Kauaʻi closures continue; Oʻahu government offices reopen on Wednesday

Gov. Josh Green announced that state and county offices, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools, University of Hawaiʻi campuses and Judiciary facilities on Oʻahu will reopen Wednesday, Sept. 9, as conditions improve following Hurricane Lowell.

All HIDOE public schools and offices on Oʻahu, in Maui County and on Hawaiʻi Island will reopen Wednesday, including the four West Maui schools that were closed Tuesday because of unsafe travel conditions.

In Kauaʻi County, state and county offices and the Kauaʻi Community College will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 11, as crews restore power, remove debris and address other storm impacts. The state Judiciary is assessing facilities and capacity in Kaua‘i County and will make an announcement when plans are finalized.

All public schools on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau High & Elementary School will remain closed to students through Friday. Families, students and employees should check the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest school closure and reopening information.

“Conditions have improved enough for Oʻahu to fully reopen Wednesday, but Kauaʻi continues to face significant impacts from Hurricane Lowell,” said Governor Green. “Keeping offices and schools closed in Kauaʻi County will give utility, public works and emergency crews the space they need to safely restore power, clear debris and support affected communities. Mahalo to everyone working around the clock on the recovery.”

Officials will assess conditions throughout the week and determine whether facilities in Kauaʻi County can safely reopen the following week. Reopening decisions will depend on progress restoring power, clearing roads and debris and ensuring facilities are safe and accessible.

State employees on Oʻahu should report to their normal worksites or follow their departments’ regular telework schedules Wednesday unless otherwise directed by their supervisors.

State employees in Kauaʻi County will continue to receive administrative leave through Friday, except for:

• Departmental disaster and emergency coordinators;
• Disaster response workers;
• Employees whose work involves essential operations or services, including hospital, correctional, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service workers; and
• Employees assigned to remote work.

Employees in these categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their department. Employees who are unsure of their status should contact their immediate supervisor or manager. County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.

Essential government services and emergency operations will continue in Kauaʻi County throughout the closure.

Residents should continue to avoid downed power lines, damaged roads, debris and other post-storm hazards. Families, students and employees are encouraged to monitor official agency websites at ready.hawaii.gov and social media channels for updates.