6:05 p.m., Sept. 10, County of Kauaʻi, Update
LĪHUʻE – As part of the ongoing response to Hurricane Lowell, the County of Kaua‘i has conducted approximately 231 preliminary damage assessments. So far, there have been 54 reports of homes that sustained major damage; at least 7 homes have been destroyed.
If you or someone you know needs help finding food, shelter, financial assistance, mental health support, transportation, or other community resources, 211 Hawaiʻi is here to help. Simply call 211 to connect with a trained specialist who can provide information about available services and resources throughout Hawaiʻi. You may also call 808-275-2000, or text “HELP” to 877-275-6569, or chat with a local specialist at AUW211.org. Whether you’re facing an immediate need or simply don’t know where to turn, 211 can help connect you with the right support.
The following are updates regarding post-disaster response:
Solid Waste Division (NEW UPDATE)
- The Kekaha Landfill is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, please stay off the roads if debris blocks your access to the landfill.
- Hanalei refuse transfer station is closed due to capacity and access issues.
- Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa and Hanapēpē refuse transfer stations will be open on Friday, Sept. 11 after 9 a.m. Household and green waste is being accepted at these sites until capacity is reached.
- Due to dangerous conditions, teams from the Solid Waste Division will be collecting refuse at a limited capacity from Kalāheo to Anahola on Friday, Sept. 11; residents in these areas are advised to place their collection carts out on their curbs. The public is reminded not to overfill bins and to not leave any debris sticking out over the top. The county also advises residents to place bins in areas clear of any overhead wires and away from each other. Regular island-wide collection schedule is expected to resume on Monday, Sept. 14.
- Goodwill Industries Reuses collection at the Kaua‘i Resource Center has been cancelled for Friday, Sept. 11.
- Solid Waste Division is working on standing up alternate green waste collection sites in Kīlauea, Līhu‘e, and Kapa‘a. Details will be shared when available.
Other updates (NEW UPDATE)
- Līhuʻe Civic Center: Public offices and services remain closed until further notice following a fire at the Kāpule Building. Affected services include driver’s license and vehicle services, Real Property, planning, building and zoning, Solid Waste, and sewer bill services.
- All County, State, and Department of Education offices and schools are closed through Friday, Sept. 11. Essential government service employees including educators may be called into prepare for facility reopenings; please contact your appropriate administrator for guidance.
- All County parks, campgrounds, and the Wailua Golf Course are closed until further notice.
- The Kauaʻi Bus has resumed limited service. No fare is required for fixed route or paratransit service during this time. Routes have been modified to include stops at food distribution sites and refuge areas. Buses will run every two hours. For route information, visit kauai.gov/transportation.
- All Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.
- The Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
- The state Department of Health has issued an islandwide brown water advisory for Kauaʻi. Stay out of floodwaters and ocean water near stream mouths, drainage outlets, and harbors, which may contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals, and debris.
- The Ocean Safety Bureau advises no swimming or outdoor recreational activities until further notice due to rough ocean conditions and brown waters concerns.
Road closures (NEW UPDATE)
Numerous roads are closed islandwide due to storm-related debris and damage. Crews are working as quickly as possible to clear all affected roadways.
Road Closures include:
- Kūhiō Highway at the double bridges in Wainiha is open for local traffic only and has a weight limit of 5 tons. Access is limited to residents to allow crews to work safely in the area.
Open roads
- Kaumualiʻi Highway in the vicinity of Moi Road and Puolo Road is now open, and traffic is no longer being diverted to Hanapēpē Road.
Traffic lights are non-functioning island-wide. When a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Additional closures are expected as the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation and County Public Works crews assess and clear roadways. Debris has been reported islandwide.
Essential travel only
The public is urged to drive only for essential needs. Please keep off roads to allow crews to assess damage, clear debris, and restore power and services safely.
Do not drive through flooded roadways or around barricades, and stay away from downed power lines.
Document damage
Residents are urged to closely document damage to their homes and property.
A damage assessment form is available through the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency website atbit.ly/kauaidamage
The information provided will help the County of Kauaʻi understand the scope of residential damage and impacts to our community. Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for state or federal assistance. Affected parties still need to file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses.
Residents can also notify authorities about public hazards at: bit.ly/kauaihazard. This form is for reporting non-life-threatening roadway and public space flood damage and hazards.
Businesses can notify authorities about public hazards at: bit.ly/lowelldamage.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
KIUC has restored power to 66% of affected customers. Crews continue working to restore power to remaining members as quickly and safely as possible. Additional updates on restoration efforts and estimated timelines will be provided as more information becomes available.
Members without power should expect prolonged outages. Please stay clear of downed lines and report any that pose an immediate danger to 9-1-1.
The Kauaʻi Department of Water
The Kauaʻi Department of Water has issued an islandwide conservation notice. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential needs while crews work to maintain service during power outages. Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400, or visit kauaiwater.org.
- Power outages can affect pumps and wells. Water service may be interrupted, or pressure may drop, even if your home is not damaged.
- Use water sparingly while storm response and utility repairs are ongoing.
- Do not use water you suspect has been contaminated by flooding.
- Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400.
- Updates will be posted at kauaiwater.org and on DOW’s social media channels.
Refuge Areas
Due to no overnight evacuees, the County is closing the following refuge areas at 6 p.m. today:
- Waimea Canyon Middle School, 9555 Huakai Road, Waimea
- Kapaʻa Middle School, 4867 Olohena Road, Kapaʻa
The following refuge areas remain open:
- Kauaʻi High School Gym, 3577 Lala Road, Līhuʻe
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Papalina Road, Kalāheo
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke Street, Kīlauea
Anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply go-kit, medications, and important documents. Household pets are welcome, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages. Do not travel to a refuge area if conditions are unsafe.
Other important numbers and resources
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
- Kauaʻi Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
- 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. To report non-emergency road hazards or utility issues, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-755-8516 or 808-652-7837. Due to the ongoing phone outage, KPD’s non-emergency line at 808-241-1711 remains unavailable.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency’s alternate numbers at 808-726-0702 or 808-347-9833. The KEMA non-emergency line, 808-241-1800, remains unavailable due to ongoing outages.
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