Kaua‘i County is in Day 24 of recovery from Hurricane Lowell. Cleanup, repairs and reconstruction continue after the storm caused widespread damage over Labor Day weekend.
North Shore debris pickup
Hurricane Lowell debris pickup in Wainiha and Hāʻena is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, weather permitting.
Crews are working from Wainiha through Hāʻena, as far as roads are accessible. Because some roads are inaccessible, all items must be placed along the county or state right-of-way. Crews cannot pick up from private property.
Crews will take furniture, appliances, metals and construction debris. Sort your pile into separate groups: appliances in one, metals in another and construction debris in its own pile. Crews will not take green waste or propane tanks.
Pickup will continue until the area is complete. If crews don’t reach you on the first pass, they will return.
Emergency food distributions
- Thursday, Oct. 1: ʻAina Hoʻokupu O Kīlauea, 4045 Kīlauea Rd., 3 to 5 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 2: Hāle Līhuʻe, 4286 Rice St., 3 to 5 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 2: Holy Cross Church, 2-2370 Kaumualiʻi Hwy., 4 to 5 p.m
Water services
The county Department of Water continues its water conservation notice for customers in ʻAnini.
Report outages or leaks at 808-245-5444.
Hurricane resource centers
The Hanalei and Kōloa hurricane resource centers are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- Hanalei Neighborhood Center, 5-5358 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei.
- Kōloa Neighborhood Center, 3461B Weliweli Road, Kōloa.
The Hanalei center was closed Wednesday because of a flash flood warning, which since was canceled.
Unemployment insurance: State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations staff will provide in-person help with unemployment insurance applications Thursday at the Kōloa resource center.
SNAP benefits: State Department of Human Services staff will be onsite:
- Oct. 6: Hanalei hurricane resource center only
- Oct. 8: Hanalei hurricane resource center only
Households that lost food to power outages might be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits. Details online.
Hanalei Initiative operates an hourly shuttle, starting at 9 a.m., from Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha directly to the Hanalei resource center.
Kauaʻi County offices
General phone lines for most County departments have been restored. For the quickest response, callers are advised to speak to a live person rather than leave a voicemail. Click here.
Kauaʻi County facilities
- Open neighborhood centers: Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, Kapaʻa Neighborhood Center, Waimea Neighborhood Center (side rooms only; main hall closed due to damage), Waimea Smokey Valley Clubhouse, Hanapēpē Neighborhood Center and Multipurpose Center, Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center (old and new), Anahola Clubhouse, and Kekaha Neighborhood Center (patio only for previously scheduled parties).
- Wailuā Golf Course reopened Monday, with the front nine only.
- Waimea and Kapaʻa pools remain closed.
- County park closures: Salt Pond (park and pavilions), Kaumakani (pavilion without electricity), and Hanapēpē Stadium (football field, pavilion, restrooms and tennis courts).
- All HI5 Redemption Centers are open. There temporarily are no Kauaʻi Recycles drop bins at Hanalei transfer station. Recyclables are being accepted at Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Līhuʻe Civic Center
- In-person services at Līhuʻe Civic Center resumed Monday. County systems continue to be restored following the Sept. 9 Kāpule Building fire. Services could be limited or slower than usual. Additional details will be announced.
- Call the office you plan to visit before visiting. Working numbers are listed online.
Building permits and storm repairs
- The Building Division is open and processing permit applications, including those submitted before Hurricane Lowell and new applications. Service may be slower than usual while County systems are restored.
- The Building Division counter is at 4444 Rice St., Suite 175, in Līhuʻe, open weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Planning staff are also available at the counter for zoning permit questions.
- Pending applications will continue to be reviewed in the order received. Storm repairs covered by the emergency order do not go through the permit process and will not delay pending applications.
- The online permit status lookup, Click2Gov, is not available. Call 808-241-4854 or email to building@kauai.gov for a status update.
- Most homes and buildings: If your home or building was built with a County building permit and is not in a flood zone, you do not need a new permit to make necessary repairs for Hurricane Lowell damage. There is no fee and no County inspection is required, but work must still meet building codes. This includes building, electrical, plumbing, driveway, and sign repairs.
- Properties in a flood zone: Contact the Department of Public Works Engineering Division at 808-241-4883 or pwengineering@kauai.gov before starting work. Include an elevation certificate if you have one. Structures with repair costs equal to 50 percent or more of their value need a building permit and must be rebuilt to current flood standards. Stockpiling debris in a regulatory floodway is prohibited.
- Properties near the shoreline: Repairs require a Special Management Area assessment determination before work begins. The same 50 percent standard applies. Contact the Planning Department at planningdepartment@kauai.gov.
- Property owners who would like an inspection of their storm repairs may contact the Building Division. Answers to common permit questions can be found here.
Real Property Division
- Deadline to file real property tax exemption applications is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. No extensions will be granted.
- In-person help is available at the former Purchasing Office at the Līhuʻe Civic Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and at the Hanalei and Kōloa hurricane resource centers through Sept. 30.
- Property owners who applied but did not receive an emailed confirmation should resubmit their application.
- Applications can be submitted by email to rpassessment@kauai.gov (preferred), by mail or at one of two drop boxes: the Moʻikeha Building, ground floor, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Piʻikoi Building fronting Rice Street.
- Owners of storm-damaged property have until June 30, 2027, to file for disaster tax relief here.
- For assessment questions, contact 808-652-7490 or rpassessment@kauai.gov. For billing and collections questions, contact 808-241-4272 or rpc@kauai.gov.
Division of Motor Vehicles
- The DMV satellite office in Kapaʻa and a trailer in the Līhuʻe Civic Center parking lot are available for inquiries only. The DMV offers no other counter services.
- Expired driver’s licenses that cannot be renewed because of the office closure will not be penalized.
- Vehicle registration renewals are available online and at community kiosks in Hanapēpē, Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa and Princeville.
- Kauaʻi County residents can use the City and County of Honolulu online portal to request a replacement or duplicate copy of a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license.
Kauaʻi farmers markets
- Monday: Kukui Grove Pau Hana Market, 3 to 5:30 p.m., 3-2600 Kaumualiʻi Highway, Līhuʻe.
- Tuesday: Coconut Marketplace, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4-484 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa.
- Wednesday: Kapaʻa Sunshine Market at Kapaʻa Beach Park, 3 to 4:30 p.m., 4-1604 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa; and Kauaʻi Culinary Market, 3:30 to 6 p.m., 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., Poʻipū.
- Thursday: Coconut Marketplace, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4-484 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa; and Hale Puna, 3 to 5 p.m., 9600 Kaumualiʻi Highway, Waimea.
- Saturday: Grove Farm Market at Puhi, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until supplies last, 4411 Kīkōwaena St., Līhuʻe.
- Sunday: Anaina Hou Community Park Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5-2723 Kūhiō Highway, Kīlauea.
For more information about farmers markets and Sunshine Markets, call the Office of Economic Development at 808-241-4946.
Other updates
- Boards and Commissions meetings are scheduled to resume in October. Find a calendar of upcoming meetings online.
- The Sept. 8 Planning Commission meeting was rescheduled to Oct. 13. Agenda items originally scheduled for Sept. 13 will also be considered at this meeting. For more information, contact the Planning Department at 808-241-4050 or visit the county website.
Power restoration update
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative has restored power to the majority of the island; however, some members in Kōkeʻe and other areas of Kauaʻi remain without power.
Restoration in Kōkeʻe will take longer because of the extensive work needed there. Full restoration is not expected for several weeks. Do not approach utility crews or enter work areas.
Members needing a payment plan or financial help can visit the utility cooperative’s website or call 808-246-4300. Collections for delinquent accounts are suspended at this time.
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.
Members also can check on current outages online.
Remember to make sure your contact information with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is updated by calling 808-246-4300 to get alerts.
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.
Wildfire prevention
- Gusty winds and ongoing hurricane cleanup increase wildfire risk. Residents and businesses are encouraged to:
- Avoid activities that could cause sparks, such as landscaping during hot, dry, windy afternoons.
- Keep a water source nearby in case a spark occurs.
- Do not burn green waste or storm debris.
- Check for smoldering material before leaving a work area.
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.
State public lands on Kauaʻi
All forestry and wildlife lands and trails overseen by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are closed to the public on Kauaʻi except:
- Mana Plains Forest Reserve
- Hunting Unit C: Check stations at Princeville, Moloaʻa and Kapahi (Closed: Moalepe and Loop Road check stations).
- Līhuʻe- Kōloa Forest Reserve: Keāhua Arboretum to the parking lot.
- Pu‘u ka Pele Forest Reserve: Waimea Canyon (access from canyon bottom).
- Hunting Unit F: Access below the junction of Kōke‘e Road and Waimea Canyon Drive.
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.
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.
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.
The temporary Kīlauea and Kapaʻa green waste sites will be closed Thursday because of rainy, muddy conditions. Both sites also could be closed Friday if conditions do not improve.
On Thursday:
- Hanalei Refuse Transfer Station: Green waste drop-off opens at 9 a.m. and will remain open until the site reaches capacity. Because of limited capacity, small commercial haulers of green waste will not be accepted at Hanalei. Metals and appliances drop-off also opens at 9 a.m. so crews can clear metals from the site first thing in the morning.
- Līhuʻe and Hanapēpē: Green waste sites will be open to residents and small commercial haulers whose vehicles and trailers comply with the three-quarter-ton capacity limits.
Commercial haulers can contact permitted composting facilities for drop-off: Heart & Soul at 808-823-1007, Green Earth Matters at 808-651-2058 and Kauaʻi Nursery and Landscape at 808-245-7747.
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.
Site hours (closing times subject to change), locations and accepted materials are (unless otherwise noted above):
- 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 are open for normal operation. There are temporarily no Kauaʻi Recycles drop bins at Hanalei transfer station. Recyclables are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea.
Contact Solid Waste at 808–241-4841 or solidwaste@kauai.gov for additional information.
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
The Kauaʻi Bus will resume regular fare collection Thursday.
All passengers will need to pay the applicable fare or show a valid bus pass in line with regular fare policies. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead and have their fare or pass ready when boarding.
Bus operators and dispatch staff will be on hand to answer questions and help riders through the transition.
The 900 and 950 Kauaʻi Bus express routes are not running.
Call 808-246-8110 or visit The Kauaʻi Bus website for additional information or with any questions.
Report storm damage
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
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.
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.
Additional preparedness information can be found on the Kaua‘i Emergency Management website, as well as the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative website.
