HIDOE says most Kauai public schools will reopen Monday after Hurricane Lowell

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) said most of Kauaʻi’s public schools will reopen to students Monday, a week after Hurricane Lowell ravaged the county.

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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 Friday afternoon, power has been restored to 12 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. Teachers returned to campuses Friday to prepare for students’ return, HIDOE said.

Education officials said three schools remain without power: Kapa‘a High, Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary.

HIDOE has determined that Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary will remain closed to students and staff Monday. Both schools do not have potable water.

Officials said both schools are preparing contingency plans to support continued learning if the lack of potable water prevents the campuses from reopening.

Kapa‘a High remains without power, but is able to safely operate. Contingency plans are in place for instruction, and gas-powered cafeteria equipment is available to provide meals to students.

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The department said the rest of Kauaʻi public schools will resume regular operations Monday.

Officials said Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School will proceed with a previously scheduled waiver day for staff professional development Monday, with students returning Tuesday, Sept. 15.

HIDOE said it will continue to monitor conditions at the schools that remain closed and will update families on reopening as information becomes available.

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.

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