Kaua‘i County is in Day 9 of recovery from Hurricane Lowell.
Recovery efforts continue around Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell, with several important steps taken to restore services and support residents.
Certain County parks and park facilities are reopening, select water conservation notices lifted and two hurricane resource centers opened to provide residents with access to recovery information and assistance.
Power restoration remains a major focus, particularly on the North Shore where crews continue reconnecting neighborhoods affected by extensive damage.
Progress is being made; however, many residents continue to face impacts from the storm. The county remains focused on restoring essential services, reopening public facilities and supporting residents and communities throughout the recovery.
Visit KauaiRecovers.org for recovery help, resources and update. You also can call Aloha United Way at 2-1-1, text “HELP” to 877-275-6569 or chat with a local specialist at AUW211.org for any non-emergency information.
Resource centers
Two county resource centers — at Hanalei Neighborhood Center on the North Shore and Kōloa Neighborhood Center on the South Shore — opened Tuesday. They are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for residents to meet in-person with nonprofit and agency staff for recovery needs assistance.
Hanalei initiative is running an hourly shuttle starting at 9 a.m. from The Hanalei Colony resort in Wainiha to the Hanalei resource center.
Many county parks and park facilities reopening
Many of the hard-hit county park and park facilities will reopen as of noon Wednesday. Use caution and heed isolated amenities that might remain closed when re-entering. Certain beach parks — Hāʻena, Blackpot, Poʻipū and Salt Pond — along with Hanapēpē Stadium football field remain closed because of storm-related damages.
Water conservation notice
Department of Water on Tuesday lifted the water conservation notice for the Hanapēpē-ʻEleʻele and Kekaha-Waimea Water Systems service areas. Customers in these service areas may now resume normal water use. Conservation notices remain in effect until further notice for several other areas.
Click here for more information about areas still under conservation notices.
Areas remaining under water conservation notices continue to be asked to use water only for essential needs. Also remember:
- Outages can affect pumps and wells, so water could cut out or lose pressure.
- Do not use water if you think it is contaminated.
- Call 808-245-5444 to report water service outages or leaks. Updates are posted online.
Visit the Water Department website and follow the department on social media for additional information and updates. Receive alerts by signing up for Everbridge.
Refuge centers
With power restoration efforts progressing across Kaua‘i, One refuge area will remain open after 10 a.m. Wednesday with power restoration efforts progressing.
- Remaining open: Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St.
- Closing: Kalāheo and Līhuʻe neighborhood centers
People using refuge areas have the opportunity to connect with case management and other wraparound services and support.
Līhuʻe Civic Center
- All in-person and counter services at the Līhuʻe Civic Center are closed through Friday following a fire at the Kāpule Building.
- DMV services are unavailable. Appointments will be rescheduled; significant delays are expected when services resume.
- The fire damaged critical county information technology systems, affecting transactions, records and phone lines. Temporary systems are being developed.
- Field operations, including residential refuse collection and transfer stations, continue as scheduled.
- Emergency services remain available. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
- County offices outside the Līhuʻe Civic Center remain open.
- For questions, call 808-726-0702 or 808-347-9833.
Avoid unnecessary travel on roadways
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.
The Kauaʻi Bus
Regular bus and paratransit service resumed Monday. However, the 900 and 950 Anahola-Waimea express routes will not run this week. Questions and additional information about the Kauaʻi Bus, 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.
Road closures
Numerous roads continue to be closed islandwide.
State road closures and openings
The state Transportation Department reports no state highway is closed in a way that keeps people from reaching their homes.
- Kaumualiʻi Highway (vicinity of Halfway Bridge): Tree/debris removal ongoing; crews will use the shoulder to minimize traffic impacts.
- Kūhiō Highway (vicinity of Princeville transfer station to Kapaka Street): Tree/debris removal and one-lane shifting. (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- Kūhiō Highway (vicinity of Kalihiwai Bridge): Tree/debris removal ongoing and one-lane shifting. (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- Wainiha Bridge #3 (double bridge on Hāʻena side): Repair work ongoing. Bridge open to local traffic only; 5-ton weight limit.
- Crews will resume debris clearing under the mauka Wailua River Bridge on Sept. 20.
- Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon roads are still being cleared.
- Halewili Road is open from the ʻEleʻele side of Kaumualiʻi Highway but remains closed from the Kalāheo side of the highway to Kauaʻi Coffee because of downed utility poles.
- Kūhiō Highway: Princeville to Keʻe Beach open to local traffic only.
Neighborhood centers closed
All neighborhood centers remain closed until further notice.
Kauaʻi County public schools
Public school students returned to class Monday around Kauaʻi, with the exception of Kīlauea and Hanalei elementary schools. Kīlauea Elementary and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School reopened Tuesday.
Hanalei Elementary’s reopening is delayed to provide additional time for the school community to recover from significant storm impacts in the surrounding area.
Teachers and staff will return to campus Friday to prepare for reopening, with students returning Sept. 21. The school is working to provide instructional packets and shelf-stable meal boxes for families to pick up this week.
Student transportation
Student transportation also remains impacted around Kauaʻi.
Special education curb-to-curb transportation will continue to be provided. However, some regular education bus routes will be unable to operate or will operate with modified service due to road conditions and detours. Schools have communicated directly with affected families about the status of bus transportation. For bus service information, click here.
All schools are providing non-perishable, shelf-stable meals.
Power restoration updates
Power is now restored for about 83% of the island as of Tuesday, according to the most recent county update. About 6,488 Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative members remain without power.
Teams of personnel are collaborating to restore electricity this week with the cooperative getting support from local contractors, Premium Utility Contractor/Grid Tree Experts, Wiggins Tech and Asplundh, along with off-island crews from Hawaiian Electric, Southern California Edison and HMS.
- Work is ongoing in the North Shore area. No timeline is available for when repairs will be completed.
- Flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control. Use extra caution around coned work areas.
- Motorists should expect extended delays and are asked to slow down and remain alert. Stay away from downed utility lines and call 9-1-1 if a line poses an immediate danger.
- Peak outages impacted about 33,000 customers; 13 of 16 transmission lines have been restored.
- Update your contact information with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative by calling 808-246-4300 to get alerts. Check ongoing outages online.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative restored power to approximately 300 additional customers Tuesday as crews continue working around the island.
Roughly 83% of members now are restored. Pocket outages remain in portions of most communities between Molaʻa and Waimea. Four troubleshooters are deployed (two on the east side and two on the west side), working to restore these smaller outages, most consisting of 20 meters or fewer.
Incremental progress is being made; however, troubleshooters must also respond to new calls coming in from the emergency operations center.
Kōke‘e remains without power. A restoration timeline has not been developed.
Traffic advisory: Utility crews are working along the side of the road in an attempt to restore power to members. The public is advised to slow down and use caution when driving in the vicinity of crews working on road shoulders to ensure their safety.
Downed lines: Members are urged to stay well away from downed power lines and always assume any downed line is energized. Downed lines and other electrical hazards should be reported to the cooperative at 808-246-4300 or emergency authorities such as 9-1-1 if there is imminent danger.
North Shore update: Crews continued repairing damaged lines, poles and electrical equipment Tuesday on the North Shore to prepare for initial restorations which were estimated to happen as early as Tuesday evening or sometime today. The initial restoration will involve portions of Princeville and possibly portions of Hanalei. Once they are complete, crews will continue work to restore remaining members in communities between Molaʻa and Hanalei. That effort could take several days.
The last phase of North Shore restorations will be the communities of Wainiha and Hā‘ena. Because of the extent of damage to transmission infrastructure that feeds those communities, restoration is not expected until late next week at the earliest.
Estimates are based on current conditions and could change if crews encounter additional damage, inclement weather or other unforeseen challenges.
Community resources: Find links to helpful resources on the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative website. 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.
Tax relief and damage assessments
The county launched a new website with links to necessary forms and documents to make it easier for storm victims to submit damage assessments and file for disaster tax relief,
Visit the site if your home, business, farm or ranch suffered damage from Hurricane Lowell.
To submit a tax remission form:
- Email: rpassessment@kauai.gov
- Mail: Līhuʻe Civic Center, 4444 Rice St., Suite 454, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
- In-person: Drop box at the Līhuʻe Civic Center Moʻikeha Rotunda in the Kāpule Building
- Open hours: Rotunda will be open between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Deadline to submit a tax remission form: June 30, 2027
Storm debris, household waste and recycling
STORM DEBRIS AND REFUSE DISPOSAL: The county is operating 7 sites to dispose of storm debris and refuse. Each site will only accept specific materials, so the public is advised to separate waste items before making drop-offs. All debris (not including green waste) must not be longer than 3 feet.
Green waste is organic plant material from yards, landscaping or storm cleanup, such as tree branches, leaves, grass clippings, brush, shrubs and other vegetation.
Site hours (closing times subject to change), locations and accepted materials are:
- Kīlauea temporary site: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Kūhiō Highway, green waste (located past the Kīlauea roundabout and across the street from Anaina Hou Community Park)
- Kapaʻa temporary site: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.,Kapaʻa Bypass Road, green waste (accessed via the southbound, one-way lane of Kapaʻa Bypass Road adjacent to the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex)
- Kapaʻa transfer station: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Kahau Road, debris
- Līhuʻe transfer station: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Ahukini Road, debris and green waste
- Hanapēpē transfer station: 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Lele Road, debris and green waste
- Hanalei transfer station: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Kūhiō Highway, debris
- Kekaha Landfill Residential: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., debris and green waste
HOUSEHOLD RECYCLABLES: HI-5 redemption in Līhuʻe reopened at Kauaʻi Resource Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1:30 p.m.) Monday through Saturday. HI-5 redemption in Kapaʻa reopened for its normal operating hours and days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Other HI-5 redemption locations remain closed until equipment is repaired. All Kauaʻi Recycles drop sites, except Hanalei transfer station, are accepting materials.
SCRAP METAL AND APPLIANCES: Scrap metal and appliances are being accepted for recycling at Puhi Metals from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Kapaʻa and Hanapēpē transfer stations are also accepting scrap metal and appliances from residents.
E-WASTE: Electronic waste is being accepted at Puhi Metals.
REGULAR TRASH COLLECTION: Normal weekday islandwide refuse collection will continue throughout the week to accessible areas.
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.
Ports and harbors
- Nāwiliwili Harbor is open to cargo ships. No cruise ships are arriving.
- Port Allen is open for operations.
Līhuʻe Airport
Departing passengers can return to recommended predeparture guidance of 90 minutes for interisland flights and 2 hours for flights to the mainland.
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.
Food distribution through the North Shore Food Pantry will happen as scheduled near the Park & Ride.
Food distribution
Food distributions continues at the following locations and times:
- St. Raphael’s Church, 3011 Hapa Road, Kōloa, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 17.
- Westside Christian Center, 8041 Kekaha Road, Kekaha | 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 17
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
Kong FM 93.5 is live and actively reporting local news, on air and streaming online.
County, state and other closures/service disruptions
- Waimea and Kapaʻa pools, along with Wailuā Golf Course, remain closed.
- All neighborhood centers are closed until further notice.
- County board and commission meetings are suspended.
- The Sept. 16 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.
Board of Water Supply meetings to continue as scheduled
The next regular Kaua’i County Board of Water Supply meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 24 in the Department of Water administration building, second floor board room, at 4398 Pua Loke St. in Līhuʻe.
It was not impacted by the civic center closures and will continue regularly scheduled monthly meetings.
Visit the Department of Water website for additional information.
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 reopen
State offices on Kaua’i reopened Monday. Employees reported to their normal worksites or followed their department regular telework schedules unless otherwise directed.
Courthouse reopen
The Puʻuhonua Kaulike courthouse in Līhuʻe resumed operations Monday, with hearings, trials and other court proceedings proceeding 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.
Disaster declaration
Hawaiʻiʻs congressional delegation — senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and representatives Jill Tokuda and Ed Case — 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.
The Trump Administration’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.
Mold warning
State health officials urge residents to address any mold growth following flooding. Mold exposure carries serious health risks, including breathing problems, allergic reactions and infections. For information on how to clean mold and mud post-flood, Click here for additional information about how to clean mold and mud post-flood.
Avoid 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.
Bank of Hawai‘i
Bank of Hawai‘i’s Kapa‘a Branch is open, but operating on modified business hours:
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Monday through Saturday.
- Closed: Sunday.
The ‘Ele‘ele Branch hours are:
- 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.
Qualifying members have access to a range of support options under this program, 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.
To learn more, visit any of the credit union’s 14 branch locations or call the Member Service Call Center at 808-587-2700.
Kauaʻi Community College
Kauaʻi Community College initiated a phased re-opening Monday. All in-person and online classes resumed Tuesday.
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.
Resident-submitted damage assessments Sunday surpassed a total of 550.
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.
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.
Verizon is waiving domestic calls, texts and data charges for consumer value, postpaid and small business customers through Sept. 14 for those on Kauaʻi.
Satellite messaging provides backup if terrestrial services are unavailable.
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 Kawakami and 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.
Be prepared for the next storm
It is never the wrong time to prepare for storms. Click here for preparedness information.
