Kaua‘i County is in Day 16 of recovery from Hurricane Lowell.
General phone lines for county departments are being restored. Officials advise for the quickest response, callers should speak with a live person versus leaving a voicemail.
State staff continues visiting the county hurricane recovery resource centers this week in Hanalei and Kōloa, helping residents with unemployment insurance applications and other 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.
Emergency food distributions
- Wednesday, Sept. 23: St. Raphael Church, Kōloa, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 24: Westside Christian Center, Kekaha, 10 a.m. to noon; Lima Ola, ʻEleʻele, 2:15 to 4:15 p.m.; Aloha Church, Līhuʻe, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 25: Hale Līhuʻe, 4286 Rice St., 3 to 5 p.m.
Kaua‘i farmers markets
Several farmers markets are reopening this week:
- Monday: Kukui Grove Pau Hana Market, 3 – 5:30 p.m., Līhuʻe.
- Tuesday: Coconut Marketplace, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kapaʻa.
- Wednesday: Kapaʻa Sunshine Market, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Kapaʻa; Kauaʻi Culinary Market, 3:30 – 6 p.m., Poʻipū.
- Thursday: Coconut Marketplace, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kapaʻa; Hale Puna, 3 – 5 p.m., Waimea.
- Saturday: Grove Farm Market, starting at 9:30 a.m. until supplies last, Līhuʻe.
For more information about farmers markets and sunshine markets, call the Office of Economic Development at 808-241-4946.
Brown water advisory
Brown water advisories remain in effect for Waimea Bay Landing in Waimea, Waiʻoli Beach Park in Hanalei and Niumalu Beach Park in Līhuʻe.
- Stay out of floodwaters and ocean water near stream mouths, drainage outlets and harbors, which could contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals and debris.
- After storms or heavy rain, the water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels. The department recommends staying out of these affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.
- If the water is brown, turn around. For more information and updates, visit the Clean Water Branch system website.
Limited reopening of state lands
Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened some public lands Monday on Kaua‘i. Most lands remain closed, however, 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 Uluwehi Alley 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.
Real Property Division and Division of Motor Vehicles
- In-person services at Līhuʻe Civic Center remain closed while computer systems are being restored following the Sept. 9 Kāpule Building fire.
- County offices outside the civic center remain open.
- Real Property Division is the exception on campus, offering in-person help from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the former Purchasing Office at the Līhuʻe Civic Center ahead of the Sept. 30 exemption filing deadline. Property owners who applied but did not receive an emailed confirmation should resubmit, as paperwork was destroyed in the fire. Submit by email to rpassessment@kauai.gov (preferred), by mail or at one of two drop boxes: the Moʻikeha Building, ground floor, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Piʻikoi Building fronting Rice Street. Storm-damaged property owners have until June 30, 2027, to file for disaster tax relief.
- Division of Motor Vehicles counter services remain unavailable. At this time, expired driverʻs licenses which are unable to be renewed because of the closure will not be penalized. Vehicle registration renewal services are available online and at community kiosks in Hanapēpē, Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa and Princeville.
Water services
The county Department of Water continues water conservation notices for customers in the:
- 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.
Report outages or leaks at 808-245-5444.
Contacts for County of Kauaʻi offices: Phone lines restored
General phone lines for the following county departments are being restored. For the quickest response, callers are advised to speak with a live person versus leaving a voicemail.
The following numbers are now back in service:
- Agency on Elderly Affairs: 808-241-4470.
- Department of Human Resources: 808-241-4956.
- Department of Liquor Control: 808-241-4966.
- Department of Parks and Recreation: 808-241-4460.
- Department of Public Works:
- Administration/Fiscal: 808-241-4198.
- Building Division: 808-241-4854.
- Engineering Division: 808-241-4883.
- Roads Division: 808-241-4847.
- Solid Waste Division: 808-241-4841.
- Solid Waste Division – Refuse Collection: 808-241-4091.
- Division of Motor Vehicles: 808-241-1949.
- Housing Agency: 808-241-4444.
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency: 808-241-1800.
- Fire Department: 808-241-4980.
- Kauaʻi Police Department: 808-246-1900 | non-emergency 808-241-1711.
- Sales Resource Center (Līhuʻe): 808-241-4841.
- Office of Boards and Commissions: 808-241-4917.
- Office of the County Attorney: 808-241-4930.
- Office of the County Clerk – Council Services Division: 808-241-4188.
- Office of the County Clerk – Elections Division: 808-241-4800.
- Office of Economic Development: 808-241-4946.
- Office of the Mayor: 808-241-4900.
- Office of the Prosecuting Attorney: 808-241-1888.
- Transportation Agency: 808-246-8110.
Hurricane resource centers
The Hanalei and Kōloa hurricane resource centers are now open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Hanalei Neighborhood Center, 5-5358 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei.
- Kōloa Neighborhood Center, 3461B Weliweli Road, Kōloa.
Unemployment insurance: State staff from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will provide in-person support with unemployment insurance applications. Staff will be at the Kōloa hurricane resource center Sept. 23-24. The county encourages residents who experienced challenges applying online to meet with staff in-person.
SNAP benefits: DHS staff will be on site at both hurricane resource centers Sept. 24 to provide in-person support with SNAP benefits. Households that lost food to power outages might be eligible for replacement benefits. Additional details can be found online.
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 closed
The Kīlauea refuge area at Kīlauea Neighborhood Center closed at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Some county parks/facilities remain closed
Several beach parks remain closed because of storm-related damages. They include: Hāʻena, Blackpot, Poʻipū and Salt Pond. Hanapēpē Stadium football field also remains closed. Waimea and Kapaʻa swimming pools, and Wailuā Golf Course remain closed.
Neighborhood centers now open:
- Kekaha Neighborhood Center (patio only for previously scheduled parties).
- Waimea Neighborhood Center (side rooms only; main hall closed because of damage).
- Waimea Smokey Valley Clubhouse.
- Hanapēpē Neighborhood Center and Multi-Purpose Center.
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center.
- Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center (old and new).
- Anahola Clubhouse.
- Kekaha Neighborhood Center (patio only for previously scheduled parties).
Power restoration update
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative reported Tuesday afternoon that 98% of members had been restored. Crews are focused on the areas of Wainiha and Hā‘ena. Pocket outages are also being addressed from Hanalei to Kekaha.
Do not approach utility crews or enter work areas.
Members needing a payment plan or financial help can visit the cooperative website. Call 808-246-4300 with any questions. Note: Collections activities for delinquent accounts are suspended at this time. The timing of resumption of collections activities will be evaluated once Hurricane Lowell restoration is completed.
Remember to make sure your contact information with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is updated by calling 808-246-4300 to get alerts.
You can check ongoing outages with the online outage map.
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.
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.
North Shore refuse collection resumes
Solid Waste crews collected refuse Tuesday in Hāʻena and Wainiha. Powerhouse Road remains inaccessible, but crews will service carts brought down to Kūhiō Highway. Regular North Shore refuse collection will take place Thursday.
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.
The Kauaʻi Bus
Fares waived 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.
Roads
State crews continue debris removal along Kaumualiʻi and Kūhiō highways. For the safety of workers, motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. Hāʻena and Wainiha are open to local traffic only.
The weight restriction on Wainiha River Bridge No. 3 was lifted to 15 tons. Travel only if necessary, since extra traffic slows debris removal, power restoration and road repairs.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation on Sept. 17 reopened Wainiha River Bridge No. 3 to 15-ton traffic, ahead of schedule.
Kauaʻi public schools
- All Kaua’i public schools have reopened as of Monday.
- Special education curb-to-curb service continues. Some regular education bus routes remain unavailable or might operate with modified service.
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. You still need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Report roadway and public space hazards here. Businesses can report damage 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
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
- 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.
Other updates
The Sept. 8 Planning Commission meeting was rescheduled to Oct. 13. Agenda items originally scheduled for the Sept. 8 meeting will also be considered at this meeting. Contact the Planning Department at 808-241-4050 or visit the commission web page at the county website for additional information.
Pacific Missile Range Facility
Recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell are ongoing throughout the installation; but some recreational areas sustained minimal damage and now are available for use 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.
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.
