Updated on Sept. 5 at 2:48 a.m.
Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency continues to urge residents to keep preparing steadily as Hurricane Lowell is forecast to turn to the north this weekend and pass by Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
“We need everyone to be patient, stay safe on our roads, and check on your neighbors,” Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said. “We don’t need any unforeseen tragedies while everyone is preparing. Also, use this time to prepare and talk story with your ʻohana tonight so everyone knows the plan.”
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.
“With the support of Navy Region Hawaiʻi, we’re advancing preparations set for Level 3, ahead of the storm, to give our staff the time they need to secure essential facilities and complete emergency checklists on installation and at home,” said Pacific Missile Range Facility Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Prince in a release.
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 beginning Sept. 6. Information about reopening will be posted once weather conditions improve.
“Weather events like this reinforce the importance of training before conditions worsen,” Prince said. “The time we invest in preparing our personnel and practicing our procedures is what allows us to respond safely, decisively and effectively when real-world conditions demand it.”
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.
Closures
- The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed Sunday, Sept. 6, due to anticipated inclement weather. Additional county services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.
- Polihale State Park is closed to overnight camping and day use beginning Friday, Sept. 4, until further notice.
- The Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is closed to overnight camping beginning Friday, Sept. 4, until further notice.
- The Kalalau Trail remains open for day use only as far as Hanakāpīʻai. The trail beyond Hanakāpīʻai, including Nuʻalolo Kai and Mililiʻi, is closed beginning Friday, Sept. 4, until further notice.
- The Hāʻena Shuttle will continue to operate for day use of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
The state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement arrived by helicopter Friday morning to notify overnight visitors that they must leave the area immediately.
Kauaʻi Marathon and Half-Marathon
The sold out Kauaʻi Marathon and Half-Marathon scheduled for today in Poʻipū was not postponed or canceled as of Friday. Kauaʻi County said it is in close communications with organizers of this and other community events planned for the weekend.
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.
Līhuʻe Airport
Līhuʻe Airport remains open. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations or other changes.
Cancellations
- The County of Kauaʻi Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, has been canceled due to Hurricane Lowell. The rescheduled meeting is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Līhuʻe Civic Center, Moʻikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A-2B, 4444 Rice St., Līhuʻe.
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, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs.
A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate.
Refuge areas
No refuge areas are open at this time. If conditions change and refuge areas open, Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency will issue news releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas.
In May, Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency released an updated potential refuge area list, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs.
Tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative:
- 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 lines and report to 9-1-1
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts
Other important numbers and resources
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
- Kauaʻi Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
- Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.
For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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, and 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.
