Kauai closures: Officials urge public to stay home as Hurricane Lowell nears

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A hurricane warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Read more Kauai officials urge public to stay home as Hurricane Lowell nears

Hurricane conditions are expected to begin for the county Monday and continue into Tuesday as Hurricane Lowell makes its closest pass west of Niʻihau.

“Over the past 24 hours we have watched this system veer closer to us, too close for comfort,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “I hope you have spent these last few days preparing for the worst. If you are still making last-minute preparations, finish them this morning. Be off our roadways and indoors by midday.”

“If you are in a coastal or unsafe area, make arrangements now to stay with family or friends,” Kawakami said. “As a last resort, grab your go-kit and head to a refuge area. “Now is the time to shelter in place. Check in with your friends and neighbors, then hunker down until conditions let up on Tuesday.”

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Officials advise the public not to call 911 for weather updates or road conditions as the lines need to remain open for people whose lives are in danger.

View the full press conference that occurred at 11:30 a.m. Monday:

Road closures and conditions

Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge was closed at 10:45 a.m. due to flooding and high stream levels.

Facilities closures and service disruptions

State and Kauaʻi County offices, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools, Kaua‘i Community College and Hawaiʻi State Judiciary facilities on Kauaʻi will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The closures apply only to Kauaʻi County. Essential government services and emergency operations will continue.

All County parks, campgrounds, and the Wailua Golf Course are closed until further notice.

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

All Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.

The Kauaʻi Bus is not operating on its regular schedule. Buses are supporting transportation to refuge areas.

The Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.

Residential refuse pickup will continue as regularly scheduled. Residents should put their bins out for collection.

Additional County services and facilities may close with little or no notice.

Water service and safety guidelines

The Kauaʻi Department of Water (DOW) is urging customers to prepare for potential service disruptions as Hurricane Lowell approaches, officials said. High winds, flooding, and fallen trees can damage water infrastructure or cut power to water sources.

Store emergency water: Keep a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day in clean, FDA-approved food-grade containers. Store in a cool, dark place.

Conserve water: If a conservation request is issued during power outages, limit use to essential needs (drinking, cooking, hygiene) and turn off automatic water-drawing fixtures like ice machines.

Watch for advisories: Be prepared for potential Do Not Drink (DND) advisories or Boil Water Notices if water quality is compromised. If a Boil Water Notice is active, boil tap water rapidly for three minutes before use.

More from the county Department of Water here.

Power outage safety and utility preparation

Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:

Read more Flight suspensions underway at Lihue Airport as Hurricane Lowell approaches

View the latest information from the KIUC here.