Hawaii News

Kauaʻi remains the center of the storm recovery picture. Kauaʻi Now reports that residents and visitors are still dealing with impacts from Hurricane Lowell, with updates on food distribution, power restoration and household needs. A separate report says power has been restored to many North Shore residents overnight, while businesses are still weighing how and when tourism should return as they rebuild from the storm. The Attorney General is also warning the public to watch for scams tied to the hurricane and the damage it caused on Kauaʻi, a reminder that recovery efforts are now being paired with fraud prevention.

The storm’s effects are also showing up in environmental and financial responses. Kauaʻi Now reports that Hurricane Lowell triggered another payout of Hawaiʻi’s first-ever reef insurance, the second such payout in three weeks, underscoring the scale of coastal impacts. At the same time, the state is moving to help people avoid secondary harm from the disaster: Maui Now reports that the Department of the Attorney General is warning residents across the islands to be alert for scams following the hurricane.

On the policy and infrastructure side, state and local efforts continue to move forward. Gov. Josh Green was recognized at the annual Governor’s Awards for state employees, managers and teams, while Maui Now also reports that more than 1 million eggs will be distributed statewide through a coordinated food effort involving Maui Food Bank, Hawaiʻi Foodbank and partners. On Kauaʻi, the Department of Water lifted a conservation notice for Hanapēpē-ʻEleʻele and Kekaha-Waimea, and the county is reminding property owners about upcoming tax-relief deadlines. Across the islands, the common thread is recovery: from storm damage, from supply disruptions, and from the need to keep residents informed as conditions continue to change.