Steve Davidson and Patricia Patterson assess damage left by Hurricane Lowell.
LIHUE, HI SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 — The American Red Cross continues to respond to the impact of Hurricane Lowell across the Hawaiian Islands. On Kaua‘i, Red Cross staff and volunteers are working to distribute emergency supplies and to assess the damage in communities throughout the island. Before the storm, the Red Cross, in close coordination with our government partners, opened five refuge areas on Kaua‘i to house individuals that needed a safe place during the storm. At its peak, these refuge areas housed over 300 people. Three overnight shelters remain open to continue safely housing those who cannot yet return home.
Hawai‘i Red Crosser Sia Shinas and volunteer Philip P. deliver emergency supplies to Cami Ritner-Yost.
Our teams are seeing significant damage in parts of the island as they work to reach the hardest hit areas. Both emergency supply distribution and damage assessment teams are making their way into these areas. Emergency supply distribution includes clean-up kits that can help individuals begin to remove debris and clean out their homes.
On Sept. 10, Red Crossers interacted with the impacted community on the South Shore and West Side of Kaua‘i. Here, community members shared their experiences during the storm as they worked to clean out their homes. Cami Ritner-Yost shared how her neighbor’s home in the Baby Beach area was lifted by the storm surge and placed in her driveway across the street. She estimated that 20-foot waves were crashing on the top of her roof that survived the storm.
Julie Souza, another homeowner in this area, has lived on this street for decades. She described how the experience of Hurricane Lowell was reminiscent of Hurricane Iniki that destroyed her home on Sept. 11, 1992. Luckily, this time her property remained intact.
Through these conversations with community members and partnerships with state, county and community organizations, the Red Cross gathers information about damage and unmet needs across Kaua‘i. As the Red Cross learns of more damage, our damage assessment teams process that information and head out to assess the damage. This data will inform assistance efforts.
Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-REDCROSS (800-733-2767). Our teams are ready and available to meet the needs of those impacted by Hurricane Lowell.
Julie Souza and Kamaile Kapanui with volunteer Patricia Patterson.
Hawai'i Red Crosser Sia Shinas brings emergency supplies into an impacted community.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/hawaii or follow us on social media.
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