Photo: JILL K. BRIGGS / AFP / Getty Images
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has assessed the severe damage caused by Hurricane Lowell on Kauai, estimating costs to exceed $400 million. Thousands remain without power, and isolated areas might wait up to a month for electricity restoration. To support affected residents, the state plans to provide hotel accommodations or vacation rentals.
Governor Green has requested expedited federal disaster assistance from President Donald Trump to help cover the costs, which typically involve federal aid covering about 75% of expenses. According to Hawaii News Now, Green emphasized the urgency, stating, "We cannot wait for every damaged road, utility pole, harbor and public facility to be assigned a dollar value before asking the federal government to act."
Hurricane Lowell, initially a Category 5 storm, has been downgraded to Category 1 as it moves away from Hawaii. Despite this, the storm has caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage. On Kauai, approximately 33,000 of the 36,000 member accounts of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative lost power. Commercial ports and Lihue Airport faced closures, and roads were blocked by flooding and debris.
Convoy of Hope is actively distributing relief supplies to affected communities in Kauai. The organization has been involved in multiple disaster responses in Hawaii this year, including aid after Tropical Storm Lala in August.
The federal disaster declaration, if approved, could provide funding for debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and emergency services. Governor Green noted that state and county assessments are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster requires federal assistance.