HIDOE prepares to reopen Kauai schools after Hurricane Lowell

News admin September 11, 2026 0 Comments

HIDOE prepares to reopen Kauai schools after Hurricane Lowell

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) public schools in Kauaʻi County are preparing to reopen to students Monday, a week after Hurricane Lowell ravaged the county.

The state closed all Kauaʻi public schools Tuesday to clean up the damage after Hurricane Lowell passed near the state Monday, bringing high winds and rain.

HIDOE said as of Thursday morning, power has been restored to nine of the island’s 15 public schools, with utilities and other essential services continuing to come back online in communities across the island. School and HIDOE teams are working to assess facilities, address storm-related damage and prepare campuses to resume operations.

Officials said Kīlauea and Hanalei elementary schools remain without power and water Thursday, but limited water service has begun returning at Kīlauea Elementary. Once utilities are restored, crews will need time to check campus systems and finish preparations before students return. Officials will determine by 4 p.m. Friday whether both schools will reopen on Monday. Families will be notified directly.

Superintendents tour damaged campuses

HIDOE superintendent Keith Hayashi and Kauaʻi Complex Area superintendent Leila Maeda-Kobayashi visited schools Wednesday to see storm impacts and recovery work firsthand. They observed downed trees and branches, roof and ceiling damage, water intrusion and debris at several campuses. A portable classroom at Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary lost its roof, and other classrooms sustained ceiling damage.

“Visiting our schools and communities, it’s clear that recovery is still very much underway, and many of our families and employees are dealing with storm impacts in their own homes and neighborhoods,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Our teams are working hard to get our campuses ready, while being mindful of what our school communities are going through. Our focus is on safely welcoming students back and supporting them as recovery continues.”

HIDOE said school custodians have been clearing debris and checking campuses, and cafeteria staff have been assessing kitchens and food supplies and removing food that could no longer be safely used. School administrators have been inspecting classrooms, documenting damage and identifying needed repairs.

Teachers and educational assistants are scheduled to return Friday to prepare to resume instruction, including plans for paper-based lessons for schools where power is still unavailable, school officials said.

Kauaʻi public schools remain closed to students through Friday. Officials said families will receive reopening information and any school-specific instructions from their schools as recovery work continues.