Kaua‘i County is in Day 11 of recovery from Hurricane Lowell.
Kauaʻi continues its recovery from Hurricane Lowell as county crews restore damaged infrastructure, support affected communities and prepare for rainfall from the remnants of former Tropical Storm Norbert.
Meanwhile, Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami on Thursday encouraged visitors to participate in the Garden Isle’s recovery by supporting local businesses.
“Kauaʻi is welcoming visitors, and we are grateful for the support you bring to our local businesses and our economy,” said Kawakami. “At the same time, our island is still in active recovery from Hurricane Lowell, and we are asking everyone who comes here to be part of that recovery.”
He said the best way to help is by spending money locally.
“Eat at our locally-owned restaurants, shop at our boutiques and small shops and book with local activity providers,” the mayor said. “Many of our small businesses are carrying this recovery on their own and every dollar you spend with them makes a real difference.”
Kawakami added that people should avoid the Wainiha and Hāʻena areas in wake of the hurricane.
Crews remain focused on North Shore recovery, including power restoration and cleanup, while residents are urged to prepare for possible road, facility and service interruptions if weather intensifies.
Even limited rainfall could create hazards in areas already impacted by hurricane damage.
State staff will visit the county’s hurricane recovery resource centers in Hanalei and Kōloa next week to help residents with unemployment insurance applications and other work-related questions.
The Kauaʻi Bus extended its post-hurricane fare-free service through Sept. 30 to support residents during the recovery. Meanwhile, water conservation notices are being lifted in additional areas as conditions improve, though conservation measures remain in place where needed.
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.
Water conservation
Water conservation notices remain in effect for:
- ʻAnini Water System
- Hāʻena-Wainiha Water System
- Kīlauea Water System
In these areas:
- Use water only for essential needs.
- Outages can affect pumps and wells, so water could cut out or lose pressure.
- Do not use water if you think it is contaminated by flooding.
- Some water systems are operating partially on emergency generators. High demand could result in low water pressure and temporary service outages.
- Call 808-245-5444 to report a water service outage or leak.
All other areas had their water conservation notices canceled. Visit the Water Department website and follow the department on social media for additional information and updates. Receive alerts by signing up for Everbridge notifications.
Contact county government offices
Original Kauaʻi County government office phone lines were damaged in the recent fire at the Kāpule Building. Officials ask the public until restoration to use the following interim phone numbers:
- General line: 808-726-0702.
- Secondary line: 808-347-9833.
- Division of Motor Vehicles: 808-241-1949.
- Department of Human Resources: 808-720-0424.
- Agency on Elderly Affairs: 808-855-8017.
- Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: 808-652-7668.
Non-emergency police phone line fully operational
Kaua‘i Police Department notifies the public that its non-emergency dispatch line at 808-241-1711 was restored and is fully operational. Callers who experience any difficulty using the non-emergency line can use the following alternative numbers:
- 808-755-8516
- 808-652-7837
The 9-1-1 line remains fully operational for emergencies.
Hurricane resource centers
To help residents with state unemployment insurance applications and other employment-related questions, staff from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will be on-site at both county hurricane resource centers next week:
- Hanalei Neighborhood Center (North Shore): Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 21-22.
- Kōloa Neighborhood Center (South Shore): Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 23-24.
Residents are encouraged to meet in-person with government and nonprofit staff at the recovery centers.
Centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. New hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. begin Monday.
The Hanalei Initiative operates an hourly shuttle starting at 9 a.m. from The Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha directly to the Hanalei resource center.
Kīlauea refuge area remains open
With power restoration efforts progressing around Kaua‘i, one refuge area remains open at Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St. People using refuge areas have the opportunity to connect with case management and other wraparound services and support.
Many County park and park facilities reopen
Many of the hard-hit county park and park facilities reopened Tuesday. When re-entering, use caution and heed isolated amenities that might remain closed. Certain beach parks, including Hāʻena, Blackpot, Poʻipū and Salt Pond along with Hanapēpē Stadium football field, remain closed because of storm-related damages.
Power restoration updates
Power is now restored for more than 91% of the island as of Thursday afternoon.
- 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 after Lowell impacted about 33,000 customers.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and partners continued Thursday prepping for repairs in Wainiha/Hā‘ena, with a focus on debris removal and vegetation management. Support for this effort was provided by Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Highway Division, county Department of Public Works, Earthworks Pacific and Goodfellow Bros.
The utility cooperative and mutual aid partner Southern California Edison continued addressing remaining spot outages in communities from Anahola to Kekaha and restoration planning for Kōke‘e, which remains without power.
Pending service orders and line extensions:
The utility cooperative suspended processing routine service orders and line extensions to focus all efforts on Hurricane Lowell restoration efforts, including safety-related service orders. Refrain from calling to check on the status of your service order or application so the co-op can remain focused on restoration priorities.
Outage verifications:
If your insurance carrier requires verification of an outage caused by Hurricane Lowell, download, fill out and then submit this form per instructions on the form. Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative will process the request as quickly as possible. It must be submitted by the member of record for your account. Remember to sign the form before submitting it. You also can find this information on the cooperative website.
Remember to make sure your contact information with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is updated by calling 808-246-4300 to get alerts. Check ongoing outages online.
Financial assistance:
Members financially impacted by Hurricane Lowell and anticipate a need to establish a payment plan with Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative or interested in exploring financial assistance options are encouraged to visit the utility co-op website for more information.
Note: Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative suspended collections activities for delinquent accounts. The timing of resumption of collections activities will be evaluated once Hurricane Lowell restoration is completed.
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.
Food distribution
- 10 a.m. to noon Thursday: Westside Christian Center, 8041 Kekaha Road, Kekaha.
- 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday: St. Raphael’s Church, 3011 Hapa Road, Kōloa.
SNAP replacement
Households impacted by Hurricane Lowell on Kaua‘i could be eligible for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
The 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.
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, with fares now waved through Sept. 30. The 900 and 950 Anahola-Waimea express routes are not running until further notice. Call 808-246-8110 or visit The Kauaʻi Bus website for additional information or with any questions.
State road closures and openings
Numerous roads continue to be closed islandwide; however, the state Transportation Department reports no state highway or road are 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.).
- Crews will resume debris clearing under the mauka Wailuā 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.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reopened Wainiha River Bridge No. 3 to 15-ton traffic after access was weight-limited to 5 tons or less to address scour damage from Hurricane Lowell. This reopening is happening ahead of the originally scheduled date of Sept. 21.
Crews were able to complete the concrete pour to strengthen the foundation and pour a new abutment, resulting in the lifting of the vehicle weight restriction Thursday morning.
Additional work in the area is ongoing, including installing grouted riprap to protect the bridge abutments and piers. Stream bank stabilization methods also are being implemented to protect against future scour damage.
A crew also will be dispatched to clear rocks that piled up at the river fork upstream so water can flow again. Work will begin today, weather permitting, and is expected to take 1 to 2 days to complete.
Kauaʻi County public schools
All public schools are open except Hanalei Elementary. Teachers and staff will return to campus Friday to prepare for reopening, with students returning Monday, Sept. 21.
Student transportation
Special education curb-to-curb service continues. Some regular education bus routes remain unavailable or might operate with modified service because of road conditions and detours. Affected families were contacted by schools. School and transportation updates can be found here and here.
Tax relief and damage assessments
The county launched a new website with links to necessary forms and documents to make it easier for storm-impacted property owners 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
County waste disposal and temporary sites might close or adjust operating hours for safety. The public is advised to check for the latest updates before traveling.
The county is operating 7 sites to dispose of storm debris and refuse. Each site will only accept specific materials, so appropriately separate waste items before making drop-offs. All debris (not including green waste) must not be longer than 3 feet.
Site hours (closing times subject to change), locations and accepted materials are:
- Hanalei transfer station, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Kūhiō Highway, debris.
- Kīlauea temporary site, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Kūhiō Highway, past Kīlauea roundabout and across from Anaina Hou Community Park, green waste.
- Kapaʻa temporary site, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Kapaʻa Bypass Road, green waste. The site is accessed via the southbound, one-way lane of Kapaʻa Bypass Road adjacent to Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex.
- Kapaʻa transfer station, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Kāhau Road, debris.
- Līhuʻe transfer station, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., ʻAhukini Road, debris and green waste.
- Hanapēpē transfer station, 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Lele Road, debris and green waste.
- Kekaha Landfill, residential waste loads 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., commercial waste loads 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Kaumuali‘i Highway, debris and green waste.
Household recyclables:
All of the island’s HI-5 Redemption Centers — KCRS Kīlauea, KCRS Kapaʻa, Reynolds Recycling, KCRS Kōloa, KCRS Kekaha — will operate during normal business hours and days beginning today. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to find locations, days and times. All Kauaʻi Recycles drop sites, with the exception of Hanalei transfer station, are accepting materials.
Scrap metal and appliances:
Scrap metal and appliances are accepted for recycling at Puhi Metals on Puhi Road, open 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 and Kekaha Landfill.
Regular trash collection: Normal weekday islandwide refuse collection continues 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.
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, except in Hanalei and Kōloa, which are serving as hurricane recovery resource centers, and Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, which continues to operate as a refuge area.
- 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 will be closed for the foreseeable future because of widespread damage from Hurricane Lowell. The public is especially urged to avoid Kōke‘e State Park and Kōke‘e Road, where many catastrophic, unmitigated hazards exist throughout the landscape. Road clearing may require many more weeks. These areas will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Trees have fallen across Waimea Canyon Drive, Kokeʻe Road and across virtually all internal park dirt roads that access facilities, including approximately 100 leased recreational cabins.
- Division of State Parks closed the road into Kōkeʻe State Park as part of the total park closure. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation also closed Waimea Canyon Road above the lower junction.
- Following reports of people disregarding the closure and trying to access cabins, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers are posted at the junction of Kōkeʻe Road and Waimea Canyon Road, maintaining a 24/7 roadblock, controlling traffic and access. Access is allowed during daytime hours until 6 p.m. for people who have legitimate business. All others continue to be denied entry.
Pacific Missile Range Facility
Pacific Missile Range Facility announced Thursday the reopening of guest passes for select recreational sites.
Recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell are ongoing throughout the installation; however, some recreational areas sustained minimal damage during the storm and personnel were able to safely restore select sites for guest recreational use.
Pacific Missile Range Facility recreational sites now open to those with guest passes:
- Shenanigans parking lot and beach access.
- Kinikini Ditch Beach Access Road (weekends and federal holidays only).
- Mānā Motors (normal business hours).
- Car wash (normal business hours).
- Movie theater (Friday-Sunday).
- Guest cottages (accepting reservations; access reserved for cottage guests only).
Click here to find additional information.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
