Previously posted on July 17, 2026 4:10 a.m. 07-17-2026 HANALEI – Water service has been restored to customers on Ohiki Road. Earlier, DOW crews responded to and performed emergency repair work to the mainline and an air release valve due to road work damage.
1:25 p.m. (UPDATE) Water service has been restored. Mahalo. — 11:05 a.m. 07-14-2026 ʻELEʻELE – Emergency water service shutdown on Keokeo Road, for approximately 2 hours. DOW crews will repair the mainline and a service lateral.
5:40 p.m. (UPDATE): Water service has been restored. Mahalo. — 4:10 p.m. 07-13-2026 KŌLOA – Emergency water service shutdown on Malino Road, for approximately 2 hours. DOW crews are repairing the mainline.
1:05 p.m. (UPDATE) – Water service has been restored. Mahalo. — 10:45 a.m. 07-13-2026 KAPAʻA – Emergency water service shutdown on Annie Road, for approximately 3 hours. DOW crews are repairing the mainline.
12:15 p.m. (UPDATE) – Water service has been restored. Mahalo.—11:30 a.m. 07-10-2026 HANAPĒPĒ – Emergency water service shutdown on Luka Place, for approximately 2 hours. DOW crews are repairing the mainline.
LĪHUʻE, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) provides notice of its intent to declare a traffic emergency zone on Kaumualiʻi Highway (Route 50) near milepost 10.1 in ʻŌmaʻo. A traffic emergency zone declaration pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §264-1.5 allows HDOT to accelerate procurement and waive certain permitting requirements. Failure of the roadway at this location would require closure of Kaumualiʻi Highway, severing the only state highway access for residents and communities west of ʻŌmaʻo. In response to a recurring pothole, HDOT conducted exploratory excavation at this location which revealed the top of a subsurface void, approximately 10 feet below the pavement. The void measures approximately 12 feet wide, 8 feet high and extends at least 60 feet in length. The void is believed to be an abandoned, unlined irrigation tunnel that likely served agricultural operations prior to construction of the existing concrete box culvert. The recommended emergency mitigation measure to stabilize the subsurface void is placement of flowable fill to restore support beneath the roadway and prevent further deterioration. A hearing within 24 hours of the designation is required under HRS §264-1.5. HDOT will be hosting this hearing virtually through Microsoft Teams on Thursday, July 23 at 1 p.m. The Teams meeting may be accessed here or by dialing into 808-829-4853 with the conference ID 874 798 395#. Media contact: HDOT Public Affairs Office Phone: 808-587-2160 Email: [email protected]
LĪHUʻE , Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) reminds Kaua‘i residents and visitors that pedestrian crossing on Kūhō Highway in Kapaʻa is prohibited unless in a marked crosswalk. HDOT has installed ‘No Pedestrian Crossing’ and ‘Use Crosswalk’ signs fronting Kountry Kitchen to let pedestrians know there is a crosswalk near the Kapaʻa Library just 200 feet and a one-minute walk away. In a survey conducted by HDOT in December of 2023 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., 170 pedestrians crossed outside of the crosswalk in the vicinity of Kountry Kitchen. In 2025, there were 38 pedestrian fatalities statewide and between 2021 and 2025, there were six on Kaua‘i. To avoid crashes resulting from pedestrians crossing at unprotected and unexpected locations, signs have been posted to stop the dangerous behavior. We ask that pedestrians follow the law and cross at the crosswalk. The extra minute can save a person from injury or death . Here are a few videos showing how quickly you can walk to the crosswalk: For weekly lane closures, visit our website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/kauai/ Media contact: HDOT Public Affairs Office Phone: 808-587-2160 Email: [email protected]
Condition compares the latest reading to USGS WaterWatch-style percentiles of daily mean values for this time of year (period of record): Normal (25th–75th), Above normal (75th–90th), Much above normal (90th–98th), and High (≥98th percentile). Streamflow is shown for all gages; river and reservoir level is shown only where the datum is representative. Flood indicators for river level are based on USGS/NWS site-specific thresholds.
KŌLOA - The 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. test shutdown has been rescheduled. The Department of Water (DOW) will now conduct an overnight test shutdown from 10 p.m. Thursday, July 30 to 2 a.m. Friday, July 31, weather permitting.
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The Department of Water (DOW) will conduct a water service test shutdown on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., weather permitting. Affected areas include Old Mill Place, Makai Road, Smith Road, Malino Road, a portion of Koloa Road, and the upper portion of Poipu Road. The test shutdown will help further evaluate the system and identify any improvements needed before a future shutdown is scheduled for water line improvements.
Customers located in the affected area are advised to prepare by taking the following steps:
Store enough water to meet your needs.
Notify family, friends, tenants, and neighbors.
Ensure water heaters do not empty.
Avoid using appliances that require water during the test shutdown.
For more information, email publicrelations@kauaiwater.org , or call 808-245-5455.
LĪHUʻE – County of Kauaʻi officials continue to monitor Fausto, which was downgraded this morning to a post-tropical low as it continues to weaken while passing north of the Hawaiian Islands. While the system is expected to continue dissipating as it moves away from the state, the potential for localized heavy rainfall and flooding remains through today.
According to the National Weather Service, the remnants of Fausto will continue to pass north of Hawaiʻi today. Kauaʻi can expect light winds, warm and muggy conditions, and mostly dry weather through the morning before sea breezes develop and bring interior clouds and showers this afternoon. While confidence in widespread flooding remains low, localized heavy downpours cannot be ruled out. Breezy southeast winds are expected to return tonight as the remnants of Fausto move away. More typical trade wind weather is expected to return Thursday into next week, with showers primarily affecting windward and mauka areas.
The High Surf Warning for east-facing shores has been cancelled as surf has fallen below warning criteria. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores until 6 p.m. today. Strong breaking waves and dangerous currents will continue to make ocean conditions hazardous until surf subsides below advisory levels later this afternoon.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reports that the Kalalau Trail remains closed due to high stream levels. The Hāʻena Shuttle also remains suspended.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed, monitor the latest forecasts, heed all watches and warnings, review emergency plans, and ensure emergency supplies are ready as Hawaiʻi enters the peak months of hurricane season in August and September.
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Officials encourage every household to maintain a 14-day supply of food, water, medication, and other essentials; prepare a portable disaster supply “go kit”; keep important documents in a waterproof container; understand the hazards that may affect their home or neighborhood; review potential refuge options; and make arrangements in advance for pets, kūpuna, and family members with access or functional needs.
Should conditions warrant, County services and facilities may close with little to no advance notice, depending on the severity of the storm and its effects. County, State, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate in preparation for this potential event.
The County may open potential refuge areas across the island if forecasts and conditions warrant. KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/kema, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on the incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue media releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option to consider, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas. Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. For road status and closures, call 808-241-1725. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711. For weather information, call the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo .
Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:
Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
Stay away from downed lines and report them to 9-1-1.
Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.
The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a County lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com , or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness information:
National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo , or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on “Notification Services.” You may also call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
NR 07-29-26 (Officials continue to monitor Post-Tropical Low Fausto, potential for localized flooding remains)
LĪHU‘E – The next reuse collection event will be held at the Kaua‘i Resource Center (KRC) located at 3460 Ahukini Road in Līhu‘e from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, August 14.
Residents, businesses, and other organizations can bring unwanted or unneeded items for reuse, including clothing, small furniture, kitchen items, children’s toys, books, and shoes. Clothing and textiles do not need to be in good condition; torn or stained clothing is okay. Please do not bring eWaste, chemicals, medical equipment, appliances, food items, baby items (other than clothing), or broken items.
The Solid Waste Division encourages the public to check with their local thrift stores to see if they can accept donations before bringing items to the KRC.
Due to health and safety concerns, heavy equipment in the area, and to reduce the chance of injury to customers unloading heavy items, Goodwill requests that the public remain in their vehicles while on-site.
Thrift stores and businesses, please call the Recycling Office at 808-241-4838 or email Ssumner@higoodwill.org to schedule pick-up service.
For information about general recycling or reuse, call 808-241-4841 or visit www.kauai.gov/reuse .
If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Solid Waste Division at 808-241-4841 or solidwaste@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
NR 07-29-26 (Goodwill Industries of Hawai‘i to hold reuse collection event Friday, Aug. 14)
LĪHU‘E - The Department of Public Works and its contractor Kaiwa Construction are announcing lane shifts and possible lane closures along Haleko Road in the vicinity of Pua Loke Street in Līhu‘e July 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
The lane closures are necessary for the public’s safety and to allow Kaiwa Construction to conduct roadway and waterline probing.
Please make the appropriate arrangements to accommodate the necessary lane and road closures, use alternate routes, and allow extra time to get to destinations. During this time, no parking will be allowed in the work zones. Flaggers will be positioned at the work zone to direct traffic.
For more information or questions, please contact the Roads Division Main Office at 808-241-4847 or koku@kauai.gov.
Map of roadwork along portion of Haleko Road.
NR 07-29-26 (Lane shifts and possible lane closures scheduled for Haleko Road July 30)
LĪHU‘E – The Kauaʻi Police Department (KPD), in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service and task force officers, recently conducted compliance checks of registered sex offenders to help ensure Hawaiʻi’s Covered Offender Registry remains accurate and current.
The operation coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, signed into law on July 27, 2006, a federal law designed to strengthen sex offender registration systems and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies. As part of these ongoing efforts, KPD conducts compliance checks throughout the year to ensure registration information is up to date and identify potential violations.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel verified information for 148 individuals required to register as sex offenders under Hawaiʻi law. Registered individuals must keep their information current and complete all required verification steps, as failure to do so is a criminal offense that may result in arrest and prosecution.
"Sex offender registration requirements are not optional; they're mandated by law," said Chief Rudy Tai. "An accurate registry is an important resource for our community, and KPD remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to verify compliance and hold those who fail to comply accountable."
Members of the public can access the Hawaiʻi Covered Offender Registry at: https://sexoffenders.ehawaii.gov/sexoffender/welcome.html
NR 07-28-2026 (KPD Conducts Sex Offender Compliance Checks)
Researchers from UH HIlo and a Texas university recently published a study in Frontiers in Marine Science that found juvenile blacktip sharks live in Hilo Bay year-round.
Law enforcement during the recent operation, in partnership with U.S. Marshals Service and task force officers, verified information for 148 people required to register as sex offenders under Hawaiʻi law.
The east swell being generated from now-Tropical Depression Fausto fell below advisory levels on Wednesday morning and will continue to decline throughout the day.
The funding is through the Hawaiʻi Urban Interface Wildfire Grant Program to reduce hazardous fuels, improve evacuation planning, strengthen preparedness and increase wildfire resilience.
Producers and farmers from all four counties are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency even if they previously received information about other recovery programs; deadline to apply is July 31.
The Kauaʻi hospital's sustainability efforts include a solar farm, upgrades to energy-efficient LED lighting and recycling 400,000 pounds of materials the past year.
Japan: This morning a major earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 struck the Kumamoto prefecture, causing damage to critical infrastructure and residential areas in southern Japan. Aeon Mall was one of the most heavily damaged structures, with several entrapments being reported as shoppers were unable to exit the building due to a partial collapse of the structure. After this collapse, a gas explosion was also reported at the mall, and as of this morning approximately 20-30x people remained missing.
Middle East: No major changes to the overall situation were reported overnight. Satellite imagery has become available that confirms the Houthis not just hit the Jazan refinery a few days ago, but also the refinery at Yanbu. This afternoon, the Houthis announced that they had targeted a tanker vessel which has been at anchor off Yanbu for a few days, though the success of this targeting has not yet been confirmed.
Analyst Comment: Despite the devastating strikes on Saudi oil facilities over the past few days, oil markets continue to plummet, indicating a sharp departure from the reality of the situation.
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Washington D.C. - Yesterday afternoon PM Netanyahu arrived for the state funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, as well as to conduct meetings regarding the war in Iran. This morning, the proceedings for Sen. Graham began at the Capitol, and various politicians and dignitaries are expected to make an appearance throughout the day.
Middle East: After the intense Iranian targeting of American positions Friday evening, sporadic Iranian drone strikes have been reported throughout the region. Other than targeting American positions, Iranian drone attacks have also been observed striking Kurdish militia encampments in northeastern Iraq. On the American side, CENTCOM has not disclosed any strikes within Iran for several days.
Red Sea/HOA: Nearly the entire Jazan Refinery in Saudi Arabia remains on fire following the Houthi targeting on Saturday. As of last night, fire detection satellites indicated that most of the facility has been totally destroyed and satellite imagery from yesterday indicates a very large fire at this facility is still burning and the smoke plume stretches over 50 miles to the south.
Europe: This morning Iran issued a public condemnation of the Ukrainian targeting of a Russian vessel. Over the weekend a Ukrainian drone struck a Russian vessel, which resulted in the death of one crew member. This crew member happened to be an Iranian citizen, which prompted Foreign Minister Araghchi to issue a statement of outrage.
Analyst Comment: It is very unlikely that the Ukrainians would have known that one random crewmember onboard a vessel was technically Iranian, but intentional or not, this incident is another step towards linking the war in Europe with the conflict in the Middle East.
Germany: On Sunday, a vehicle ramming attack was reported at the Pride festival in Berlin. One assailant ramming his vehicle into a crowd in the vicinity of the Tiergarden west of the Brandenburg Gate, killing one person and wounding 29 others. After the ramming, the suspect exited the vehicle and reportedly stabbed several people with a machete, before fleeing the scene. This prompted a nationwide manhunt for the assailant that was carried out Sunday afternoon. By Sunday evening, the suspect had been located in a residential area of Spandau. Once located, the suspect allegedly tried to stab the arresting officers, which resulted in the suspect being shot and killed. The suspect was identified as Abdul Ballout, who had reportedly just been released from a juvenile detention facility.
France: This morning a stabbing attack was reported in Paris, near Porte de Clichy. One assailant stabbed 3x women on the street, before being restrained by bystanders and an off-duty police officer. While being held down by responding citizens, the attacker claimed that the attack was Islamic in nature, prompting the government to classify this incident as a terror attack.
-HomeFront-
Washington: Yesterday a shooting was reported at the Bite of Seattle food festival at the Seattle Center. Multiple black/Middle Eastern males began shooting at each other inside a crowd at the event, which resulted in 3x people killed, and 4x others wounded.
Analyst Comment: This incident was initially reported as a mass shooting, however the multiple shooters were not targeting the crowd, as this was almost certainly a gang/cultural shooting. As a result of the cultural implications, Seattle Police have not released the name of the suspect(s) they have in custody, nor have they released the photo of the suspect which remains at large.
Middle East: Iranian strikes continue to target American military installations around the region. Most of the American bases in Kuwait have been struck regularly by Iranian drones, and missile attacks remain constant at American positions in Jordan. This morning, the Patriot battery in Erbil was targeted again, with local Iraqis reporting large smoke plumes emitting from the section of the base where the launchers are located. Some successful interceptions of drones were also reported along with the more unconfirmed targeting efforts which can't yet be geolocated or verified with satellite imagery.
Iran: American targeting continues to escalate as well. Airstrikes have been observed in Bandar Abbas, Jask, and Qeshm Island, along with more substantial strikes at the underground missile cities in Khorramabad and Yazd. Coastal targets remain an American priority as the ports and marinas housing small boats using the IRGCN are constantly targeted.
Red Sea/HOA: This afternoon the war between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia flared up once again, with both belligerents trading strikes this evening. The Yemeni port (and Houthi stronghold) of Hodeida was struck, with fires continuing to burn late into the night.
Ireland: This morning an explosive device was discovered during a series of raids throughout the regions near the border with Northern Ireland. One suspect was arrested after a bag containing plastic explosives (allegedly Semtex) and a detonator was discovered in her vehicle.
Analyst Comment: Details are very sketchy and vague, but this incident generally aligns with some of the other incidents that have recently taken place regarding explosives in Northern Ireland or adjacent areas. Much of the time the person arrested in possession of an explosive device is not the actual assailant, but instead transporting a package that they do not know the contents of. What the story is in this case, is not known. However, this is another reminder that even though Northern Ireland might be out of the mainstream news cycle, paramilitary groups are very much active throughout the region, and the causes of the Belfast riots last month have not been forgotten.
-HomeFront-
Minnesota: Last night, after a four day jury trial that involved multiple Somali interpreters, Shiloh Hendrix was convicted of one count of disorderly conduct, for calling a Somalian a name while being harassed on a Rochester playground in May of last year.
Analyst Comment: This landmark First Amendment case is being appealed on the grounds that the judge in the case refused to allow evidence to be presented, verbally abused the defense council in front of the jury, and allowed one the the star witnesses in the case to commit perjury while on the stand.
Red Sea/HOA: The Houthis entered the war overnight, striking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The Houthis claim to have targeted the M/T *ENCELA* and the M/T *LAYLIA* for attempting to transit the Red Sea to the Saudi oil terminal at Yanbu. The UKMTO confirmed that at least one tanker was struck, but made no mention of the other vessel.
Kuwait: Last night the Abdali Border Checkpoint crossing with Iraq was struck by an unidentified Iranian munition. This morning, satellite imagery became available for the first time in a few days over Ali Al Salem Airbase. At this base, a 50+ meter impact crater is visible directly in the center of a series of barracks buildings. The exact timing of this attack is not known, but the imagery indicates it was conducted sometime over the past week.
-HomeFront-
Wisconsin: Yesterday afternoon a high-profile police shooting was reported in Madison, which involved a man with a knife being shot during a scuffle in the vicinity of Baldwin and Williamson Street. The suspect's identity has not been confirmed yet, however protests and demonstrations broke out immediately after the shooting occurred. More demonstrations were carried out this morning, and more protests are expected over the next few days.
Washington D.C. - Last night, the House of Representatives passed the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included the highly controversial Section 219 language intact. This section links the American military industry with Israel, embedding Israeli control of discretionary budgets within the Pentagon. The bill enables the creation of an "Executive Agent" for the Pentagon, which will direct American military technological advancements at the behest of the IDF. The bill now heads to the Senate for approval, where it is expected to pass.