Kauaʻi firefighters extinguish fire at the Līhu‘e Civic Center late Wednesday night

Kaua‘i firefighters extinguished a fire at the Līhu’e Civic Center late Wednesday night, Sept. 9, 2026.

“We are very grateful to our partners with the Hawai’i National Guard, ARFF firefighters, KEMA, Kaua’i Police Department, and AMR who assisted with last night’s fire at our DMV. On top of response to the storm, these brave hearts continue to protect our community,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “Our island relies on the services in our Kāpule Building, from the DMV to Real Property to our IT services, we are heartbroken, but this is only a small hurdle as we continue on our path toward recovery with everyone here on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.”

No injuries were reported.

Personnel with the Līhu‘e, Kapa’a, and Kōloa fire stations, two battalion chiefs, and personnel from the Fire Prevention Bureau, ARFF, Kaua’i Police Department, AMR, Hawai’i National Guard, KEMA, and the Mayor’s Office responded to the incident.

According to a preliminary report, KFD received a report of a fire on Rice Street at the Līhu‘e Civic Center shortly before 8:50 p.m. on Sept. 9. Crews arrived on scene and discovered smoke from the Kāpule Building. Crews continued their response and extinguished the fire at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Sept. 10.

KPD personnel blocked a portion of Kūhiō Highway as fire personnel responded to the blaze. Crews cleared the scene at 2:45 a.m. to allow Prevention Bureau personnel to conduct an investigation which is ongoing.

Public offices and services at the Līhuʻe Civic Center will remain closed until further notice.

Affected services include:

• Driver’s license and vehicle services
• Real Property Assessment and payment collection services
• Planning, building, and zoning permit services
• Solid Waste Office and sewer bill services

Motor vehicle services are available at the Kapa‘a satellite DMV while the Līhu‘e office remains closed.

Preliminary figures on damage estimates and cause of the fire are ongoing.