Story perspectives

Kaua‘i recovers as power returns to 82%

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 4:50 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kawakami Urges Postponement

Kaua'i County Mayor Derek Kawakami urges tourists to postpone trips while the island recovers from Hurricane Lowell.
As of Monday, county officials report electricity restored to about 82% of customers.
Hawai'i Tourism Authority posted a Sept. 9 advisory urging travelers to reschedule or visit another Hawaiian island.
Lihu‘e Airport closed at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 and reopened roughly 24 hours later after runway inspections.

Summary

Guard Transports Patients

The Hawai‘i National Guard flew UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i on Sept. 8 for three critical missions.
HING installed a backup generator at Lihu‘e dialysis center on Sept. 10, supporting 75 patients.
Air crews evacuated 12 dialysis patients from Kaua‘i to O‘ahu on Sept. 10 for lifesaving treatment.
The Guard delivered Starlink terminals on Sept. 11, restoring emergency communications after a fire.

1 of 2

Kawakami Urges Postponement

Kaua'i County Mayor Derek Kawakami urges tourists to postpone trips while the island recovers from Hurricane Lowell.
As of Monday, county officials report electricity restored to about 82% of customers.
Hawai'i Tourism Authority posted a Sept. 9 advisory urging travelers to reschedule or visit another Hawaiian island.
Lihu‘e Airport closed at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 and reopened roughly 24 hours later after runway inspections.

1 / 2