Kauai County outlines critical safety plans as Hurricane Lowell nears

News admin September 6, 2026 0 Comments

Kauai County outlines critical safety plans as Hurricane Lowell nears

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With the outer fringes of Hurricane Lowell reaching the islands, Kauaʻi County officials will brief the public Sunday afternoon on preparations, response, and impacts.

The county was under a tropical storm warning with tropical storm conditions forecast to spread across Kauaʻi and Niʻihau by Monday afternoon.

The press conference with Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami, Kauai Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) administrator Elton Ushio, Kauaʻi fire and police departments, the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, and more starts at 2 p.m. and will be live streamed here.

Refuge areas and evacuation options

The county, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has identified the following potential refuge areas ahead of Hurricane Lowell. These shelters are not currently open.

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.

Facilities closures and service disruptions

The Wailua Golf Course and the restaurant were closed Sept. 6.

The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center was closed Sept. 6.

Additional county services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.

The Pacific Missile Range Facility temporarily closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites beginning Sept. 6.

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

Monitor weather forecasts and conditions, and do not go hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, or participate in other outdoor and ocean recreation if hazards are forecast or present. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.

Disaster supply kit recommendations, safety guidelines

County officials encourage the public to continue checking and replenishing emergency disaster kits over the next few days. There is no need to purchase everything at once.

Emergency disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs. A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate.

RELATED LINK: Download HNN’s Hurricane Kit Checklist

The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go.

Power outage safety and utility preparation

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

View the latest information from the KIUC here.

Road closures and conditions

There are no road closures at this time. Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a flash flood warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.

Emergency contacts and resources

To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:

Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.