HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Emergency management officials have designated several hurricane refuge areas across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi as Hurricane Lowell approaches the state, offering residents a safe place to seek shelter if their homes are not secure.
Refuge areas and evacuation options
The county, in partnership with the American Red Cross, opened the following refuge areas ahead of Hurricane Lowell:
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center located at 2460 Keneke Street in Kīlauea;
- Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa;
- Kauaʻi High School Gym located at 3577 Lala Road in Līhuʻe;
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo;
- Waimea Canyon Middle School located at 9555 Huakai Road in Waimea.
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.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas…