FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2026

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green announced that state offices, most Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) public schools, Kauaʻi Community College and Judiciary facilities on Kauaʻi will reopen Monday, Sept. 14, as conditions continue to improve following Hurricane Lowell.

Most public schools on Kauaʻi will resume regular operations Monday after being closed for a week, due to storm impacts. As of Friday afternoon, electricity had been restored to 13 of 15 public school campuses on the island.

Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary will remain closed to students and staff Monday because neither campus currently has power or potable water available.

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School will proceed with a previously scheduled waiver day for staff professional development Monday, with students returning Tuesday, Sept. 15.

"Reopening our offices, schools, community college and courts is an important step forward in Kauaʻi's recovery," said Governor Green. "We've made significant progress restoring power, reopening roads and making our facilities safe and accessible. There is still a lot of work ahead, but returning to normal operations is another sign that Kauaʻi is moving forward."

"This is an encouraging milestone for our island and a reflection of the tremendous work happening across Kauaʻi," said Mayor Derek Kawakami. "Our community has been through an incredibly difficult week. I'm grateful to the crews, first responders, utility workers and community members who have worked around the clock. Recovery continues, but Kauaʻi is strong and we will continue moving forward together."

State offices, public schools, Kauaʻi Community College and Judiciary facilities were closed as crews worked to restore power, clear debris, reopen roads and ensure facilities were safe and accessible following Hurricane Lowell.

State employees should report to their normal worksites or follow their departments' regular telework schedules unless otherwise directed by their supervisors. Families, students and employees should continue to check HIDOE communications for any school-specific updates.

Essential government services and emergency operations continued throughout the closures. State, county, utility and emergency crews will remain engaged in recovery operations as power is restored to remaining communities and damaged infrastructure is repaired.

The Governor and his administration are in ongoing preparations as the Pacific Hurricane Season continues. This is the time to replenish emergency supplies and prepare your household. For information, please navigate to ready.hawaii.gov.

Video update by Governor Green, courtesy Office of the Governor.