State and County emergency orders waive fees and penalties for Hurricane Lowell recovery
LĪHUʻE – Two emergency orders are making it easier for Kauaʻi residents to repair their homes and stay on the road after Hurricane Lowell and the Sept. 9 Kāpule Building fire.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami signed an emergency order on Sept. 18 that waives certain repair permits, storm debris disposal fees and property record fees for storm-damaged homes and businesses. On Sept. 22, Gov. Josh Green signed a supplemental emergency proclamation that waives penalties and extends deadlines for residents whose driver’s licenses expired while the Līhuʻe DMV has been unable to process renewals.
“Our families have been through a lot these past couple of weeks, and the last thing anyone needs is a permit fee or an expired license standing in the way of getting back on their feet,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Mahalo to Governor Green for working with us on this relief. These orders clear the path so our people can focus on rebuilding their homes and taking care of their ʻohana. We’ll keep working alongside our community every step of the way.”
For the latest recovery information, visit www.kauairecovers.org.
Driver’s licenses
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Expired licenses, permits and State IDs: If your driver’s license, permit or State ID expired and you could not renew it because of the DMV closure, you will have extra time to renew and will not be penalized. This relief is in effect through Nov. 21, 2026, unless the Governor extends it. It does not apply to licenses or permits that are suspended, revoked, or invalid for other reasons.
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Renewals are still on hold: Driver’s license and State ID transactions cannot be processed on Kauaʻi until the County’s connection to the state mainframe is restored. There is no firm date yet.
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No need to fly to another island: Call the DMV at 808-241-1949 and staff will walk you through your situation. DMV staff are also available at the mobile trailer in the Līhuʻe Civic Center parking lot and at the Kapaʻa Armory, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Air travel: The Transportation Security Administration sets its own ID rules at airport checkpoints. Check tsa.gov before you travel.
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Vehicle registration: Renewals are available online at mvr.ehawaii.gov/renewals/kauai/lookup and at community kiosks in Hanapēpē, Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa and Princeville.
Repairing your home and property
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Fixing storm damage: Except for shoreline properties, if your home or building was built with a County permit, you do not need a new permit to make necessary repairs for Hurricane Lowell damage. There is no fee. The work must still meet building codes. This includes building, electrical, plumbing, driveway and sign repairs. Questions: building@kauai.gov.
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Dumping storm debris: There is no fee to drop off Hurricane Lowell debris at the Kekaha Landfill or County refuse transfer stations. This applies to homes and businesses. The waiver covers hurricane debris only; regular commercial trash is still charged the usual fee. The ¾-ton vehicle load limit still applies at all refuse transfer stations. Bulky items are accepted only at the Līhuʻe Refuse Transfer Station and the Kekaha Landfill.
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Clearing debris on your property: You do not need a permit to clear and pile storm debris on your land. Questions: pwengineering@kauai.gov.
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Property records for insurance or disaster assistance: Property assessment and tax records are available at no cost for insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Visit kauaipropertytax.com to access assessment notices dating back to 2019, conveyance information, current tax bills and payment history. Real Property staff are also available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Purchasing Office in the Līhuʻe Civic Center, directly across from the Real Property Division’s former office.
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Property tax relief: If your home or building was damaged, you may qualify for property tax relief. File a Notice of Claim for Disaster Relief by June 30, 2027, at kauai.gov/Residents/Report-Hurricane-Lowell-Property-Damage. Damage to fences and fallen trees does not qualify.
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Sewer bills: If your home was damaged and is no longer connected to County sewer, you will not be charged sewer fees. Late fees and interest on all sewer bills are waived through Nov. 17. Pay by mail using the return envelope included with your bill, at the drop box at the Moʻikeha Building, or online at pay.ehawaii.gov/kauai. Questions: publicworks@kauai.gov.
If you own property near the shoreline
Repair and reconstruction of damaged structures near the shoreline require a Special Management Area (SMA) assessment determination before work begins. Some fees are waived to help with shoreline repairs. Contact the Planning Department at planningdepartment@kauai.gov before starting any work.
If you have a permit pending with Planning
Expect delays while County systems are restored. Planning staff are available at the Building Division counter, 4444 Rice St., Suite 175.
How long this lasts
The County waivers are in effect through Nov. 17, 2026. The full County emergency order is available at kauai.gov/KEMA. License relief under the Governor’s proclamation is in effect through Nov. 21, 2026.
For recovery updates, assistance programs and resources in one place, visit Kauaʻi Recovers at www.kauairecovers.org.
To receive emergency alerts, sign up for Everbridge by visiting www.kauai.gov/KEMA and clicking “Notification Services,” texting “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or calling KEMA at 808-241-1800.
If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Office of the Mayor at 808-241-4900 or CountyPIO@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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