaching out and offering assistance. That spirit of partnership means a lot, and we know we’re all in this together. A special mahalo as well to our partners at the National Weather Service, who have kept us informed around the clock.”
Kawakami signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of severe weather.
Kauaʻi Emergency Management continues to coordinate closely with county, state and federal partners, as well as non-governmental organizations and community partners, and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official county channels for updates as the forecast continues to develop.
Officials remain in close communication with organizers of the Kauaʻi Marathon and Half Marathon, which begins at 6 a.m. Sunday, as well as other community events.
Refuge areas
The county, in partnership with American Red Cross, identified the following potential refuge areas ahead of Hurricane Lowell:
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St., Kīlauea.
- Kapaʻa Middle School, 4867 Olohena Road, Kapaʻa.
- Kauaʻi High School gym, 3577 Lālā Road, Līhuʻe.
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Pāpālina Road, Kalāheo.
- Waimea Canyon Middle School, 9555 Huakaʻi Road, Waimea.
These refuge areas are not open at this time; updates will be provided if and when they do.
Refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, Sheltering in place might be a good option in many cases, particularly if a home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous areas.
See the updated list of potential refuge area online.
NOTE: Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities could be activated.
Closures, cancellations and postponements
- Polihale State Park is closed until further notice to overnight camping and day use.
- The Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is closed until further notice to overnight camping.
- Kalalau Trail remains open for day use only today (Sept. 5) as far as Hanakāpīʻai. The entire trail will close until further notice as of Sunday.
- The Hāʻena Shuttle will continue to operate today for day use. It will be suspended until further notice beginning Sunday.
- The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed Sunday.
- Additional county services and facilities could close on little to no notice.
- Kauaʻi County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Sept. 8 was rescheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 15 at Līhuʻe Civic Center, Moʻikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A-2B, 4444 Rice St., Līhuʻe.
Kauaʻi Community College
The talk story event with the “E Mau Ke Ea” exhibit curator, originally scheduled for Sept. 8, was rescheduled because of potential inclement weather from Hurricane Lowell.
It is now planned for 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Kauaʻi Community College library.
The exhibit remains open for viewing during normal business hours.
The campus also will be closed Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day; however, there are no other cancellations or closures at this time.
Pacific Missile Range Facility
Commander, U.S. Navy Region Hawaiʻi ordered the setting of Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 3 for Pacific Missile Range Facility in West Kauaʻi. All base personnel were advised to complete essential storm preparations.
The installation remains fully mission capable with potential follow-on actions contingent upon weather updates.
Facility recreational sites and programs will adjust closures and hours of operation as needed based on the weather forecast. Visit the Pacific Missile Range Facility Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facebook page for the latest updates about facility events and services.
Guest pass access is scheduled to close until further notice beginning Sept. 6. Information about reopening will be posted once weather conditions improve.
Young Brothers shipping
Shipping firm Young Brothers is closely monitoring Hurricane Lowell in coordination with U.S. Coast Guard and relevant state agencies. There are no additional changes to sailing schedules or cargo operations at this time.
Updates about sailing schedules, cargo acceptance and cargo availability will be provided by email and on the Young Brothers website should conditions affect operations.
Outdoor recreation
Monitor weather forecasts and conditions, and do not go hiking, camping, swimming, surfing or participate in other outdoor and ocean recreation if hazards are forecast or present. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous.
During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.
Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement arrived by helicopter Saturday morning to notify overnight visitors they must leave the area immediately.
Līhuʻe Airport
Līhuʻe Airport remains open. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations or other changes.
Emergency disaster kits
Kaua‘i County officials encourage the public to check and replenish their emergency disaster kits, which should include:
- At least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food.
- 1 gallon of water per person per day.
- Battery-powered radio.
- Flashlight.
- Extra supply of prescription medications.
- Other items tailored to individual and family needs.
- A smaller, portable go kit is also recommended in the event of evacuation.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative tips to prepare for power outages
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
- Stay away from downed power lines and report to 9-1-1
- Contact Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts
Important numbers and resources
Tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:
- Overall emergency management: Kauaʻi Emergency Management website.
- Weather forecasts, advisories, watches and warnings: National Weather Service website or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
- Water service: Kauaʻi County Department of Water website or via phone at 808-245-5400.
- Road closures and conditions: 808-241-1725.
- Up-to-date ocean conditions and safety: Speak to a county lifeguard, visit the Safe Beach Day website or call Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
- Sign up for Everbridge emergency notifications: Visit the Kauaʻi Emergency Management website and click “Notification Services,” text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777 or call Kauaʻi Emergency Management at 808-241-1800.
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Emergency response can be significantly delayed with callers seeking non-emergency information such as weather updates and road conditions.
Non-emergency hazards should be reported to Kauaʻi Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711.
Agriculture, business preparation
Farmers, ranchers, nurseries, landscapers and other agricultural operations are encouraged to:
- Secure or move equipment, tools, irrigation components, tanks, supplies and other loose materials.
- Move tractors, vehicles, equipment, feed, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel and other important supplies away from flood-prone or low-lying areas where possible.
- Check drainage areas, culverts, ditches and waterways and safely remove debris that could obstruct water flow.
- Secure green waste, compost, mulch, nursery stock, shade structures, temporary structures and other materials vulnerable to wind or flooding.
- Assess livestock needs and ensure animals have access to secure areas and adequate feed, water, and necessary supplies.
- Consider harvesting market-ready crops when practical and protect harvested crops, seed, feed and other materials from rain and floodwater.
- Secure fencing, gates, greenhouses, hoop houses, farm stands and other agricultural structures.
- Photograph crops, livestock, equipment, structures, irrigation systems and other farm assets to document pre-impact conditions. Keep records of storm-related damage and expenses that may later be needed for insurance or disaster assistance.
Food and agricultural businesses
Food manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, restaurants and other food and agricultural businesses should prepare for possible interruptions to electricity, refrigeration, transportation, deliveries and normal operations.
Businesses are encouraged to:
- Review plans for maintaining safe food temperatures during power outages.
- Check backup power systems where available.
- Protect food and supplies from potential water damage.
- Consider how disruptions could affect perishable inventory.
Businesses that supply food, agricultural inputs, fuel, equipment or other essential goods should also consider communicating with suppliers and customers about contingency plans and potential disruptions.
Retail, hospitality and other businesses
Retailers, restaurants, hotels, visitor-industry businesses, offices, contractors and other commercial operations are encouraged to:
- Secure outdoor furniture, signage, displays, equipment, construction materials, waste containers, and other loose objects.
- Review emergency and business continuity plans with employees.
- Establish how employees will receive information about closures, schedule changes, or other operational decisions.
- Back up important business records and make sure insurance, payroll, vendor, and employee information is accessible.
- Protect computers, point-of-sale systems, inventory, records, and other valuable assets from potential water damage.
- Check generators and backup power systems and ensure they can be operated safely.
- Photograph facilities, inventory, equipment, and other business assets to document pre-impact conditions.
- Communicate changes in hours or operations with customers and guests as appropriate.
Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau information for visitors and lodging properties
Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau informs visitors that when a lodging property is in a safe location and not under evacuation orders, it is best to shelter-in-place, where they are comfortable and have better access to food and other essential supplies.
This also will protect visitors while helping prevent travelers from becoming stranded at the airport or in areas affected by road closures, such as Hanalei when the bridge is closed.
Important shelter-in-place reminders:
- Refuge areas are intended as a last resort for shelter during severe weather.
- Refuge areas have limited capacity and are intended to support community members and the houseless community.
- Refuge areas might not provide food, water, bedding or other personal supplies.
Lodging properties should be prepared to meet basic food, water, sanitation and communication needs.
Monitor official alerts closely.
Follow all instructions issued by Kauaʻi County and Kauaʻi Emergency Management if the place where you are staying is in an evacuation zone or becomes unsafe.
Visitors are reminded:
- Avoid unnecessary travel and areas that could be affected by flooding, hazardous conditions or road closures.
- Stay off roads in severe conditions and never drive through flowing or rising water, including streams and drainage ditches that might appear dry.
- Be aware of ocean conditions and wait 48 to 72 hours before entering the ocean, especially where water appears brown or murky.
- Visit the Division of State Parks web page for updates about storm-related park closures.
For lodging properties:
- Relocating guests to another building, tower or higher floor should occur only when consistent with the property’s emergency plan or directed by authorities.
- Do not direct guests to a refuge area until confirming its current status and availability through official Kauaʻi County or Kauaʻi Emergency Management updates.
- Guests should not be sent to the airport without first confirming flight status directly with their airline.
