A fire at the Kāpule Building resulted in closure of all in-person Kauaʻi County services through Sept. 18 at Līhuʻe Civic Center.
Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami said employees are working as quickly and safely as possible and focused on restoring services for the community.
“We know this is going to be an inconvenience for a lot of families and businesses, and we do not take that lightly,” said Kawakami. “If you call us, you are going to reach a real person who will take down your question. We may not have every answer today, but we will get back to you.”
The mayor was clear, too: No one will be placed back into a workspace at the center until it is safe and systems will not be rushed back online until they are sound.
“Mahalo to our community for your patience, and mahalo to our employees who are showing up and taking care of our island,” Kawakami said.
The closure applies to walk-in visits and counter services at all offices on the Līhuʻe Civic Center campus. Affected services and offices include:
- Division of Motor Vehicles, including driver licensing and motor vehicle registration.
- Real Property Assessment and Collections, including property tax payments.
- Planning Department, including permits and land use.
- Building Division.
- Engineering Division.
- Wastewater Management Division and sewer billing.
- Solid Waste Division and Recycling Programs offices.
- Office of Boards and Commissions.
- Department of Finance administration and Purchasing and Budget Division.
- Information Technology Division.
- Housing Agency, including Section 8 rental assistance.
- Agency on Elderly Affairs, including RSVP.
- Department of Human Resources.
- Department of Parks and Recreation administration.
- Public Works administration and Roads Division.
- Office of Economic Development.
- Office of the County Attorney.
- Department of Liquor Control.
- Kauaʻi Fire Department headquarters administrative offices.
The fire destroyed critical information technology infrastructure that supports county operations islandwide.
Systems used to process transactions, access records and connect county phone lines were housed in the building. Restoring that infrastructure is necessary before counter services can resume.
Crews from the county Information Technology Division are working on recovery and standing up temporary systems.
The closure is also necessary to make sure county employees have safe workspaces. Building conditions, utilities and safety throughout the Līhuʻe Civic Center campus are being assessed, and employees will not be returned to any space until it is cleared.
All Division of Motor Vehicles services also are unavailable islandwide through Friday, Sept. 18, including the Kapaʻa satellite location.
Customers with appointments during that time will be contacted to reschedule.
Motor vehicle services will resume at the Kapaʻa office when systems are available. Residents should expect considerable delays for driver licensing services.
Residential refuse collection, transfer stations and other field operations are not affected and will continue on their regular schedules.
Emergency services also are not affected. Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
County offices that are not located at the Līhuʻe Civic Center remain open.
Call Kauaʻi Emergency Management at 808-726-0702 or 808-347-9833. Staff will take down each question and follow up as information becomes available.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Kauaʻi Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau. A preliminary damage estimate is not yet available.
Updates will be shared as soon as they are confirmed, including reopening plans and any changes to office access, appointments and services.
Email to CountyPIO@kauai.gov or call 808-726-0702 or 808-347-9833 for additional information.
