Sept. 17, 4:00 p.m., County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Recovery Update
LĪHUʻE – Kauaʻi continues its recovery from Hurricane Lowell as County crews restore damaged infrastructure, support affected communities and prepare for rainfall from the remnants of Norbert.
Meanwhile, Mayor Derek Kawakami encouraged visitors to participate in the Garden Isle’s recovery by supporting local businesses.
“Kauaʻi is welcoming visitors, and we are grateful for the support you bring to our local businesses and our economy. At the same time, our island is still in active recovery from Hurricane Lowell, and we are asking everyone who comes here to be part of that recovery,” Mayor Kawakami said. “If you are here, the best way to help is to spend your money locally. Eat at our locally owned restaurants, shop at our boutiques and small shops, and book with local activity providers. Many of our small businesses are carrying this recovery on their own, and every dollar you spend with them makes a real difference.”
Mayor Kawakami added that people should avoid Wainiha and Hāʻena areas in the wake of the hurricane.
Crews remain focused on North Shore recovery, including power restoration and cleanup, while residents are urged to prepare for possible road, facility and service interruptions if weather intensifies. Even limited rainfall could create hazards in areas already affected by hurricane damage.
State staff will visit the County’s hurricane recovery resource centers in Hanalei and Kōloa next week to help residents with unemployment insurance applications and other work-related questions. The centers were opened this week to support residents with hurricane recovery information and other resources from nonprofit and government partners.
The Kauaʻi Bus extended its post-hurricane fare-free service through Sept. 30 to support residents during the recovery. Meanwhile, water conservation notices are being lifted in additional areas as conditions improve, though conservation measures remain in place where needed.
For recovery help, resources and updates, visit www.kauairecovers.org.
For any non-emergency information, call Aloha United Way at 211.
Daily update - at a glance
- State staff will visit hurricane recovery centers next week to help with unemployment insurance applications
- Water Conservation Notices lifted for more service areas
- The Kaua’i Bus extends waived fees through Sept. 30
- All HI-5 Redemption Centers will be operating on normal schedules starting Sept. 18
- Power is restored for more than 91% of the island
- Hurricane Refuge Area remains open at Kīlauea Neighborhood Center
- Many County park and park facilities reopened midweek
- The Kauaʻi Police Department’s non-emergency line is now working (808) 241-1711
Weather outlook (NEW UPDATE)
Remnants from Norbert are moving east to west across the state today into Friday, increasing the chances for showers, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A Flood Watch remains in effect for all Hawaiian Islands until Friday at 6 a.m.
For Kauaʻi tonight and into Friday, showers may become widespread, with a chance of thunderstorms and locally heavy rain – especially over windward and mauka areas. Given recent hurricane conditions, NWS said saturated soil could increase the potential for runoff and flash-flooding.
Contact County government offices (NEW UPDATE)
Original County of Kauaʻi government office phone lines were damaged in the recent fire. Until restoration, residents are asked use the following interim phone numbers:
- General line (808) 726-0702
- Secondary line (808) 347-9833
- Division of Motor Vehicles (808) 241-1949
- Department of Human Resources (808) 720-0424
- Agency on Elderly Affairs (808) 855-8017
- Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (808) 652-7668
The Kauaʻi Bus (NEW UPDATE)
Regular bus and paratransit service resumed Sept. 14, with fares now waved through Sept. 30. The 900 and 950 Anahola-Waimea express routes are not running until further notice. For information, call (808) 246-8110 or visit www.kauai.gov/transportation.
Water Conservation Notice (NEW UPDATE)
Water Conservation Notice areas have been lifted for several water systems since the hurricane.
Water Conservation Notices for the following areas remain in effect:
- ʻAnini Water System
- Haʻena-Wainiha Water System
- Kīlauea Water System
For areas under Water Conservation Notices, please only use water for essential needs. Other important information includes the following:
- Some water systems are currently operating partially on emergency generators.
High demand may result in low water pressure and temporary service outages.
- 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.
Hurricane resource centers now open (NEW UPDATE)
To help residents with state Unemployment Insurance applications and other employment-related questions, staff from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) will be on-site at two County hurricane resource centers next week:
- Hanalei Neighborhood Center (North Shore): Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 21-22
- Kōloa Neighborhood Center (South Shore): Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 23-24
Residents are encouraged to meet in person with government and nonprofit staff at the recovery centers, which were launched earlier this week. Centers are currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Starting Monday, new daily hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Hanalei Initiative operates an hourly shuttle (starting at 9 a.m.) from The Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha directly to the Hanalei resource center.
Kīlauea Refuge Area remains open
With power restoration efforts progressing across Kaua‘i, one Refuge Area will remain open at Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke St. Individuals utilizing refuge areas have the opportunity to connect with case management and other wraparound services and support.
Many County park and park facilities reopened
Many of the hard-hit County park and park facilities reopened 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, remain closed due to storm-related damages.
Power restoration updates (NEW UPDATE)
Power is now restored for more than 91% of the island as of this afternoon.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) has been receiving support from various local and off-island teams to bolster power restoration efforts across the island.
- 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
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.
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. 16-17 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: All of the island’s HI-5 Redemption Centers – KCRS Kīlauea, KCRS Kapaʻa, Reynolds Recycling, KCRS Kōloa, KCRS Kekaha – will operate during normal business hours and days starting Friday, Sept. 18. For locations, days and times, visit www.kauai.gov/hi5 and scroll to the bottom of the page. All Kauaʻi 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.
Tax relief and damage assessments
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 St., 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
Food distribution
Food distributions will continue at the following locations:
- Today, Sept. 17 - St. Raphael’s Church, 3011 Hapa Road, Kōloa | 4:30 to 6 p.m.
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.
Report storm damage
As of this afternoon, 830 resident-submitted damage assessments have been reported. Eighteen homes have been destroyed, and 100 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.
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/.
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/.
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) 241-1711.
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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