Full extent of Ni’ihau damage unknown; communities rally around residents

KAUA’I (HawaiiNewsNow) – Great concern has been shared about the welfare of Niʻihau residents since Hurricane Lowell barreled through the region.

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The remote island is privately owned and access is restricted to the general public. However, a few people with ties to Niʻihau shared that only a handful of residents were on the island when the hurricane moved in. Most sought shelter on Kauaʻi.

While there are no public images of the damage there, ʻOhana Niʻihau have shared that some buildings were wrecked.

Myrah Kanahele-Gerardo is a Niʻihau descendant now living on Kauaʻi’s West Side. She said communication with those still on the island has been limited.

Myrah Kanahele-Gerardo is a Ni’ihau Descendant now living on Kauai’s West Side. She said communication with those still on the Forbidden Isle has been limited.

“For me it’s very concerning because our family means so much to us,” she said.

Kanahele-Gerardo is focusing her efforts on getting relief to Niʻihau families living on Kauaʻi in communities such as Kekaha, Pākāla, Kaumakani, and Camp 6.

“We all know how to live, you know, like, the way we live here, it’s way different on Ni’ihau. We know how to survive. We live off the land and that’s what we’ve been taught,” she said.

The Robinson family, who own the island, has been in touch with residents and has made resources available.

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Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio said in a statement, “The County continues to be in close communication with the Robinson family, and we are always available should they need our assistance.”

The group Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi is also working to get help for impacted residents.

“Kauaʻi people don’t like asking for help. You know, but when you go there and you give them, whatever little you have, cups, plates, a case of water — they’re so grateful and they feel so loved,” said Healani Sonoda-Pale, spokesperson and lead organizer for Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi.

Volunteers have established an aid hub in Wainiha on the Garden Island while coordinating with Niʻihau families on the West Side.

In addition to basic necessities, there’s also a great need for generators, especially for kupuna who rely on power for medical needs.

“I think the Niʻihau community right now, they feel seen and loved, and I’m so happy to see other people going out there to help them as well, and also the Kekaha community in general,” Sonoda-Pale said.

Niʻihau residents say as they recover, their strong faith will guide them.

“Ke Akua has always been there for us, and he’s never left us. And on Niʻihau we do the same. We depend on Ke Akua because Ke Akua has always come in to provide for us,” Kanahele-Gerardo said.

For more details on how to help, contact Ka Lahui Hawaii on Instagram or call 808-372-2512.

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