Hurricane refuge areas: Where to find emergency shelter on Kauai, Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Emergency management officials have designated several hurricane refuge areas across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi as Hurricane Lowell approaches the state, offering residents a safe place to seek shelter if their homes are not secure.

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Refuge areas and evacuation options

The county, in partnership with the American Red Cross, opened the following refuge areas ahead of Hurricane Lowell:

Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.”

Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.

The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas.

 Officials note that not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs.

Oʻahu refuge area: Nānākuli Elementary to open at 5 p.m.

On Oʻahu, Nānākuli Elementary will open as a hurricane refuge area Monday at 5 p.m. Nānākuli Elementary be available for residents and visitors who need a safe place during the storm.

Hurricane Refuge Areas are activated as a precautionary measure as forecasters continue to monitor conditions that could bring heavy rain, flash flooding, and localized severe weather. The City will continue to assess conditions and open additional refuge areas as needed.

“We are urging people to prepare now and make a plan,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Do not wait. If you feel unsafe and need a place to stay, go a refuge area. These facilities are here to protect you and your family, and we will continue to open more locations if conditions require it.”

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Refuge hours will be communicated as they are finalized.

Residents or visitors seeking shelter here who require transportation can use TheBus routes C or 40, then transfer to Route 403 at Nānākuli Avenue. Transit fares still apply for these routes.

This refuge area is operated in partnership with the American Red Cross, with support from houseless outreach providers, and in coordination with Partners In Care.

Those seeking shelter are advised to bring their own food, water, medications, and other essential items whenever possible. All locations are pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed or in a carrier. Owners are responsible for their pets and should bring necessary supplies.

The most current list of shelter locations and updates will be available online and shared through HNL Alert.

There are no evacuation orders in place at this time. However, residents are strongly encouraged to monitor conditions closely and take action early if they feel unsafe.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. Do not call 911 for information only; keep lines open for those in immediate need.

City officials encourage all residents to stay informed by signing up for HNL Alert at hnlalert.gov or by texting HNLALERT to 888-777 to receive urgent notifications.

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