Kaua‘i is in Day 5 of recovery from Hurricane Lane.
Kaua‘i County officials launched KauaiRecovers.org, a centralized resource connecting residents with important information and assistance, as the islands continue to recover from Hurricane Lowell.
The website provides ways for residents to report damage to their homes, address safety concerns and properly dispose of storm debris. It also includes information about where to receive assistance, ways to support recovery and the latest updates about the county’s ongoing storm response.
“We know there are many hands coming together to help our island right now, and KauaiRecovers.org serves as a one-stop shop connecting our residents with the critical information and assistance they need,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “This website provides ways for people to receive help, but also opportunities for those who want to give back and support our recovery. This is community helping community.”
Kawakami said just as the island saw 34 years ago following Hurricane Iniki, it once again is seeing neighbors helping neighbors.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our neighbor island brothers and sisters, as well as our state, federal and nonprofit partners who have stepped forward to help Kauaʻi in our time of need,” the mayor said.
The county has conducted 301 preliminary damage assessments, with 57 homes reporting major damage and at least 7 homes destroyed so far.
Stay off roadways and avoid unnecessary travel
Kauaʻi Police Department asks the public to limit travel to essential trips only as Hurricane Lowell recovery operations continue.
Officers are collaborating alongside county, state and utility crews as part of the islandwide recovery response, including escorting essential workers and equipment to and from work sites.
Police report traffic conditions on roadways are slowing these efforts.
There will be a single lane closure from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday on Kaumuali’i Highway, possible in either direction, in the vicinity of Kīpū Road to the Kaumakani area, for storm cleanup at multiple locations.
Motorists must drive with caution and obey all traffic rules to protect the safety of workers.
Reports indicate some drivers are not pulling to the side and stopping when emergency vehicles approach with lights and sirens. Others are following directly behind police escorts, including entering into areas that remain closed to the public.
Both behaviors put drivers, work crews and officers at risk.
Non-essential traffic is also creating congestion on the same routes on which recovery crews depend. Every delay pushes back debris clearing, utility restoration and road repairs.
Police ask the public to do the following:
- Travel only when necessary. Postpone non-essential trips, including sightseeing and driving to view storm damage.
- Pull to the far right and come to a complete stop when an emergency vehicle approaches.
- Never follow behind a police escort or use an escort to enter a closed area.
- Obey all posted closures, barricades and directions from officers and flaggers.
- Allow extra time and expect delays on roads that are open.
The Kauaʻi Bus
The Kauaʻi Bus will operate on a reduced schedule Saturday as recovery work from Hurricane Lowell continues. All routes will run hourly except those serving Wailuā.
- Route 100 departs Kekaha for LĪhuʻe from 8:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Route 200 departs LĪhuʻe for Kekaha from 6:25 a.m. to 4:25 p.m.
- Route 400 departs Hanalei for LĪhuʻe from 8:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Route 500 departs LĪhuʻe for Hanalei from 6:25 a.m. to 4:25 p.m.
- Route 30 Kōloa Shuttle will operate from 6:05 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Route 60 Kapahi Shuttle will operate from 6:23 a.m. to 7:23 p.m.
- Route 70 Kōloa Shuttle will operate from 5:55 a.m. to 6:55 p.m.
- Routes 800 and 850, with service to Wailuā, will operate at their normally scheduled times.
There will be no bus service Sunday. Normal public bus and paratransit service will resume Monday.
The 900 Anahola to Waimea Express and the 950 Waimea to Anahola Express will not operate the week of Sept. 13.
Fares are waived for all riders until further notice.
Riders should expect delays because of traffic and ongoing recovery work from Hurricane Lowell.
Visit the county website for additional route information.
Kaua‘i County Department of Water
The precautionary boil water notice for the Wainiha-Hāʻena Water System was canceled effective immediately.
Laboratory results of water samples collected Sept. 10 indicate the water is safe for consumption. No further customer action is required at this time and customers in the Wainiha-Hāʻena area can now resume normal water use.
Visit the Water Department website for additional information and to view updates .
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.
Kauaʻi County public schools
Most Hawaiʻi Department of Education public schools on Kauaʻi will reopen to students Monday, following a week of closures because of impacts from Hurricane Lowell.
Electricity was restored to 12 of 15 public school campuses as of Friday afternoon on Kauaʻi. Three schools remain without power: Kapa‘a High, Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary.
Kapaʻa High remains without power but is able to safely operate, with contingency plans in place for instruction and gas-powered cafeteria equipment available to provide meals to students.
Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary will remain closed to students and staff Monday:
- Neither campus has potable water available. The schools also are preparing contingency plans to support continued learning if the lack of potable water prevents the campuses from reopening.
Kauaʻi public schools not identified above are scheduled to resume regular operations Monday. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School will proceed with a previously scheduled waiver day for staff professional development Monday, with students returning Tuesday.
Teachers and educational assistants returned Friday to campuses to prepare for students’ return.
Hawaiʻi Department of Education will continue monitoring conditions at the schools that remain closed and will provide families with updates on reopening as information becomes available.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
As of 6 p.m. on Friday, 9,239 customers were without power, according to the outage map of Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative.
Power was restored by the end of Friday to at least 72% of the island.
Crews continue working to restore power to remaining members as quickly and safely as possible. Members without power should expect prolonged outages.
Stay clear of downed lines and report any that pose an immediate danger to 9-1-1.
Contact the co-op at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts. You also can visit the Outage center and FAQs at the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative website.
North Shore damage assessments: There is no estimate on the time frame for restoration of the North Shore; however, the utility cooperative will dedicate 10 crews to restoration next week. Click here for more information from Friday’s progress.
Mutual assistance: Recovery support is being provided by Hawaiian Electric, Southern California Electric and HMS Construction. The total mutual aid effort involves nearly 100 personnel once all arrive on island, supplementing Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative line crews and contractors. Hawaiian Electric crews are already arriving, and others are expected to arrive this weekend.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative suspended collections activities for delinquent accounts. Resumption of collections activities will be evaluated once Hurricane Lowell restoration is completed.
Generator safety
- Keep generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from entering.
- Never plug a generator directly into a household outlet; use properly rated extension cords or a professionally installed transfer switch to prevent dangerous back feeding onto utility lines.
- Keep the generator dry, allow it to cool before refueling, and follow all manufacturer instructions for safe operation.
SNAP food replacement
Households impacted by Hurricane Lowell on Kaua‘i could be eligible for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Rather than require SNAP households to report food losses individually, U.S. Department of Agriculture allowed Hawai‘i to approve automatic mass replacements of 60% benefits for residents who lost food as a result of power outages.
The waiver applies to Kaua‘i residents. More details will be made available through the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services.
SNAP participants in areas hardest hit by the disaster may have a portion of their August benefits replaced.
More information about nutrition assistance available to residents of Kaua‘i impacted by Lowell can be found online.
Kong Radio FM 93.5
Kauaʻi’s major radio station Kong FM 93.5 is back on the air.
The radio station was operating on generator power, but at about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, while Category 2 Hurricane Lowell was still generating strong winds on Kauaʻi, the generator at the transmitters failed.
Kong is live and actively reporting local news, on air and streaming online.
As of 1:15 p.m. Thursday, four of the five radio stations owned by Pacific Media Group on Kauaʻi were on-air and could also be streamed through their websites. FM97 is not on air because of damage to that tower (different site to the other stations’ tower) but the streaming service is available online.
Ron Wiley with Kong wants to assure the community that they can tune in to receive updates.
Food distribution sites
Food distribution is scheduled for Saturday at the following times and locations:
- 7 to 8 a.m.:ʻEleʻele Baptist Church, ʻEleʻele.
- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Anaina Hou Community Park, Kīlauea.
The Kauaʻi Bus modified its routes to include stops at food distribution sites.
211 Hawaiʻi
211 Hawaiʻi is available to provide information to people who need need help finding food, shelter, financial assistance, mental health support, transportation or other community resources.
Simply call 211 to connect with a trained specialist who can provide information about available services and resources throughout Hawaiʻi. You also can call 808-275-2000, text “HELP” to 877-275-6569 or chat with a local specialist at AUW211.org.
Līhuʻe Airport
Commercial power was restored to Lῑhu‘e Airport at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Roughly 525 passengers stayed overnight at the airport. Airlines advised they had capacity to accommodate the overnight passengers and ticketed passengers Friday.
Wait times vary by hour, with a 32-minute wait in the 7 to 8 a.m. hour, 60 minutes between 8 and 9 a.m., 58 minutes between 9 and 10 a.m. and 9 minutes between 10 and 11 a.m. Departing passengers can return to the recommended predeparture guidance of 90 minutes for interisland flights and 2 hours for flights to the mainland.
The state is sending a 600 kilowatt power generator from Honolulu to Kaua‘i to serve as an inline backup to Lῑhu‘e Airport’s existing generator. It also is in the process of replacing the existing generator with a new 1,000 kilowatt generator.
Delivery of the 600 kilowatt backup generator to the airport is expected in late September. The new 1,000 kilowatt generator is expected to be installed in 2029.
Road closures
Numerous roads continued to be closed islandwide. Crews are working as quickly as possible to clear all affected roadways.
- Kūhiō Highway at the double bridges in Wainiha is open to local traffic only and has a weight limit of 5 tons. Access is limited to residents to allow crews to work safely in the area.
- Kaumualiʻi Highway, in the vicinity of Mōʻī Road and Pūʻolo Road is open, and traffic is no longer being diverted to Hanapēpē Road.
- Traffic lights are non-functioning islandwide. When a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Additional closures are expected as Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation and county Department of Public Works crews assess and clear roadways.
State roads update
- Work at Wailuā River to remove debris under the mauka Plantation Bridge is ongoing and expected to be complete Friday evening. The south-bound morning contraflow will open for its normal 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday hours. If there is debris remaining, work will be completed Sunday.
- Kōkeʻe Road was closed Friday at the intersection with Waimea Canyon Drive to expedite clearance of the remaining single lane, 2-mile section of the 14-mile-route and aid to campers at Kōkeʻe State Park.
- Crews also continue debris clearing from utility lines and the sides of Kaumuali‘i Highway. Work must be done during daylight for the safety of the workers because of the nature and location of debris. The state urges all drivers encountering debris clearing to drive with caution and exercise patience.
- The majority of Kuamoʻo Road was cleared Thursday. Ahukini Road, between Palaʻi Street and Kapule Highway, and Halewili Road remain closed because of downed utility poles.
Crews are working as quickly as possible to clear all affected roadways.
Solid Waste Division facility/service updates
- Kekaha Landfill will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
- Hanalei transfer station is closed because of capacity and access issues.
- Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa and Hanapēpē transfer stations will be open 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
- Crews will collect refuse today at limited capacity from Lāwaʻi, Kalāheo and ʻŌmaʻo despite service usually being suspended on Saturdays. Regular islandwide collection is expected to resume Monday.
- Work continues to set up alternate green waste collection sites in Kīlauea, Kapaʻa and Līhuʻe.
- The county’s recycling contractor will resume processing HI-5 materials Saturday in Līhuʻe. Service in all other locations remains suspended pending equipment repairs.
Help manage the post-storm waste
- Separate waste into green waste, metals and putrescible waste (food and other materials that can spoil).
- Prioritize disposal of putrescible waste first to help reduce odors, pests and other impacts while collection services are disrupted.
- Mixed waste should be kept free of rainwater and any other liquids such as cooking oil, etc.
Tipping fees for storm-generated debris are waived at Kekaha Landfill and county transfer stations as residents and businesses clean up from Hurricane Lowell.
Donations
Through Friday, Mālama Kaua‘i is directing all donations we receive toward helping families and farms directly impacted by Hurricane Lowell. If you are in a position to help, even a small donation will become part of our community’s effort to pick up the pieces and help our neighbors begin again, the nonprofit said.
Tax-deductible donations can be made at MalamaKauai.org/donate.
Refuge areas
Līhuʻe refuge area will be transitioned on Saturday to Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center to allow Kauaʻi High School to resume operations.
The following refuge area will close at 10 a.m. Saturday:
- Kauaʻi High School gym, 3577 Lālā Road, Līhuʻe.
The following refuge area will open at 10 a.m. Saturday:
- Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center, 3353 ʻEono St., Līhuʻe
The following refuge areas remain open:
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Papalina Road, Kalāheo
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St., Kīlauea
State and county offices
All state and county offices in Kauaʻi County will remain closed through Sept. 11.
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary reports the courthouse on Kauaʻi, Puʻuhonua Kaulike in Līhuʻe and Judiciary operations on Kauaʻi will remain closed through Friday because of impacts from the hurricane.
All hearings and trials scheduled for the rest of this week will be rescheduled. To the extent there are emergency proceedings the court determines must be heard, appropriate notice will be issued.
Deadline for filing documents due Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is extended to Monday.
The public can visit the Judiciary website for updates and information.
Essential government services and emergency operations will continue throughout the closure in Kauaʻi County.
Bank of Hawai‘i
Bank of Hawai‘i’s Kapa‘a Branch is open, but operating on the same modified business hours:
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Monday through Saturday.
- Closed: Sunday.
Bank of Hawai‘i’s ‘Ele‘ele Branch hours are as follows:
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Monday through Friday.
- Closed: Saturday and Sunday.
Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
Hawaii State Federal Credit Union is expanding its Emergency Member Relief Program to provide immediate financial assistance to members impacted by Hurricane Lowell.
The program, which was recently made available to members impacted by Hurricane Lala, offers several financial relief options to help members manage unexpected expenses and other financial challenges following the storms.
Through Hawaii State Federal Credit Union’s Emergency Member Relief Program, qualifying members have access to a range of support options, including:
- Emergency Assistance Loans: Access up to $5,000 with no payments required for the first three months and no prepayment penalty for qualifying members.
- Deferral on Loan Payments: Payment deferrals on eligible consumer loans for one to three months. Interest will continue to accrue during the deferral period, and the loan term will be extended, resulting in a final balloon payment. Deferral options for mortgages, home equity lines of credit and revolving credit may vary.
- Penalty-Free Term Share Withdrawals: Withdrawals from existing term share accounts without an early withdrawal penalty.
Members interested in learning more about Emergency Member Relief Program are encouraged to visit any of the credit union’s 14 branch locations, contact the Member Service Call Center at (808) 587-2700.
Other county updates
- Līhuʻe Civic Center public offices and services remain closed until further notice following a fire at the Kapule Building. Affected services include Real Property, Planning, building and zoning, Wastewater and sewer billing. Division of Motor Vehicles services, including driver’s licensing and vehicle registration, also are closed until further notice.
- Essential government service employees, including educators, could be called in to prepare for facility re-openings. Employees should contact their appropriate administrator for guidance.
- All county parks, campgrounds and the Wailuā Golf Course are closed until further notice.
- County swimming pools at Waimea and Kapaʻa are closed until further notice.
- All county board and commission meetings are suspended until further notice.
- All state Department of Land and Natural Resources parks and forest reserves are closed until further notice.
- Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
- State Department of Health has issued an islandwide brown water advisory for Kauaʻi. Stay out of floodwaters and ocean water near stream mouths, drainage outlets and harbors, which could contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals and debris.
- U.S. Coast Guard re-opened Nāwiliwili Harbor to commercial traffic. Cruise ships are not arriving at this time.
Kauaʻi Community College
Kauaʻi Community College will initiate a phased re-opening beginning Monday, with all in-person and online classes resuming Tuesday following recovery efforts from Hurricane Lowell.
Phased reopening timeline
- Campus closed through Sunday: The campus remains closed to all non-essential personnel while facilities and information technology staff work to restore power stability, service HVAC systems, repair a broken water line, clear downed trees and clean indoor facilities.
- Monday (faculty and staff only): The campus opens for employees to reconnect, assess physical spaces, troubleshoot moisture and air conditioning systems and prepare.
- Tuesday (students return): The campus opens fully for standard operations, and all in-person and digital instruction resumes.
Academic adjustments, support
Campus leadership emphasized that the health, safety, well-being and academic success of the campus community remain top priorities:
- Cross-campus support: Kauaʻi Community College coordinated throughout the University of Hawaiʻi system to create flexibility for students enrolled in online courses hosted by other campuses and who missed classes or assignments during the closure. The vice chancellor’s office is also prepared to advocate on behalf of affected students.
- Academic flexibility: Chancellor Margaret Sanchez assured the campus community that leadership and faculty will work collaboratively to address missed instructional time, assignments and academic deadlines once conditions stabilize.
- Workplace accommodations: Employees navigating personal property damage, family commitments or community disaster recovery efforts that prevent returning Monday are encouraged to reach out directly to their supervisors.
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 website.
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 online. This form is for reporting non-life-threatening roadway and public space flood damage and hazards.
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.
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.
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.
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
T-Mobile has restored coverage across major population centers and throughout the northern part of the island, however, recovery work remains ongoing in southern Kauaʻi, where downed trees and access challenges continue to impact some locations.
As commercial power returns, teams are repositioning generators and other resources to support restoration efforts. T-Mobile remains focused on helping customers, communities and first responders stay connected by:
- Maintaining unlimited talk, text and data
- Waiving overage charges for impacted customers across Hawaiʻi through Sept. 15
- Providing devices with T-Priority to support emergency response communications
- Offering charging supplies for community distribution on Kauaʻi
- Coordinating with state and local partners to support recovery efforts
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.
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
Visitors with reservations to Kauaʻi during the next few days should confirm their accommodations remain available. If accommodations are no longer available, consider visiting another part of the state until Kauaʻi fully recovers.
Visitors should also:
- Check directly with their airline for flight changes and confirm their contact information is current.
- Contact their hotel or other accommodation for updates about access, utilities and available services.
- Confirm tours and activities directly with providers, as schedules could change.
- Follow instructions from hotel staff and local officials.
- Avoid downed power lines and areas closed for public safety.
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.
