Following the devastating landfall of Hurricane Lowell late Monday night, Sept. 7, 2026, the Hawaiʻi National Guard (HING) was ready to respond. Within the critical first 48 hours of the disaster, the Guard executed life-saving search and rescue missions, started clearing storm-battered roadways, and is assisting with restoring emergency power to critical medical infrastructure.
The initial impact of Hurricane Lowell unleashed hazards across the Hawaiian Islands, with Kauaʻi bearing the brunt of the storm's destructive forces. Torrential rainfall and localized flooding saturated the soil, while sustained winds and violent gusts brought down thousands of trees, utility poles and live electrical lines. This widespread devastation crippled the island's electrical grid, leaving more than 90 percent of the island without power. The destruction of the power distribution network had cascading impacts on critical municipal services, degrading water pumping and treatment facilities. Main roadways are choked with storm debris and fallen trees.
"People are really struggling. Keep them in your prayers," said Gov. Josh Green. "We’re going to care for people the best way we can as we build our infrastructure back. There’s a lot of damage on Kauaʻi and it’s going to take quite some time to get back to normal."
Day 1: Sept. 8, 2026 Lifesaving Operations
During the first 24 hours of response on Sept. 8, 2026, state emergency officials launched immediate planning to send additional critical personnel and heavy equipment to Kauaʻi. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Oʻahu deployed to Kauaʻi and conducted three critical missions.
On their first mission, the aircrews transported Transportation Security Administration personnel to the Līhuʻe Airport to facilitate it’s reopening later that afternoon, securing a vital aerial lifeline for subsequent relief. The aircrews then conducted a second mission, executing detailed aerial damage assessments in coordination with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative officials. On their third mission, the aircrews conducted an aerial search of Kauaʻi, scanning the storm-swept terrain for signs of distressed individuals.
On Maui, Task Force Maui worked with Maui Emergency Management Agency to send High Water Vehicle Teams to the flooded Honoapiʻilani Highway in Olowalu area. Guard members transported four civilians over the inundated roadway and utilized a heavy wrecker to recover a local ambulance stuck in a roadside ditch.
Day 2: Sept. 9, 2026 – Surge to Kauaʻi
The overall response shifted its primary focus to Kauaʻi. On the ground, Task Force Kauaʻi operated with 77 personnel including an integrated search and extraction team from the 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package. The search and extraction teams divided their operations to maximize coverage, with one team integrating directly with the Kauaʻi Fire Department to launch a land-based search and rescue mission in Hanapēpē for a missing civilian, while Team Two conducted wide-area searches and damage assessments in Kōloa and Poʻipū.
In Kīlauea, HING personnel established a bulk water distribution station, utilizing potable water trailers to deliver 800 gallons of clean water to 275 residents in the first day of operation.
Gov. Josh Green and the Adjutant General Maj. Gen.Stephen Logan visited the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency Emergency (KEMA) Operations Center and drove around Kauaʻi to inspect the damage firsthand. Along with Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami, they visited Hoʻona Road, where the storm surge damaged houses and the Kilauea Neighborhood center which is currently serving as a shelter, to speak with residents and listen to their concerns.
Day 3: Sept. 10, 2026 – Critical Infrastructure Support
Task Force Kauaʻi was further reinforced by personnel and essential equipment surged from the neighboring islands. The Task Force is working several missions including damage assessments, debris clearance and supporting critical infrastructure restoration.
As the recovery efforts continue to expand and the full extent of the storm's damage becomes clearer, the KEMA is generating additional requests for assistance to meet the evolving needs of the county. In response to these incoming taskings, the HING is actively postured and fully prepared to scale its operations to support local partners.
"When a disaster of this scale strikes our islands, it impacts our Families, our friends and our neighbors," said Logan. “As local citizens, our Soldiers and Airmen possess a deep, personal dedication to the communities they serve. While we focus on our mission to defend this nation, we also train extensively for these exact scenarios. Our rapid mobilization and immediate mission capable capacity to support Kauaʻi on the first day, is a testament to that high state of readiness."