Sept. 14, 5:40 p.m., County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Recovery Update
LĪHUʻE – A week after Hurricane Lowell caused wreckage across Kaua’i, communities are moving into the next phase of recovery.
The County is preparing to open two disaster recovery resource centers for storm victims to provide vital information on how to rebuild. Meanwhile, as critical infrastructure is restored, the County will be closing two more of its Hurricane Refuge Areas.
The county has also launched a new website where storm victims can find forms necessary to submit damage assessments and file for disaster tax relief.
New assessment numbers show 10 homes have been destroyed and 64 suffered major damage.
The total number of resident-submitted damage assessments has surpassed 620.
For recovery help, resources and updates, visit www.kauairecovers.org.
For any non-emergency information, call Aloha United Way at 211.
Evening update - at a glance
- Tropical Storm Norbert weakening with no severe impacts expected at this time
- Disaster recovery resource centers opening tomorrow
- Two Hurricane Refuge Areas closing Wednesday
- Kīlauea and Hanalei Elementary schools prepare to reopen
- New website launched to submit damage assessments and file for tax relief
- Traffic delays continue as transmission line repairs push forward on the North Shore
- Regular bus and paratransit service resumed today
- Normal weekday islandwide refuse collection resumes in accessible areas
- Power is restored for 81% of the island
- Island-wide water conservation notice remains in effect
Resource Centers Opening Tomorrow (NEW UPDATE)
The County is set to open two disaster recovery resource centers tomorrow, Sept. 15; one on the North Shore at the Hanalei Neighborhood Center, the other on the south shore at the Kōloa Neighborhood Center.
Both centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can meet with nonprofit and agency staff in-person for assistance with recovery needs.
The Hanalei initiative will operate an hourly shuttle starting 9 a.m. from The Hanalei Colony resort in Wainiha to the Hanalei Resource Center.
Refuge areas closing (NEW UPDATE)
With power restoration efforts progressing across Kaua‘i, one Refuge Area will remain open while two others will close on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m.
- Closing: Kalāheo and Līhuʻe neighborhood centers
- Remaining open: Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St.
Individuals utilizing refuge areas have the opportunity to connect with case management and other wraparound services and support.
More support incoming for power restoration (NEW UPDATE)
Nearly 200 utility workers from Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Big Island, Maui and the mainland are deployed across the island enhancing restoration efforts, and more are on the way.
With KIUC receiving support from Hawaiian Electric, Southern California Edison, and HMS, this week about 250 workers are expected to be on assignment focused on restoring electricity.
Teams have isolated a section of a transmission line from Princeville to Wainiha, allowing crews to safely complete repairs in the affected area while simultaneously reenergizing surrounding areas where power can be safely restored.
This work is part of restoration work prompting a lane closure on the Hanalei side of the Hanalei Bridge.
No timeline is available on when repairs will be complete or when the lane closure will be lifted. Drivers should be prepared for extended delays.
Flaggers will be on site for traffic control, but please use extra caution around coned work areas.
We appreciate everyone’s patience, support, and cooperation while this important work is completed. Please slow down, stay alert, and be safe.
Power is now restored for about 81% of the island as of Monday afternoon. Roughly 6.7K members are still without power. Peak outages impacted about 33,000 customers. KIUC has 13 of 16 transmission lines back up.
Stay away from downed utility lines and call 911 if a line is an immediate danger. Update your contact information with KIUC at 808-246-4300 to get alerts. Outage map: kiuc.outagemap.coop
Most schools reopen across the island (NEW UPDATE)
Most Kauaʻi public schools reopened Monday, Sept. 14; Kīlauea and Hanalei elementary schools remained closed amid power restoration but now have set reopening dates and contingency plans to operate without electricity.
Reopening schedule:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15: Kīlauea Elementary reopening to students and staff
- Friday, Sept. 18 Hanalei Elementary reopening to employees only
- Monday, Sept. 21: Hanalei Elementary reopening to students
While Hanalei Elementary remains closed, the school is working to provide instructional packets and shelf-stable meal boxes for families to pick up this week. Details will be provided as information becomes available.
(Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School reopening Sept. 15 after pre-Lowell scheduled closure on Monday, Sept. 14)
All Kauaʻi public schools will provide nonperishable, shelf-stable meals.
Transportation: Special education curb-to-curb service will continue. Some regular education bus routes remain unavailable or may operate with modified service due to road conditions and detours. Affected families have been contacted by schools.
Information: Hawaiʻi Department of Education school and transportation updates at https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-kauai-reopen-hurricane-lowell/ andhttps://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-kauai-school-bus-route-information/.
Tax relief and damage assessments (NEW UPDATE)
To help make it easier for storm victims to submit damage assessments and file for disaster tax relief, the County has launched a new website with links to necessary forms and documents.
Visit kauai.gov/lowellrealproperty if your home, business, farm, or ranch suffered damage from Hurricane Lowell.
To submit a tax remission form:
- Mail: Līhuʻe Civic Center, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 454, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
- In-person drop box: Līhuʻe Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Rotunda
The deadline to submit for a tax remission is June 30, 2027.
Mold warning
After severe flooding, health officials are urging residents to address any mold growth in their homes and on their personal items.
Exposure can elicit serious health risks including breathing problems, allergic reactions, and infections.
If you plan to clean any areas growing mold, remember the following tips:
- Wear protective gear such as gloves, N-95 masks, boots and eye protection during cleanup.
- Before cleaning, lightly spray moldy surfaces with a soapy solution to reduce airborne particles.
- Clean with soap and water, then disinfect using a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water). Open windows and doors first and air out rooms after cleaning. Never mix bleach with other cleaning products containing ammonia. Use as directed on the label.
- Allow at least 15 minutes of contact time, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Discard materials that cannot be safely cleaned, including carpets, mattresses, upholstery and other porous items wet for more than 24–48 hours, or items that cannot be laundered or disinfected.
Household waste and recycling (NEW UPDATE)
Normal weekday islandwide refuse collection will continue throughout the week to accessible areas. Residents should only place their carts out for collection on their designated pickup day.
The County is now operating seven sites to dispose of storm debris and refuse.
Please check which materials are accepted at your intended disposal site before making the trip. Each site will only accept specific materials, so the public is advised to appropriately separate their waste items before making any drop-offs.
Site hours, locations, and accepted materials are as follows:
- Hanalei Transfer Station | 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Kūhiō Highway | Debris
- Kīlauea Temporary Site | 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Kūhiō Highway | Green Waste (located past the Kīlauea roundabout and across the street from Anaina Hou Community Park)
- Kapaʻa Temporary Site | 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Kapaʻa Bypass Road | Green Waste (accessed via the southbound (one-way) lane of Kapaʻa Bypass Road adjacent to theBryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex)
- Kapaʻa Transfer Station | 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Kahau Road | Debris
- Līhuʻe Transfer Station | 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Ahukini Road | Debris & Green Waste
- Hanapēpē Transfer Station | 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Lele Road | Debris & Green Waste
- Kekaha Landfill | Residential: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m./Commercial 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Kaumuali'i Highway - Debris & Green Waste
The public is reminded that all debris (not including green waste) must not be longer than 3 feet.
HI-5 redemption in Līhuʻe has reopened at the Kauaʻi Resource Center and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from Noon to 1:30 p.m.). Other locations will remain closed until equipment is repaired.
The Kauaʻi Bus
Regular bus and paratransit service resumed today and will continue through the week.
The 900 and 950 Anahola-Waimea express routes will not run this week.
For bus route information, call 808-246-8110 or visit www.kauai.gov/transportation.
Neighborhood Centers closed
All Neighborhood Centers are closed until further notice. The Department of Parks and Recreation is temporarily suspending recreational use of these facilities to support the County’s hurricane response and recovery efforts.
Food distribution:
Food distributions will continue at the following locations:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15 - Anahola Clubhouse, 3900 Kawelo Street, Anahola | 4 to 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 15 - Kōloa Ball Park, Maluhia Road, Kōloa | 3 to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 17 - St. Raphael’s Church, 3011 Hapa Road, Kōloa | 4:30 to 6 pm
- Thursday, Sept. 17 - Westside Christian Center, 8041 Kekaha Road, Kekaha | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
County closures:
- All County parks, campgrounds, and the Wailua Golf Course are closed.
- The Waimea and Kapaʻa pools are closed.
- County board and commission meetings are suspended.
- The Sept. 16 County Council meeting is canceled.
- All in-person and counter services at the Līhuʻe Civic Center are closed through Friday, Sept. 18 following a fire at the Kāpule Building. Impacted services include Real Property, Planning, building and zoning, Wastewater, sewer billing, and the DMV, including driver’s licenses and vehicle registration.
State road closures (NEW UPDATE)
- Kaumualiʻi Highway (Vicinity of Halfway Bridge): Tree/debris removal ongoing; crews will use the shoulder to minimize traffic impacts.
- Kūhiō Highway (Vicinity of Princeville Transfer Station to Kapaka Street): Tree/Debris removal and one lane shifting. (Tomorrow – 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).
- Kūhiō Highway (Vicinity of Kalihiwai Bridge): Tree/Debris removal ongoing and one lane shifting. (Tomorrow – 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).
- Wainiha Bridge #3 (Double bridge on Hāʻena Side): Repair work ongoing. Bridge open to local traffic only. 5-ton weight limit.
- Crews will resume debris clearing under the mauka Wailua River Bridge Sept. 20.
- Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon roads are still being cleared.
- Halewili Road is open from the ʻEleʻele side of Kaumualiʻi Highway but remains closed from the Kalāheo side of the highway to Kauaʻi Coffee due to downed utility poles.
- Kūhiō Highway: Princeville to Keʻe Beach open to local traffic only.
Airport and harbors:
- Līhuʻe Airport is open and fully operational. Arrive 90 minutes early for interisland flights and two hours early for flights to the continent.
- Nāwiliwili Harbor is open to cargo ships. No cruise ships are coming in.
- Port Allen is open for operations.
Other closures and advisories:
- State parks and forest reserves are closed.
- The Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreation sites and guest pass program.
- A brown water advisory remains in effect islandwide. Stay out of floodwater and out of the ocean near stream mouths, drains and harbors. The water may carry sewage, animal waste, chemicals and debris.
More closures are possible as crews continue clearing roads.
Department of Water
An island-wide water conservation notice remains in effect and will be lifted when KIUC is able to fully restore power islandwide. A timeline is unavailable at this time.
Please only use water for essential needs.
- Outages can affect pumps and wells, so water may cut out or lose pressure even if your home is fine.
- Do not use water if you believe it has been contaminated by flooding.
- To report a water service outage, or leak, call 808-245-5444. Updates are posted at kauaiwater.org.
Post-storm scam warning
The Kauaʻi Police Department is reminding residents to remain vigilant for scams during ongoing recovery from Hurricane Lowell. Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, emails, social media messages, or other communications offering assistance or requesting information.
- For verified information regarding Hurricane Lowell recovery, visit the County of Kauaʻi’s official channels and KauaiRecovers.org.
Driving
Police are urging the public to travel only if necessary. Officers are escorting work crews, and extra traffic is slowing debris removal, power restoration, and road repairs.
- Skip non-essential travel. This includes general sightseeing and driving to view storm damage.
- Pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches.
- Never follow a police escort or use one to get into a closed area.
- Obey closures, barricades, and directions from officers and flaggers.
- Treat every dark traffic light as a four-way stop. Lights are out islandwide.
- Report hazards like downed lines or blocked roads. Do not stop to take photos.
Next storm
State officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Norbert, which is weakening and is not expected to bring severe impacts to the Hawaiian Islands at this time. Residents should continue to monitor official forecasts and take the opportunity to review their emergency supplies. For preparedness information, visit ready.hawaii.gov.
Visitors
Hawaiʻi is still welcoming visitors but is also urging anyone with upcoming trips to the islands to monitor conditions. The state is also encouraging travelers with upcoming trips to Kauaʻi to consider visiting another island to allow Kauaʻi time to heal and recover from Hurricane Lowell.
Numbers and resources
Use 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. Calls about weather or road conditions tie up the line and delay help for others. For non-emergencies, call KPD Dispatch at 808-755-8516 or 808-652-7837. KPD’s usual non-emergency line, 808-241-1711, is still down.
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 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.
For recovery help, resources, and updates, visit www.kauairecovers.org.
Report your damage
Take photos, write down what was damaged, and file a report at bit.ly/kauaidamage. These reports show how much of the island was hit and may help Kauaʻi qualify for state and federal aid. The state has asked for a fast-tracked presidential disaster declaration. You still need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Report roadway and public space hazards at bit.ly/kauaihazard. Businesses can report damage at bit.ly/lowelldamage.
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