Sept. 16, 11:30 a.m., County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Recovery Update
LĪHUʻE – Recovery efforts continue across Kauaʻi today as crews prepare for increased rainfall from the remnants of Norbert while continuing work to restore communities impacted by Hurricane Lowell.
Residents should prepare for potential temporary closures of County roads, facilities and services if conditions worsen. Even small amounts of rain can impact vulnerable areas hard-hit by Hurricane Lowell.
County crews and community partners are working on storm recovery and preparing for additional rain, with conditions expected to vary across the state.
While power and essential services have been restored in some areas, other communities — particularly along the North Shore — continue to recover from significant Lowell impacts.
Power restoration remains a major focus. Many Princeville customers regained power overnight, and crews continue working today in Hanalei, Kīlauea and other North Shore communities.
The County is also emphasizing direct support for residents through two Hurricane Recovery Resource Centers. The centers at the Hanalei Neighborhood Center and the Kōloa Neighborhood Center provide residents with recovery information, resources and assistance.
As conditions allow, certain County parks and park facilities are also reopening today, providing residents with access to community spaces as the island moves through recovery.
Officials continue to assess storm damage, restore essential services and coordinate resources across Kauaʻi.
For recovery help, resources and updates, visit www.kauairecovers.org.
For any non-emergency information, call Aloha United Way at 211.
Morning update - at a glance
- National Weather Service is forecasting rain and flooding risks tonight through Thursday night from remnants of Norbert
- Launched Tuesday, two hurricane recovery resource centers remain open daily
- Power is restored for 91% of the island
- One Hurricane Refuge Area is staying open; two closed this morning
- Many County park and park facilities are reopening at noon
- Most Kauaʻi public schools reopened earlier this week
- Water conservation notices were LIFTED for select service areas; however, the notice remains in place for the majority of the island
- The Kīlauea Temporary green waste site is closed today due to weather
Weather outlook
Moisture left behind by Norbert is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and an increased risk of flooding from tonight through Thursday night and possibly Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A Flood Watch is expected to be issued statewide beginning tonight.
Trade winds will keep showers focused primarily over windward areas, while elevated moisture and atmospheric instability could increase the potential for flooding, particularly in windward and mountainous areas.
The additional rain could pose added challenges for vulnerable areas of Kauaʻi still recovering from Hurricane Lowell, where soils may be saturated, drainage systems compromised and storm debris still present.
Many County park and park facilities reopening (NEW UPDATE)
Many of the hard-hit County park and park facilities will reopen as of noon today, Sept. 16. When re-entering, use caution and heed isolated amenities that may remain closed. Certain beach parks – Ha’ena, Blackpot, Poipu and Salt Pond – along with Hanapepe Stadium football field, are still closed due to storm-related damages.
Water Conservation Notice
Water Conservation Notices remain in effect until further notice for the following areas:
- Anahola Water System
- ʻAnini Water System
- Haʻena-Wainiha Water System
- Hanalei Water System
- Kalāheo-Kōloa Water System
- Kīlauea Water System
- Līhuʻe-Kapaʻa Water System
For areas under Water Conservation Notices, please only use water for essential needs.
- Outages can affect pumps and wells, so water may cut out or lose pressure.
- 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.
Water Conservation Notices were LIFTED for the Hanapēpē-Ele’ele and Kekaha-Waimea Water Systems service areas on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Customers in these service areas may resume normal water use.
Hurricane resource centers now open
Residents are encouraged to meet in person with nonprofit and government staff for recovery assistance at two County hurricane resource centers – one on the North Shore at the Hanalei Neighborhood Center and the other on the South Shore at the Kōloa Neighborhood Center. Launched Sept. 15, both centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Hanalei Initiative will operate an hourly shuttle starting at 9 a.m. from The Hanalei Colony resort in Wainiha to the Hanalei hurricane resource center.
Kīlauea Refuge area remains open
With power restoration efforts progressing across Kaua‘i, one Refuge Area will remain open after two others closed at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 16.
- Remaining open: Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St.
- Closed this morning: Kalāheo and Līhuʻe neighborhood centers
Individuals utilizing refuge areas have the opportunity to connect with case management and other wraparound services and support.
Power restoration updates
Power is now restored for about 91% of the island as of this morning. Approximately 3,100 members are still without power.
With Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) receiving support from its local contractors, Premium Utility Contractor/Grid Tree Experts, Wiggins Tech and Asplundh, along with off-island crews from Hawaiian Electric, Southern California Edison and HMS, teams of personnel are collaborating to restore electricity this week.
- Work will be ongoing in the North Shore area. No timeline is available on when repairs will be completed.
- Flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control. Use extra caution around coned work areas.
- Motorists should expect extended delays and are asked to slow down and remain alert. Stay away from downed utility lines and call 911 if a line poses an immediate danger.
Peak outages impacted about 33,000 customers.
Update your contact information with KIUC at (808) 246-4300 to get alerts. Outage map: kiuc.outagemap.coop
Tax relief and damage assessments (NEW UPDATE)
To 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. The deadline to submit a tax remission form is June 30, 2027.
To submit a tax remission form:
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Email: rpassessment@kauai.gov
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Mail: Līhuʻe Civic Center, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 454, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
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In person: Dropbox at the Līhuʻe Civic Center Moʻikeha Rotunda in the Kāpule Building; the rotunda will be open 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays
Storm debris, household waste and recycling (NEW UPDATE)
County waste disposal and temporary sites may close or adjust operating hours for safety. The public is advised to check for the latest updates before traveling to a disposal site.
The Kīlauea Temporary Green Waste Site on Kūhiō Highway is closed today, Sept. 16, due to weather.
STORM DEBRIS AND REFUSE DISPOSAL: The County is now operating seven sites to dispose of storm debris and refuse. Each site will only accept specific materials, so the public is advised to appropriately separate waste items before making drop-offs. All debris (not including green waste) must not be longer than three feet.
Green waste is organic plant material from yards, landscaping or storm cleanup, such as tree branches, leaves, grass clippings, brush, shrubs and other vegetation.
Site hours (closing times subject to change), locations and accepted materials are:
- Hanalei Transfer Station | 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Kūhiō Highway | Debris
- Kīlauea Temporary Site | Closed Sept. 16 due to weather | Kūhiō Highway | Green Waste (located past Kīlauea roundabout and across from Anaina Hou Community Park)
- Kapaʻa Temporary Site | 7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Kapaʻa Bypass Road | Green Waste (accessed via the southbound, one-way lane of Kapaʻa Bypass Road adjacent to the Bryan 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 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
HOUSEHOLD RECYCLABLES: HI-5 redemption in Līhuʻe has reopened at the Kauaʻi Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1:30 p.m.) Monday through Saturday. HI-5 redemption in Kapa’a has reopened for its normal operating hours and days: Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other HI-5 redemption locations will remain closed until equipment is repaired. All Kaua’i Recycles drop sites, with the exception of Hanalei Transfer Station, are accepting materials.
SCRAP METAL AND APPLIANCES: Scrap metal and appliances are being accepted for recycling at Puhi Metals on Puhi Road, open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kapa’a and Hanapepe Transfer Stations are also accepting scrap metal and appliances from residents.
E-WASTE: Electronic waste is being accepted at Puhi Metals on Puhi Road.
REGULAR TRASH COLLECTION: Normal, weekday islandwide refuse collection will continue throughout the week to accessible areas.
Mold warning
After flooding, State Department of Health officials are urging residents to address any mold growth. Mold exposure carries serious health risks, including breathing problems, allergic reactions and infections. For information on how to clean mold and mud post-flood, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-issues-guidance-on-post-flood-cleanup-and-health-safety/.
The Kauaʻi Bus
Regular bus and paratransit service resumed Monday, with no fare payment needed through the end of the week. The 900 and 950 Anahola-Waimea express routes will not run this week. For information, call (808) 246-8110 or visit www.kauai.gov/transportation.
Food distribution
Food distributions will continue at the following locations:
- Thursday, Sept. 17 - St. Raphael’s Church, 3011 Hapa Road, Kōloa | 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 17 - Westside Christian Center, 8041 Kekaha Road, Kekaha | 10 a.m. - noon
County closures
- The Waimea and Kapaʻa pools, along with Wailua Golf Course, are closed.
- All Neighborhood Centers are closed until further notice.
- County board and commission meetings are suspended.
- The Sept. 16 County Council meeting is canceled.
Report storm damage
As of this morning, 747 resident-submitted damage assessments have been logged. Eighteen homes have been destroyed and 101 homes have suffered major damages.
Residents are encouraged to report storm 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.
Most schools reopen across the island
Most Kauaʻi schools opened this week, with the exception of Hanalei Elementary School. The school is developing contingency plans to operate without electricity and plans to reopen to employees on Sept. 18 and to students on Sept. 21. Boxes with three days’ worth of shelf-stable meals for children 18 and younger (must be present to receive) will be available today, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hanalei Elementary School, according to the state Department of Education (DOE).
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.
DOE school and transportation updates at https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-kauai-reopen-hurricane-lowell/ andhttps://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-kauai-school-bus-route-information/.
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.
More information and contacts for resources
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo or (808) 245-6001
- Department of Water – (808) 245-5444 or kauaiwater.org
- Aloha United Way 211 – (808) 275-2000 or AUW211.org
- Hawaiʻi CARES (crisis, mental health, substance use support) - 988 (call/text/chat) or hicares.hawaii.gov
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.
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