Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency releases updated potential refuge area list ahead of hurricane season
LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) announces that an updated potential refuge area list for Kauaʻi will be available online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA beginning Thursday, May 28, 2026. The list is being released as a personal preparedness and planning tool to help residents and visitors identify potential refuge locations across the island ahead of the 2026 Central Pacific hurricane season, which begins June 1.
“Knowing your options before an emergency and making appropriate plans for either sheltering in place or evacuating are important steps a family can take before disaster threatens,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “This list is meant to be a planning tool, and we want residents to look at the facilities in their area, talk through the plan with their ʻohana, and be ready to act when the time comes. Refuge areas should always be considered a last resort, but having that information on hand makes all the difference when minutes matter.”
The Potential Refuge Area List identifies facilities across the island that may be considered for use as refuge areas during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency.
Facilities marked with an asterisk (*) are identified as BARA+ locations. “BARA” refers to “Best Available Refuge Area” assessments used to help identify locations that may provide increased protection during high wind events. For public reference purposes, the “+” designation is used as a general identifier for locations that include buildings, rooms, or areas believed to provide enhanced protective characteristics beyond baseline refuge area considerations. These locations were identified through engineering and emergency management review processes. The public is reminded that while these areas may offer increased protection from hurricanes, most were not originally designed to meet hurricane “shelter” standards and are intended as evacuation options of last resort.
Additional public or private facilities may also be activated as refuge areas depending on the incident and operational needs, including for hurricanes, tsunamis, flash flooding, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies. When refuge areas are activated, KEMA will issue media releases and update the County website, including the Refuge Area Status Page. As appropriate, notifications may also be sent through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
The public is reminded that, in many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option to consider, particularly if the home or structure is of newer or hardened construction and located outside of hazardous flood and storm-surge areas.
Additional facilities may qualify as BARA+ locations following future assessments, renovations, or retrofits.
KEMA reminds the public of the following when preparing for emergencies:
- Refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. Residents and visitors should first consider sheltering with family or friends in safer locations whenever possible.
- Bring your own supplies. Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, or other personal items. Take your disaster supply “go kit” with you.
- Pets are welcome. All designated facilities will accept household pets; however, owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates/cages. Pets may be housed in separate areas for safety and sanitation reasons.
- Plan ahead for medical or access needs. Refuge areas do not provide personal caregivers, medical staff, or specialized support. Only basic accommodations will be available. Individuals with medical, functional, or access needs should plan accordingly.
- Stay informed. During emergencies, monitor news media, the County website at www.kauai.gov, and sign up for emergency notifications through Everbridge.
Information on planning and preparation for hurricane season is available at www.kauai.gov/kema, www.dod.hawaii.gov/hiema, and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website at www.hurricanes.gov/cphc.
To sign up for the County’s free emergency notification service through Everbridge, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on “Notification Services.”
Those without internet access can have their phone number and other pertinent information added to the County’s Everbridge database by contacting the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800 or emailing KEMA@kauai.gov.
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