‘Show aloha’: Hanalei restaurant gives out free food after Hurricane Lowell

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After Hurricane Lowell knocked out power across most of Kauaʻi and caused extensive damage to homes and businesses, neighbors are stepping up to help one another.

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At Big Nick’s restaurant in Hanalei on the island’s North Shore, owner Nicholas Schweitzer has remained positive despite having no electricity, giving away food that would otherwise spoil.

“Couldn’t let it (the food) go to waste, so we came in, made chili and rice earlier today. Just made a taro and chicken curry for everybody. Wasting food wouldn’t have been any good, and then it’s nice to see the aunties and the uncles, been a couple days, so hot meal would be nice for everybody,” Schweitzer said. “The sooner we get out of this, the better, but might as well be happy and show aloha while we’re doing it.”

Schweitzer, who grew up in Hanalei, said his outlook reflects the broader community spirit.

“I feel like we’re all coming together and we all give back. This is our opportunity come and help everybody out,” Schweitzer said.

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Crews with the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) have worked to restore power all week, and the electric supplier reported that, as of Sunday, 81% of its members have power.

KIUC added that North Shore restorations are expected to begin within days, and Schweitzer expressed gratitude for their efforts.

“The first responders here, they’re the best and it shows, that’s why we’re able to be so happy and do the stuff we need to do, because we have a community that sticks together,” Schweitzer said.

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