Kaua‘i Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan 2026 update available online
LĪHUʻE — The Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) has released the 2026 update to the Kaua‘i Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, a document that provides a framework for future efforts to reduce damage from natural hazards across the County.
“The Kaua‘i Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan is a cornerstone of the work that emergency managers do to reduce the risk and harm from known natural hazards, such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and tsunamis,” said Elton Ushio, KEMA Administrator. “Kaua’i County worked with partners across the County, state, public and private sectors, non-governmental entities, and community members to outline future actions that can protect life and property. Mahalo to all our partners, which include the Planning Department, Office of Economic Development, SWCA, University of Hawai‘i, and KEMA .”
The updated plan is available at Kauai.gov/KEMA by clicking “Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, 2026 Update.”
The plan identifies major natural hazards that affect Kaua‘i County, assesses the risk that each hazard poses, analyzes the vulnerability of our people, property and infrastructure to the specific hazard, and then recommends actions that can be taken to reduce risk and vulnerability.
In addition, the plan ensures eligibility for project grants under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. This plan also meets the eligibility requirements for FEMA’s Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program. FEMA requires the County to review and update the Plan at least every five years.
KEMA and county partners began the plan review over a year ago and solicited public comments on the plan update from March 2025 through a public open house in December 2025. The draft Plan update then underwent review by the Mayor’s Office, the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), and FEMA. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami formally adopted the Plan update on May 1, 2026, and FEMA approved it on May 22, 2026.
For questions, contact David Kennard at 808-241-1800 or dkennard@kauai.gov.
If you require an auxiliary aid or service, an interpreter for non-English speakers, or another accommodation due to a disability, please contact KEMA at 808-241-1800 or email KEMA@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Early requests are encouraged to ensure adequate time to meet your needs. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats, including large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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