Updated at 2:58 p.m. Sept. 8
The hurricane warning previously issued for Kauaʻi County was canceled; however, a flood watch, high surf warning for south and west shorelines as well as a high surf advisory for east-facing shores remain in effect.
While Hurricane Lowell passed Kauaʻi County and is moving north, away from the state, Kauaʻi County on Tuesday continues to feel the dangerous impacts from the storm.
Even as weather conditions slowly improve, Kauaʻi County emergency officials urge all residents and visitors to stay off roadways and avoid unnecessary travel to allow first responders and emergency crews to continue operations and assess the widespread damage.
Trees and utility lines are down around island, making travel perilous. Roadways need to remain free of vehicles so first responders can continue to care for those who need immediate assistance. Crews are being dispatched to clear the highest priority roads and ensure critical infrastructure is restored as soon as possible.
Refuge areas
As of noon Tuesday, 58 people and 1 pet are sheltered at five open refuge areas:
- Kauaʻi High School gym, 3577 Lala Road, Līhuʻe.
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Papalina Road, Kalāheo.
- Waimea Canyon Middle School, 9555 Huakai Road, Waimea.
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke Street, Kīlauea.
- Kapaʻa Middle School, 4867 Olohena Road, Kapaʻa.
Refuge areas remain open. Anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply go kit, medications and important documents.
Household pets are welcome, though owners must bring their own pet food, water and crates or cages. Do not travel to a refuge area if conditions are unsafe.
State and county offices
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday afternoon that all state and county offices in Kauaʻi County will remain closed through Friday as crews restore power, remove debris and address other storm impacts.
The state Judiciary is assessing facilities and capacity in Kaua‘i County and will make an announcement when plans are finalized. Visit the Judiciary website for updates.
Officials will assess conditions throughout the week and determine whether facilities in Kauaʻi County can safely reopen next week. Reopening decisions will depend on progress restoring power, clearing roads and debris and ensuring facilities are safe and accessible.
State employees in Kauaʻi County will continue to receive administrative leave through Friday, except for:
- Departmental disaster and emergency coordinators.
- Disaster response workers.
- Employees whose work involves essential operations or services, including hospital, correctional, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service workers.
- Employees assigned to remote work.
Employees in these categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their department. Employees who are unsure about their status should contact their immediate supervisor or manager.
County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.
Essential government services and emergency operations will continue throughout the closure in Kauaʻi County.
Other county closures include:
- Puʻuhonua Kaulike.
- Kauaʻi County refuse collection service was suspended at noon Monday until further notice.
- All County parks and campgrounds as well as Wailuā Golf Course are closed until further notice.
- All Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.
- All refuse transfer stations and collection services are suspended until further notice because of numerous road closures. Kekaha Landfill is open for residents only; however, stay off the roads if debris blocks access to the landfill.
- The Kauaʻi Bus suspended service because of safety concerns.
- Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau advises no swimming or outdoor recreational activities until further notice.
Kauaʻi County public schools
Hawaiʻi Department of Education reports all Kauaʻi County public schools will remain closed through Friday as assessment of storm impacts continue and campuses prepare to resume operations following Hurricane Lowell.
The closure to students includes all public schools on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau High & Elementary School.
All school-related activities scheduled Tuesday in Kauaʻi County also are canceled, including athletic events and practices, extracurricular activities, meetings and other school events.
State Education Department and Hawai‘i Department of Accounting and General Services officials are assessing facilities and will address storm-related impacts and prep facilities for the return of students.
Education Department employees, including teachers and educational assistants, will receive reporting instructions directly from their supervisors and schools based on their roles and local conditions.
Preliminary storm damage was reported at Kauaʻi High School and Kekaha Elementary School so far. Widespread power outages limited schools’ ability to complete formal damage reports. Access to some campuses also is limited.
Preparations are for Kauaʻi County students to return to school Sept. 14, pending completion of campus assessments. Families will receive updates directly from their schools as recovery continues.
Families, students and employees should check the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest school closure and reopening information.
Kauaʻi Community College
Kauaʻi Community College will remain closed through Friday because of damage and other impacts from Hurricane Lowell.
In-person and online classes are canceled for the remainder of this week, and employees should not report to campus unless specifically directed to do so.
Campus officials are assessing damage and determining what work is needed before the it can safely reopen. Students and employees are asked to stay away from campus while damage assessments and recovery work continue.
UH leadership and emergency management teams continue to coordinate with state and county officials. Students and employees should monitor their university email, UH RAVE emergency alerts and official campus communication channels for the latest updates.
Kauaʻi County Council
The next meeting of Kauaʻi County Council, originally planned for Sept. 9, is canceled because of the impacts from Hurricane Lowell.
A revised agenda will be posted at least 6 calendar days before the next meeting on the county website, as required by state law. Items scheduled for Sept. 9 will be carried over to the next scheduled council meeting, and written testimony already submitted to Council Services will remain part of the record.
Shipping update
Shipping firm Young Brothers reports the Port of Nāwiliwili is closed until the state Harbors Division clear itfor safe for operation. Barge arrival is also delayed.
Young Brothers, with U.S. Coast Guard and relevant state agencies, continues to assess impacts from Hurricane Lowell.
Port closures, severe ocean conditions and storm-related impacts could cause delays to departure and/or arrival times for the rest of this week. Click here to read more.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
Members without power should expect prolonged outages. More information will be provided later today regarding the extent of the damage and restoration estimates. Please stay clear of downed lines and report any that pose an immediate danger to 9-1-1.
- Outage Center and FAQs.
- Contact the utility c-op at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.
Kaua‘i County Department of Water
An islandwide conservation notice remains in effect. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential needs while crews work to maintain service during power outages. Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks at 808-245-5400 or visit the department website.
- Power outages can affect pumps and wells. Water service may be interrupted or pressure may drop, even if your home is not damaged.
- Use water sparingly while storm response and utility repairs are ongoing.
- Do not use water you suspect has been contaminated by flooding.
- Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400.
- Updates will be posted online and on the department’s social media channels.
Document your damage
Residents are urged to closely document damage to their homes and property. A damage assessment form is available through the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency website at https://survey123.arcgis.com/
The information provided will help the County of Kauaʻi understand the scope of residential damage and impacts to our community. Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for state or federal assistance.
Affected parties still need to file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses. Residents can also notify authorities about public hazards at: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/060659e0fd7344d59ccb2056dcbe53f9. This form is for reporting non-life-threatening roadway and public space flood damage and hazards.
Here is what else you need to know about closures, resources and more.
Generators
If you use a generator, be sure it is placed at least 20 feet away from doors,
windows and garages to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Līhuʻe Airport
Līhuʻe Airport is open.
Travelers should check with their airline about the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport, anticipate delays and allow extra time to check in and clear security.
Road closures
Numerous roads are closed islandwide because of storm-related debris and damage. Closures include:
- Kūhiō Highway at Hanalei Bridge
- Kaumualiʻi Highway, between Kala Road junctions and ʻAkialoa Road
- Māluhia Road at Kaumualiʻi Highway
Additional closures are expected as Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation and County Public Works crews assess and clear roadways. Debris has been reported islandwide. Road and closure conditions are available at 808-241-1725.
Other closures
- Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s Kauai office will be closed on Sept. 8 and an announcement will be made when the Līhuʻe office reopens.
- Bank of Hawai‘i’s Kaua‘i branches closed on Sept. 8.
Additional water tips
Store water: Use clean containers, preferably those designed for water storage. Do not use containers that might have previously stored hazardous or questionable materials, food with strong odors or are made of easily breakable materials such as glass. Fill the container with tap water, leaving minimal air space between the water and the cap. Store it in a cool, dark place.
What to do after a storm:
- Any water service interruption updates will be posted online, through social media platforms and relayed to local radio stations, as needed.
- After the storm has passed, Department of Water will assess its infrastructure. If water lines are damaged, or conservation notices are issued, continue to conserve water until the department officially announces the conservation notice is lifted.
Receive Department of Water alerts by signing up for Everbridge. You also can visit the department website.
Brown water advisory
After storms or heavy rain, the water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels and Hawaiʻi Department of Health recommends staying out of these affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.
Health officials advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.
Hawaiʻi Life Flight & REACH
Hawaiʻi Life Flight and REACH air medical assets continue to transport critical, sick and injured patients. This mission will continue until the absolute last minute, when winds and weather conditions become unsafe for flight operations.
Only when conditions become unsafe will the aircraft be relocated to O‘ahu or another island until condition are safe to return. The Kauaʻi-based air medical team of two critical care paramedics and two critical care RNs will remain on Kauaʻi to support ground operations.
Hawaiʻi Life Flight said it added an additional AMR ground ambulance to assist Kauaʻi Hospice with evacuating residents in low-lying areas who are at risk for flooding and/or extended power outages. Evacuations are continuing until everyone is safely relocated.
Beginning Monday morning through Wednesday, Hawaiʻi Life Flight also will add two additional Advanced Life Support ground ambulances to assist with any potential 911 surge or emergency interfacility transfers. A strike team of five personnel arrived Sunday to help.
Outdoor recreation
Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming or outdoor recreational activities until further notice.
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.
Stay connected
Verizon in anticipation of Hurricane Lowell reinforced its local network and is waiving domestic calls, texts and data charges for consumer value, postpaid and small business customers through Sept. 14 for those on Kauaʻi.
While Verizon’s network is built to handle the unexpected, satellite messaging provides backup if terrestrial services become unavailable.
Verizon customers with compatible satellite-enabled devices — such as iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18+ or Google Pixel 9 or newer — are encouraged to test and familiarize themselves with emergency satellite messaging before the hurricane makes its closest approach.
Pacific Missile Range Facility
Pacific Missile Range Facility remains fully mission capable.
The facility temporarily closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
Visit the Pacific Missile Range Facility Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facebook page for the latest updates.
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.
Important numbers and resources
- 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.
Visitor information
Hawai‘i TV news, radio and weather stations: Conditions can change quickly, especially during severe weather. The updated “Hawai‘i Visitor Guide to Local Weather and Emergency Information” lists local news and official information sources so visitors can stay informed and adjust their plans as needed
The Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau informs visitors about 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.
Lodging properties should be prepared to meet basic food, water, sanitation and communication needs.
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.
Remember to check local radio: Public safety officials use the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System to alert and warn the public about pending emergencies. Tune into 91.9 FM (KKCR) and/or 93.5 FM (KQNG) to hear updates while you are on the move
Click here or use the GoHawaii app to get the most updated visitor information. Visitors can also call 1-800-GOHAWAII with questions. You can also get additional information from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority website.
