Lowell Recovery

Here is up-to-date information about recovery efforts and resources from Hurricane Lowell.

Kanoho has two decades of public safety experience with the county, including in the Kauaʻi Fire Department and with the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency.

The contribution supports community efforts to deliver emergency resources to Kauaʻi residents affected by the storm.

However, harbor slips and moorings are still closed at the small boat harbor on the south side of Kauaʻi because of extensive damage from Hurricane Lowell.

Kauaʻi faces continued challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell as local organizations strive to fill the void left by limited national aid.

Many are struggling to prioritize education while addressing basic needs, home damage, caregiving, emotional exhaustion, utility disruptions and financial strain.

The utility cooperative applied to Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission seeking approval to recover costs and other financial impacts associated with Hurricane Lowell.

Residents, businesses and crews have made steady progress on recovery since the hurricane and officials want that to continue safely; the public is reminded that what starts as a small spark among dry brush and storm debris can become a raging blaze.

“Our families have been through a lot these past couple of weeks, and the last thing anyone needs is a permit fee or an expired license standing in the way of getting back on their feet,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami.

Utility cooperative reports as of Tuesday afternoon about 732 members remain without power, with restoration total standing at 98%.

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.

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.

The public is urged to use caution when accessing forested areas, as many unmitigated hazards exist.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

The bridge had been weight-limited to 5 tons or below to address erosion damage from Hurricane Lowell.

Crews worked from Sept. 9-15 conducting dive operations, repositioning damaged navigation aids and delivering equipment to restore safe access to affected waterways, including Port Allen Small Boat Harbor and Nāwiliwili Harbor on Kauaʻi.

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.