Hawaiʻi leaders give update on Hurricane Lowell, preparations underway for possible impacts

Gov. Josh Green joined Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami, Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan and National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Bravender to provide an update on Category 4 Hurricane Lowell and preparations for possible impacts to Hawaiʻi, particularly Kauaʻi and Ni‘ihau.

“We are taking Hurricane Lowell extremely seriously and preparing now, before conditions deteriorate,” said Green. “State, county and federal partners are coordinating closely and positioning personnel, equipment and other resources where they may be needed. I urge everyone, especially those in Kauaʻi County, to complete their preparations, follow official alerts and stay away from floodwaters, dangerous surf and other hazardous areas.”

State and county preparations include:

• Activating emergency protocols and positioning personnel and equipment for possible response operations.
• Lowering reservoir levels, clearing waterways and monitoring dams and other critical infrastructure.
• Securing harbors, state facilities, construction sites and agricultural infrastructure.
• Preparing state parks, trails and forest lands on Kauaʻi for closures.
• Coordinating with utilities and fuel providers to protect energy supplies and prepare for possible disruptions.
• Continuing statewide stream-clearing and flood-mitigation work.

“We need everyone on Kauaʻi to take this storm seriously and finish preparing now,” said Kawakami. “Know where you will go if you need to leave your home, gather essential supplies and sign up for emergency alerts. Our county teams are ready, but preparedness begins with each household.”

Residents and visitors should monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.

Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available at GoHawaii.com or by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.

To receive county emergency alerts:

• Kauaʻi: Text KAUAIEMA to 888777
• Hawaiʻi Island: Text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777
• Maui County: Text MAUIALERTS to 38276
• Oʻahu: Text HNLALERT to 888777

Residents should continue following updates from the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and their county emergency management agency.

For more information and to prepare for upcoming storms, visit: https://ready.hawaii.gov/