Kaua‘i News
Rare Loulu palms at Kauaʻi’s botanical gardens among the casualties from Hurricane Lowell
Hurricane Lowell has left Kaua’i’s National Tropical Botanical Gardens in disarray, with damaged trees, infrastructure, and rare plant collections forcing a suspension of public tours as recovery efforts continue.
What Kauaʻi County residents, visitors need to know Tuesday about Hurricane Lowell recovery
At 6:30 a.m. Monday, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources will reopen some public lands on Kaua‘i, but with restrictions.
Original designs sought by Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi for 110th anniversary T-shirt
Designs may incorporate the Girl Scout trefoil, Queen Liliʻuokalani, the Hawaiian flag or other elements tied to local Girl Scout history.
Less than 1,000 members remain without power after Lowell
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will be working along Kūhiō Highway in the vicinity of Tamba Surf Company and Kapa‘a Animal Clinic to replace utility poles that were damaged in Hurricane Lowell and from a motor vehicle accident.
Some state lands reopen to public on Kaua‘i following Hurricane Lowell providing limited access
The public is urged to use caution when accessing forested areas, as many unmitigated hazards exist.
Hawaiʻi ranks No. 2 in the nation for lowest student debt
At UH, 80% of first-time undergraduates across 10 campuses graduated debt-free during the 2024–25 academic year.
Kauaʻi farming family loses mangoes, avocados harvest after Hurricane Lowell destroys hundreds of trees
“We’ve lost years and years of sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears during 14-hour workdays in the fields, no matter what the weather was pounding rain or scorching sunlight — all gone in one night,” said Usa Meephol, whose family owns three farms on Kaua’i.
Kaua‘i County answers questions, concerns over interruption in DMV services following fire
There is no firm date yet for when full services will be restored, as in-person services depend on County IT restoring the connection to the state mainframe.
Tropical Storm Odalys expected to become a hurricane
The storm is currently not a threat to the Hawaiian Islands.
Tokuda visits Pacific Missile Range Facility during Hurricane Lowell recovery operations
U.S. congresswoman who represents Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District in Washington, which includes Kaua‘i County, recently came to the West Kaua‘i installation to see firsthand damage from Hurricane Lowell as well as speak with sailors, installation personnel and officials.
Become an ‘Empowered Caregiver’ during this special education program hosted by Alzheimer’s Association
Fall 2026 cohort sessions are designed to provide caregivers with information, support and practical tools to help them navigate the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.
Līhuʻe Civic Center in-person services remain closed; Real Property Division open for deadline
Some offices could reopen sooner than others, depending on when computer systems are restored. The county will share updates as in-person services resume.
EPA invests in innovative wetland projects throughout Pacific Southwest
Effort includes $467,075 coming to Hawai’i for expansion of community stewardship at restored wetland sites, increasing coordination among agencies, landowners and organizations working on wetland restoration and reducing regulatory barriers for wetland restoration practitioners.
Data from Big Island’s W. M. Keck Observatory reveals youngest planet outside solar system
The planet, known as Elias 2-24 b, is still gathering material from the disk of gas and dust surrounding its young host star, allowing scientists to study a giant planet that is growing.
Hawai‘i REALTORS Charitable Foundation distributing $200K in hurricane relief funds
Grants of up to $1,000 are available to Hawai‘i residents impacted by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lala and Hurricane Lowell, with a Nov. 4 deadline to apply.
Increasing rents straining federal housing lifeline for thousands of Hawaiʻi families, UHERO report finds
Federal spending on Hawaiʻi’s tenant-based rental vouchers — more commonly called Section 8 housing — more than tripled since 2003, even after accounting for inflation; yet, the number of families getting assistance only modestly grew; the reason is simple: Hawaiʻi rents climbed dramatically.
Kauaʻi has been seeing green after Hurricane Lowell knocked down thousands of avocado trees
But Kauaʻiʻs unexpected agricultural bounty that started as a devastating challenge was turned into a community-wide, guacamole-fueled bonding experience called the Great Guac-Off.
Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women honors exemplary commissioners, asks for volunteers
Kauaʻi, Maui and Oʻahu commissioner applicants needed; anyone interested in serving in any of those posts is encouraged to submit an application by the end of 2026, especially for the Kauaʻi and Maui seats to ensure they continue to have voting representation.
Operation Santa again helping Jolly Old Elf himself fulfill holiday wishes; letters accepted now
It’s time to start sending in holiday letters to the North Pole resident, care of U.S. Postal Service, to help provide keiki and families with a warm and bright holiday season.
State to install 2 raised crosswalks on Kaua‘i
The installation of the crosswalks will require a single-lane closure in one direction at a time.
