What Kauaʻi County residents, visitors need to know Sunday about Hurricane Lowell recovery

Kaua‘i County is in Day 13 of recovery from Hurricane Lowell.

Next week, state staff will visit the county’s hurricane recovery resource centers in Hanalei and Kōloa, helping residents with unemployment insurance applications and other work-related questions.

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.

Report storm damage

The county had received 880 resident-submitted damage assessments as of Friday, with 18 homes destroyed and 100 suffering major damages as of Friday afternoon.

Residents are encouraged to report storm damage. Take photos, write down what was damaged and file a report online. These reports show how much of the island was hit and can help Kauaʻi qualify for state and federal aid. The state asked for a fast-tracked presidential disaster declaration. You still need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Report roadway and public space hazards here. Businesses can report damage here.

Limited reopening of state lands

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources at 6:30 a.m. Monday will reopen certain lands on Kaua‘i. Most lands, however, remain closed because of widespread, unmitigated damage caused by Hurricane Lowell.

Fern Grotto Access Restrictions (Wailuā River State Park):

• Smith’s Motor Boat Tours is permitted to access the Fern Grotto landing.
• No individual kayakers are allowed in the Fern Grotto at this time.
• This restriction will be strictly enforced to prevent operational conflicts and safety hazards with larger riverboats.

River and trail access limits (Wailuā River State Park):

• Kayakers will be permitted to use the river, designated landing zone and trailhead.
• Hiking is strictly prohibited past the trailhead until further notice.
• Access to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remains closed in its entirety.

Waimea Uluwehialley section of Puʻu ka Pele Forest Reserve:

• Nā Ala Hele trails remain closed (Waimea Canyon Trail, Puʻu Ki-Waialae Trail, Kukui and Koaiʻe Canyon). Access should only be from the bottom of the canyon.
• Many of the crossings were destroyed and all users should proceed with caution as water levels in the river remain high.
• No campgrounds or shelters are open.

Hunting Unit F below the Kōkeʻe Road and Waimea Canyon Drive junction:

• Hunters should not pass the barricade on Kōkeʻe Road. They need to sign in at a check station below the Kōkeʻe Hunter Check Station.
• Kōkeʻe Road remains closed until clearing and utility work is completed.
• The public is urged to use caution when accessing forested areas as many unmitigated hazards exist.

State officials request the public’s help with addressing storm damage by reporting downed trees, road and trail washouts as well as damaged infrastructure via the free ArcGIS Survey123.

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): Sept. 21-22.
• Kōloa Neighborhood Center (South Shore): Sept. 23-24.

Residents are encouraged to meet in-person with government and nonprofit staff at the recovery centers, which are now open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. New daily hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Monday.

Hanalei Initiative operates an hourly shuttle, starting at 9 a.m., from Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha directly to the Hanalei resource center.

Kīlauea refuge area remains open

One shelter is 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. American Red Cross resiliency kits are provided to pre-disaster houseless people using shelters.

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

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative crews and partners Saturday continued work to restore remaining power outages. Troubleshooters also addressed new outages not linked to Hurricane Lowell.

The utility cooperative reported 96% of members were restored as of Saturday afternoon.

Crews continue work on the remaining North Shore outages, between Molaʻa and Hanalei. Restoration work in this area is expected to continue during the next several days, with customers brought back online as individual repairs are completed.

Because conditions and the extent of repairs vary by location, specific restoration estimates are not yet available for each remaining outage.

Crews also continue working on scattered pocket outages between Kapa‘a and Kekaha.

Wainiha/Hā‘ena:

• Vegetation and debris clearing remains underway to provide crews safe access to damaged infrastructure.
• If clearing progresses as anticipated, repair work could still begin before the end of this weekend.
• Based on conditions, the best estimate is that restoration could begin toward the end of this upcoming week.

Kōke‘e:

• Vegetation and debris clearing continues in Kōke‘e, where a substantial amount of work remains before repairs can safely begin.
• Repair work is anticipated to possibly get underway sometime this upcoming week.
• It is still too early to provide an estimated restoration timeline for Kōke‘e.

Traffic advisory and safety reminders:

• Utility crews will be working throughout the day Sunday along Kaumualiʻi Highway, between Knudsen Gap and Maluhia Road.
• This will require a full lane closure.
• Alternating traffic will be accommodated from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The public is advised to slow down and use caution when driving in the vicinity of crews working to ensure their safety as they work to restore power.

Financial assistance:

• Members financially impacted by Hurricane Lowell and anticipate a need to establish a payment plan or interested in exploring financial assistance options are encouraged to visit the utility cooperative website for additional information.
• Note: KIUC has suspended collections activities for delinquent accounts. The timing of resumption of collections activities will be evaluated once Hurricane Lowell restoration is completed.

Utility work areas:

• Residents are reminded not to approach utility workers and/or enter their work area at any time.
• This will ensure the safety of crews and the public. If you have questions, call 808-246-4300 or email to info@kiuc.coop. 

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. 

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.

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.

Storm debris, household waste and recycling

County waste disposal and temporary sites can close or adjust operating hours for safety. The public is advised to check for the latest updates before traveling.

Each of the county’s seven storm debris and refuse disposal sites will only accept specific materials, so materials should be appropriately separated before making drop-offs.

All debris, except 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:

• Hanalei transfer station, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Kūhiō Highway, debris.
• Kīlauea temporary site, was closed Sept. 16-18 because of weather, usual hours now are 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 HI-5 Redemption Centers — KCRS Kīlauea, KCRS Kapaʻa, Reynolds Recycling, KCRS Kōloa and KCRS Kekaha — are operating during normal business hours and days. 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 on Puhi Road.

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.

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 approval of 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 Hawai‘i Department of Human Services.

Līhuʻe Civic Center

• All in-person and counter services at the Līhuʻe Civic Center remain closed following a fire at Kāpule Building.
• The only exception is the Real Property Division, which is offering in-person assistance so property owners can meet the Sept. 30 filing deadline for certain tax exemptions. Staff will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Purchasing Office, across from Kāpule Building.
• Division of Motor Vehicles services are unavailable; however, there are options for residents to renew vehicle registration and more while the office remains shuttered.
• The fire damaged critical county information technology systems, affecting transactions, records and phone lines. Temporary systems are being developed.
• Some offices could reopen sooner than others, depending on when computer systems are restored.
• The county will share updates as in-person services resume.
• County offices outside Līhuʻe Civic Center remain open.
• Call 808-726-0702 or 808-347-9833 for additional information and any questions. 

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 today under the mauka Wailuā River Bridge.
• 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 on Thursday reopened Wainiha River Bridge No. 3 to 15-ton traffic, ahead of schedule, after access was weight-limited to 5 tons or less to address scour damage from Hurricane Lowell.

Kauaʻi public schools

• Hanalei Elementary, the last Kauaʻi public school to reopen following the hurricane, will welcome students back Monday.
• Teachers and staff returned Friday.
• Special education curb-to-curb service continues. Some regular education bus routes remain unavailable or might operate with modified service.
• Affected families were contacted.

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

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; however, the park is grateful its generator kept running after the storm, keeping food stores fresh and allowing the park to serve free hot meals from its local food truck throughout the week to anyone in the community who needed one.

The park’s walk-in refrigerator and cooler also became a resource for the Hanalei and Kilauea elementary school lunch programs, providing much-needed food storage and space to prepare meals for keiki.

Anaina Hou will continue opening its food truck during the day, serving hot meals to neighbors who need them.

The park’s playground made it safely through the storm and was able to be reopened safely this weekend.

Anaina Hou’s mini golf course, unfortunately, was hit hard by several large downed trees, and there remains quite a bit of cleanup ahead at the park. Staff and leadership hope to be able to welcome everyone back soon.

Tripp’s Hale, located next to the playground, was severely damaged during the storm.

The access point to Wai Koa Loop Trail is closed because of fallen trees, debris and other obstructions. It will remain closed until the area can be safely cleared.

Keep in mind that emergency vehicles might not be able to reach injured hikers along the trail.

Food distribution through the North Shore Food Pantry will happen as scheduled near the Park & Ride.

There is no tent or rain shelter available, and upcoming activities might need to change depending on power, water and park conditions. Anaina Hou is taking it one day at a time.

As the park begins to bring back regular community activities, it asks for a little extra aloha and patience along the way.

The public will be updated as cleanup and recovery work continue.

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. 
• Trees fell across Waimea Canyon Drive, Kokeʻe Road and across virtually all internal park dirt roads that access facilities, including about 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.

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.

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.