County of Kaua‘i officials monitoring Hurricane Fausto, urge hurricane season preparedness
LĪHUʻE – County of Kauaʻi officials are monitoring Hurricane Fausto, the first hurricane of the 2026 Eastern Pacific season, and are urging residents and visitors to stay informed, make or review hurricane preparedness plans, and ensure personal, family, and organizational readiness as the storm moves toward the Central Pacific.
According to the National Weather Service, Fausto strengthened overnight and had maximum sustained winds near 100 mph as of the 5 a.m. Friday advisory, making it a Category 2 hurricane. The storm was centered approximately 1,560 miles east of Hilo and moving west at approximately 16 mph. Forecasters believe Fausto is at or near its peak intensity and expect gradual weakening to begin as the system moves over cooler waters and encounters drier air and increasing wind shear.
The National Weather Service has expressed relatively high confidence that Fausto will have weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reaches the vicinity of Hawaiʻi. Current guidance brings the system near or just north of the islands during the early to middle portions of next week. Forecasters have noted that the risk of wind and rainfall impacts to the state is increasing, though it remains too early to determine the exact location or magnitude of those impacts. Elevated surf is expected along east-facing shores late this weekend into early next week.
As of Friday morning, no coastal watches or warnings were in effect for the Hawaiian Islands. Officials urge the public to continue monitoring the forecast closely through the weekend.
“Our community knows how quickly conditions can change on our island, and we have seen time and again that the families who stay informed and prepare early are the ones who weather these events best,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Right now there is no immediate threat to Kauaʻi, and we are not asking anyone to be alarmed. We are asking everyone to be ready. Take a few minutes this week to check and restock your emergency kit, talk story with your family and neighbors about your plan, and sign up for our emergency notifications so you receive information directly. Mahalo to our first responders and to our County, State, federal, private-sector, and community partners who are already at work on this.”
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Officials encourage every household to maintain a 14-day supply of food, water, medication, and other essentials; prepare a portable disaster supply “go kit”; keep important documents in a waterproof container; understand the hazards that may affect their home or neighborhood; review potential refuge options; and make arrangements in advance for pets, kūpuna, and family members with access or functional needs.
“Fausto is a good reminder that hurricane season is here and that everyone should be prepared,” said Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “We are working in close coordination with the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and our federal, State, County, private-sector, and community partners. While any potential impacts to Kauaʻi remain several days away, we ask everyone to take this opportunity to check emergency supplies, understand the storm-related hazards that may affect their place of residence, review potential refuge options, and make sure their ʻohana has a plan. Preparing early is far easier than preparing in a hurry.”
Should conditions warrant, County services and facilities may close with little to no advance notice, depending on the severity of the storm and its effects. County, State, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate in preparation for this potential event.
The County may open potential refuge areas across the island if forecasts and conditions warrant. KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/kema, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on the incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue media releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option to consider, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas. Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. For road status and closures, call 808-241-1725. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711. For weather information, call the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.
Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
- Stay away from downed lines and report them to 9-1-1.
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.
The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a County lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness information:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – www.kauai.gov/kema.
- National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
- Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on “Notification Services.” You may also call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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