Kaua‘i County is in Day 7 of recovery from Hurricane Lowell.
The county’s Hurricane Lowell update Sunday evening said nearly 1 week after the storm caused mass destruction and outages throughout the county, a sense of normalcy is returning.
Families were preparing for reopening of nearly all Kaua‘i public schools.
Work to restore the final two damaged Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative transmission poles began on the North Shore and was expected to impact traffic through Sunday night.
More support is also becoming available as the county prepares to open resource centers for storm victims.
Resident-submitted damage assessments Sunday surpassed a total of 550.
For recovery help, resources, and updates, visit KauaiRecovers.org.
Hawaiʻiʻs congressional delegation U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono as well as U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, all Democrats, on Sunday urged a speedy approval of Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green’s requests for presidential major disaster declarations for communities throughout the state impacted by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala.
Trump’s approval of the requests would help ensure affected communities can access critical federal funding and resources needed to support response, recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than 6 months: the kona lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August) and Hurricane Lowell (September),” the delegation wrote in their letter to Trump. “The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the state and our counties, warranting federal assistance.”
They added that swift approval of these requests would ensure urgently needed aid to residents impacted by these disasters, including expanded eligibility for food assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The full text of the delegation’s letter is available here.
Neighborhood centers closed
All neighborhood centers remain closed until further notice. Kauaʻi County Parks and Recreation is temporarily suspending recreational use of the facilities to support county hurricane response and recovery efforts.
Disaster recovery scams
Kauaʻi Police Department continues to urge residents remain vigilant for scams during ongoing Hurricane Lowell recovery.
The public is reminded to:
- Verify who is contacting them before providing information or accepting assistance.
- Do not share passwords, financial information, Social Security numbers or verification codes.
- Do not send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to unsolicited contacts.
- Be cautious with links, QR codes and requests for donations.
- Use official government and agency channels to verify disaster-related information.
Visit Kauaʻi County official channels and KauaiRecovers.org for verified information about Hurricane Lowell recovery.
Stay off roadways and avoid unnecessary travel
Kauaʻi Police Department continues to urge the public to travel only if necessary.
Officers are escorting work crews, and extra traffic is slowing debris removal, power restoration and road repairs.
- Report hazards including downed lines or blocked roads. Do not stop to take photos.
- Skip non-essential travel. This includes general sightseeing and driving to view storm damage.
- Pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches.
- Never follow a police escort or use one to get into a closed area.
- Obey closures, barricades and directions from officers and flaggers.
- Treat every dark traffic light as a 4-way stop. Lights remain out islandwide.
- Obey all posted closures, barricades and directions from officers and flaggers.
- Allow extra time and expect delays on roads that are open.
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.
The Kauaʻi Bus
Regular bus and paratransit service resume Monday. However, the 900 and 950 Anahola-Waimea express routes will not run this week.
Questions and additional information: Call 808-246-8110 or visit the county website.
Rides are free until further notice. Buses stop at food distribution sites and refuge areas. Expect delays.
Kaua‘i County Department of Water
No precautionary boil water notices are in effect and all water systems are fully restored.
However, an islandwide conservation notice remains in effect as department remote sites continue to rely on generator power. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential needs.
Report outages, low pressure or water main breaks at 808-245-5400 or visit the department website.
Visit the Water Department website and follow the department on social media for additional information and updates. Receive alerts by signing up for Everbridge.
Kauaʻi County public schools
Nearly all Kauaʻi public schools reopen Monday; however, Hanalei and Kīlauea Elementary schools will remain closed through at least today, with the state aimed at having the campuses reopen by Tuesday.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School was previously scheduled to be closed today and is set to reopen as planned Tuesday.
School bus service will be limited today as recovery work continues. Schools contacted affected families directly through email and app notification. Parents or guardians with questions about a specific route should refer to their school’s specific communication method.
All schools will provide non-perishable, shelf-stable meals.
Mold warning
Health officials urge residents to address any mold growth in their homes and on their personal items. Exposure can elicit serious health risks such as breathing problems, allergic reactions and infections.
If you plan to clean any areas growing mold, remember these tips:
- Wear protective gear such as gloves, N-95 masks, boots and eye protection.
- Before cleaning, lightly spray moldy surfaces with a soapy solution to reduce airborne particles.
- Clean with soap and water, then disinfect using a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water). Open windows and doors first and air out rooms after cleaning. Never mix bleach with cleaning products containing ammonia. Use as directed on the label.
- Allow at least 15 minutes of contact time, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Discard materials that cannot be safely cleaned including carpets, mattresses, upholstery and other porous items that have been wet more than 24 to 48 hours or items that cannot be laundered or disinfected.
Household waste and recycling
Seven sites are now being operated by the county where storm debris and refuse can be disposed. Each site will only accept specific materials.
The public is advised to separate their waste items before making any drop-offs.
Site hours, locations and accepted materials are as follows:
- 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Kīlauea, Kūhiō Highway, green waste (located past the Kīlauea roundabout and across the street from Anaina Hou Community Park).
- 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Kapaʻa, Kapaʻa Bypass Road, green waste (accessed via the southbound [one-way] lane of Kapaʻa Bypass Road adjacent to Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex).
- 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Kapaʻa Transfer Station, Kāhau Road, debris.
- 7:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Līhuʻe Transfer Station, Ahukini Road, debris and green waste.
- 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Hanapēpē Transfer Station, Lele Road, debris and green waste.
- 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Hanalei Transfer Station, Kūhiō Highway, debris.
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. residential and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. commercial: Kekaha Landfill, Kaumuali’i Highway, debris and green waste.
Regular weekday islandwide refuse collection is expected to resume Monday to accessible areas.
HI-5 redemption in Līhuʻe reopened at Kauaʻi Resource Center and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed from noon to 1:30 p.m. for lunch). Other locations will remain closed until equipment is repaired.
Help manage 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.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was able to restore approximately 1,850 additional customers during the 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday. Pocket outages remain in portions of Anahola, Kapa‘a, Wailuā, Līhu‘e, Po‘ipū, ʻŌmaʻo, Kalāheo, Lāwa‘i, Hanapēpē and Kaumakani. Kōke‘e also remains out.
About 81% of utility cooperative members were restored by Sunday afternoon compared with 76% from Saturday’s report.
Roughly 7,000 members of Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative remain without power. Peak outages impacted about 33,000 customers.
About 100 additional personnel from Hawaiian Electric, Southern Cal Edison and HMS Construction Inc. joined restoration efforts Sunday and will be fully deployed around the island beginning Monday.
U.S. Air Force crews assisted with the delivery of 6 utility trucks via a cargo flight that arrived at Saturday night at Līhu‘e Airport. The trucks belong to Southern Cal Edison and previously staged with personnel in Hilo to assist with power restoration efforts following Hurricane Lala.
A total deployment of roughly 250 personnel will work to help remaining customers get back online.
“When I went to the North Shore today, there was a lot of tree damage, so a lot of lines down due to the trees. And then when I drove down, at least to the Poʻipū area, I saw, you know, the storm surge had come and that took out some of the homes and the lines down there,” said Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Energy Delivery Shari Ishikawa, who was on Kaua’i on Sunday. “Hawaiian Electric vice president of Energy Delivery, is “I didn’t get a chance to go to the west side, but similar flooding, trees, you know, same type of damages.”
North Shore update: Line crews along with Hawaiian Electric personnel Sunday addressed repairs to transmission poles on the Hanalei side of Hanalei Bridge. The work required a lane closure of Kūhiō Highway. The state also assisted with vegetation/debris clearing in Princeville. Kaua‘i Police Department will provide overnight security for equipment and materials as the North Shore work continues. Based on observations and work completed during the past 4 days, the first restorations for North Shore members are expected to take place early this week. Initial restorations will likely be concentrated in portions of Kīlauea, Princeville and Hanalei.
Generation resources: All of Kaua‘i’s large conventional generation units at Port Allen and Kapaʻia are back to pre-storm operational status and adequate to keep the island powered for the foreseeable future. The following power sources also are operational and available for use: Tesla Solar+Storage facility and AES Lāwa‘i Solar+Storage Facility.
Stay away from downed utility lines and call 9-1-1 if a line is an immediate danger. Update your contact information with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative at 808-246-4300 to get alerts. You can view outage updates with the online outage map.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative suspended collections activities for delinquent accounts. Resumption of collections activities will be evaluated once Hurricane Lowell restoration is completed.
More information about restoration efforts and links to additional resources can be found at the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative website.
Fuel barge arrives at Port Allen
A fuel barge successfully arrived and off-loaded Sunday morning at Port Allen.
The harbor at Port Allen is open to all government transportation. Rumors that it is closed are false; however, commercial activities such as charter excursions and tour boat operations are suspended until further notice.
Nāwiliwili Harbor is open to cargo ships. No cruise ships are coming in.
Support for storm victims
As community members and families continue to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell, the county is making it easier to access information about how to rebuild and recover.
Two county resource centers — at Hanalei Neighborhood Center on the North Shore and Kōloa Neighborhood Center on the South Shore — are slated to open Tuesday.
Both will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing residents the opportunity to meet with nonprofit and agency staff in-person for recovery needs assistance.
Tax-deductible donations also can be made at the Mālama Kauaʻi website.
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.
Anaina Hou Community Park
Anaina Hou remains without power and cleanup continues. Tripp’s Hale, located next to the playground, was severely damaged during the storm.
The park will be closed Monday to allow cleanup and recovery work to continue.
Food distribution through the North Shore Food Pantry will happen as scheduled near the Park & Ride.
Food distribution
Food distributions will continue at the following locations:
- 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday: Anahola Clubhouse, 3900 Kawelo St., Anahola.
- 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday: Kōloa Ball Park, Maluhia Road, Kōloa.
- 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday: St. Raphael’s Church, 3011 Hapa Road, Kōloa.
- 10 a.m. to noon Thursday: Westside Christian Center, 8041 Kekaha Road, Kekaha.
SNAP replacement
Households impacted by Hurricane Lowell on Kaua‘i could be eligible for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
U.S. Department of Agriculture is allowing 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 are 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.
Kong Radio FM 93.5
Kauaʻi’s major radio station Kong FM 93.5 is back on the air. Kong is live and actively reporting local news, on air and streaming online.
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
Departing passengers can return to the recommended predeparture guidance of 90 minutes for interisland flights and 2 hours for flights to the mainland now that commercial power is restored.
Road closures
Numerous roads continue to be closed islandwide.
State road closures (NEW UPDATE)
The state Transportation Department reports no state highway is closed in a way that keeps people from reaching their homes.
- Kaumualiʻi Highway, in the vicinity of Halfway Bridge: Tree/debris removal completed.
- Kūhiō Highway, in the vicinity of Princeville transfer station to Kapaka Street): Tree/debris removal and one-lane shifting 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.
- Kūhiō Highway, in the vicinity of Kalihiwai Bridge: Tree/debris removal ongoing and one-lane shifting from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.
- Wainiha Bridge No. 3 (double bridge on Hāʻena side): Repair work ongoing. Bridge open to local traffic only; 5-ton weight limit.
- Kūhiō Highway (Highways 56/560) are open through Hāʻena. Crews will resume debris clearing Sept. 20 under the mauka Wailuā River Bridge.
- Kūhiō Highway southbound morning contraflow through the Wailuā corridor resumed normal hours Saturday. Normal contraflow hours are 4:15 to 11:15 a.m. Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
- All of Kuamoʻo Road is clear.
- Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon roads are still being cleared.
- Ahukini Road is now fully open.
- Halewili Road is open from the ʻEleʻele side of Kaumualiʻi Highway but remains closed from the Kalāheo side to Kauaʻi Coffee because of downed utility poles
- Kaumualiʻi Highway, in the vicinity of Mōʻī Road and Pūʻolo Road is open, and traffic is no longer being diverted to Hanapēpē Road.
- One lane closed on Kaumualiʻi Highway, between Kīpū Road and Kaumakani, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday.
- Kūhiō Highway: Princeville to Keʻe Beach open to local traffic only.
Additional closures could happen. Crews are working as quickly as possible to clear all affected roadways.
Refuge areas
As of 1 a.m. Sunday, There were 49 people using the three refuge areas that remain open. Locations are:
- Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center, 3353 ʻEono St.
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Pāpālina Road
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke Street
County, state and other closures/service disruptions
- Līhuʻe Civic Center will remain closed through this week after a fire at the Kāpule Building.
- All county parks, campgrounds and Wailuā Golf Course are closed.
- Waimea and Kapaʻa swimming pools are closed.
- County board and commission meetings are suspended. The Sept. 16 Kauaʻi County Council meeting is canceled.
- All state Department of Land and Natural Resources parks and forest reserves are closed until further notice.
- Pacific Missile Range Facility closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
More closures are possible as crews continue clearing roads.
Brown Water advisory
An islandwide brown water advisory remains in effect 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.
State offices to reopen Monday
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green announced Saturday that state offices will reopen Monday as conditions continue to improve following Hurricane Lowell.
State employees should report to their normal worksites or follow their department regular telework schedules unless otherwise directed by supervisors.
Courthouse to reopen Monday
The Puʻuhonua Kaulike courthouse in Līhuʻe will resume operations on Monday. Hearings, trials and other court proceedings scheduled for Monday will proceed as scheduled.
The public can visit the Judiciary website for updates and information.
Parties also can monitor the state’s online public case information system eCourt Kokua for the most current information regarding hearings, trials and case activity.
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 relief programs are encouraged to visit any of the credit union’s 14 branch locations, call the Member Service Call Center at 808-587-2700.
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.
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
Kauaʻi Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority encourage travelers with trips booked for Kauaʻi to consider visiting another island to allow the Garden Isle time to heal and recover.
The rest of the state continues to welcome visitors, but it urges anyone with upcoming trips to the islands to monitor conditions.
Next storm
State officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Norbert, which is 1,465 miles east of Hilo as of the 5 a.m. Sunday advisory of the National Hurricane Center. Norbert is forecast to weaken, becoming a post-tropical remnant low and then dissipate in 72 hours.
But it is never the wrong time to prepare for storms. Click here for preparedness information.
