Nov. 9, Hurricane Lowell recovery, County of Kauaʻi services update
LĪHUʻE – Please see the latest updates on Hurricane Lowell recovery and County of Kauaʻi services below.
Hurricane Lowell Recovery
Hurricane Lowell CASPER survey next week
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Kauaʻi District Health Office and the County of Kauaʻi will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey Nov. 16 to 20 to learn about Hurricane Lowell impacts and ongoing recovery needs. The results will help guide recovery work by county, state, and federal partners and community organizations.
- Teams will go door to door in 30 randomly selected areas, visiting seven homes in each area.
- Teams are made up of DOH staff, supported by the Kauaʻi Medical Reserve Corps and KEMA. Members will wear identifying vests and carry ID cards.
- The survey takes less than 10 minutes and is voluntary. Responses are confidential, and no names or addresses are collected. Households may also complete the survey by phone.
- Questions cover emergency supplies right after the storm, physical and economic impacts, health and well-being, and recovery needs.
- Results will be shared in a public report. Past Kauaʻi CASPER reports are at https://health.hawaii.gov/kauai/Casper.
Relief grants for farmers and ranchers
Farmers and ranchers whose agricultural lands were affected by Hurricane Lowell and other recent storms may apply for up to $1,500 through the state’s Emergency Farmer Relief grant program. Applications close Jan. 29, 2027.
- Farms, orchards, ranches, and similar operations statewide are eligible. Limit one $1,500 check per applicant per year.
- Applicants must provide tax documents such as a W-9, Schedule C, or Schedule F.
- Funding is limited. If applications exceed available funds, they will be processed first-come, first-served.
- Checks are expected to be available for pickup statewide starting early to mid-January. Applicants will be notified of the time and place.
- Apply at https://dab.hawaii.gov. For questions, email dab.info@hawaii.gov or call (808) 973-9560.
Business Recovery Grants
Due to high demand, the Kauaʻi Hurricane Lowell Business Recovery Grant Program is no longer accepting applications. Businesses and nonprofits can join the waitlist at https://kauaibusinessrecovery.org in case more funding becomes available.
Help for nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million to eligible private nonprofit and faith-based organizations affected by Hurricane Lowell.
- Deadlines are Dec. 7 for physical damage and July 7, 2027, for economic injury.
- Apply at https://www.sba.gov/disaster or call (866) 722-4357.
Utilities
- KIUC has restored power to most of the island. Members who need a payment plan or financial help can visit https://kiuc.coop/payment-assistance or call (808) 246-4300.
- The Department of Water’s Water Conservation Notice continues for customers in ʻAnini. Report outages or leaks at (808) 245-5444.
Refuse and recycling
- Seven debris and refuse sites are open islandwide, with tipping fees waived for storm debris. Hours and accepted materials are at https://www.kauairecovers.org/debris.
- North Shore refuse collection is on Thursdays only.
- Kauaʻi Recycles bins have permanently moved from the Hanalei Refuse Transfer Station to the Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center (ʻĀina Hoʻokupu o Kīlauea), 4045 Kīlauea Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays and County holidays.
- The mobile recycling unit visits Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea on Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Storm repairs and property tax relief
- Buildings built with a County permit and not in a flood zone do not need a new permit for Hurricane Lowell repairs. Work must still meet building codes.
- Properties in a flood zone or near the shoreline need County review before work begins:
- Flood zone: Department of Public Works, (808) 241-4883
- Shoreline: planningdepartment@kauai.gov
- Other questions: Building Division, (808) 241-4854
- Owners of storm-damaged property have until June 30, 2027, to file for disaster tax relief at https://www.kauai.gov/Residents/Report-Hurricane-Lowell-Property-Damage.
County of Kauaʻi Services
Division of Motor Vehicles
- The Kapaʻa DMV is open by appointment only. Book at www.kauai.gov/DMV.
- Space is limited. Early appointments are expected to go to people whose licenses, state IDs, or other credentials expired during the closure.
- Walk-ins and kūpuna hour are not available.
- Please bring cash or a check if possible, as card stations are limited.
- Renew vehicle registration online at https://mvr.ehawaii.gov/renewals/kauai/lookup or at kiosks at Western Motors in Hanapēpē, Līhuʻe Safeway, Kapaʻa Safeway, and Princeville Foodland.
- Request a duplicate driver’s license at https://mydmv.hnl.info/hnldl/duplicates.
- A temporary DMV location is being prepared at the Gather space in Līhuʻe. An opening date has not been set.
- For questions, call (808) 241-1949 or email kauaidmv@kauai.gov.
Online payments
The County is covering the $2.50 convenience fee for online vehicle registration renewals and sewer payments.
Parks, facilities, and transit
- The following are closed:
- Waimea Neighborhood Center main hall (side rooms are open)
- Waimea swimming pool
- Wailua Golf Course driving range
- Salt Pond Beach Park and pavilions
- Hanapēpē Stadium
- Morgan's Pond at Lydgate Beach Park is closed until further notice due to logs and fine wood particles in and around the area.
- The Kekaha Neighborhood Center is accepting new online reservations at www.kauai.gov/parks.
- Kauaʻi Bus 900 and 950 express routes are not running.
County of Kauaʻi Alerts
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, visit https://www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services,” text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call KEMA at (808) 241-1800.
Updates on County of Kauaʻi services, working County phone numbers, and visitor information are at https://www.kauairecovers.org.
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