Hawaii Guard Concludes Hurricane Recovery Operations

Hawaii Guard Concludes Hurricane Recovery Operations

By Rachel Blaire, Hawaii National Guard

OAHU, Hawaii - The Hawaii National Guard has officially concluded its disaster response and recovery support operations on Kauai, ending weeks of missions following the destructive near-landfall of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hawaii National Guard mobilized more than 300 personnel statewide to support emergency operations when Hurricane Lowell brought Category 2-strength winds and severe storm surges to the state. In the immediate aftermath, which brought widespread power outages and flooding, the Guard rapidly mobilized assets to help affected communities on Kauai.

"During our response to Hurricane Lowell, the men and women of the Hawaii National Guard stood shoulder to shoulder with our community," said Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami. "When fire broke out at the Kapule Building, they ran toward it and helped protect our civic center at a time when we could not afford another loss. Day after day, they staffed our temporary green waste sites so families could clear their yards and start putting their lives back together. But what our people will remember most is that they were here, in our neighborhoods, ready to help wherever they were needed."

The morning after the storm hit, the 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package integrated directly with the Kauai Fire Department to conduct wide-area searches for missing civilians in Hanapepe, while simultaneously carrying out assessments throughout Koloa and Poipu.

Guard aircrews airlifted 11 Transportation Security Administration personnel to Lihue Airport aboard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, enabling the reopening of Kauai's primary aviation gateway.

To restore ground mobility, Hawaii National Guard sawyer crews mobilized across the island to clear transportation routes choked with debris and uprooted trees. Guard personnel also established traffic control points and conducted roadway flagging operations in active recovery zones to ensure vehicles could pass safely through damaged areas.

During the early phase of the recovery, aircrews executed a vital medical evacuation, transporting eight dialysis patients and three caregivers from Kauai to Oahu aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. To support other on-island patients, Guard members sourced and installed an emergency backup generator to restore power for a dialysis center in Lihue, supporting an additional 75 patients.

"Assisting with providing power to the Kauai dialysis center truly hit home for me. I have family members who currently receive dialysis treatment," said Master Sgt. Patrick Morales, 154th Civil Engineering Squadron. "As part of the generator team with the Hawaii Air National Guard, I am proud to use my skills in service to the people of Hawaii."

As recovery progressed, the Guard shifted its focus to sustaining local communities and supporting critical infrastructure. Guard personnel sent to key food distribution points helped local volunteers hand out food and critical supplies. In total, recovery operations distributed 2,045 meals, 2,150 gallons of bulk water and 243 cases of bottled water to residents.

The Hawaii National Guard also provided crucial assistance to the Kauai Humane Society. After the shelter's primary generator failed, leaving more than 450 displaced and local animals vulnerable, the Guard provided a temporary backup generator to keep the facility powered while crews completed permanent repairs.

Working closely with the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, or HIEMA, and county authorities, Soldiers and Airmen successfully transitioned all remaining recovery duties back to the county because power, water and essential infrastructure across Kauai are mostly restored.

"Mahalo nui loa to Governor Green for sending help without hesitation, to Maj. Gen. Logan for his leadership and steady partnership, and to our friends at HIEMA who worked alongside our team every step of the way," Kawakami said. "Most of all, mahalo to every Guard member who put their own recovery on hold to care for their neighbors. Kauai will not forget it."

While Kauai was the primary focus of recovery after Hurricane Lowell, the Hawaii National Guard maintained a coordinated, statewide presence to address threats from Hurricane Nolo during recovery operations.

In Maui County, which faced flooded stretches on the Honoapiilani Highway from Hurricane Lowell's storm surge, Task Force Maui used its High-Wheeled Vehicle Teams to safely transport four patients through the flooded areas and recover one local emergency ambulance stuck in a roadside ditch.

In Hawaii County, Hawaii National Guard personnel are continuing their third month of supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala. In Naalehu, Guard Soldiers and Airmen are providing cemetery support, working closely with local officials to clear storm debris from the affected area.

The Hawaii National Guard remains ready to sustain operations during an exceptionally active Pacific hurricane season. By conducting pre-season training and equipment checks and maintaining direct communication with county and state disaster response partners during the season, the Guard ensures it can respond to any subsequent weather systems threatening our island chain.

"Our commitment to the safety of Hawaii does not end when a storm retreats," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard. "Even as we stand down our recovery teams on Kauai, our eyes are fixed on the horizon. We remain in a constant state of vigilance, ready to deploy our Soldiers, Airmen and tactical assets to protect our ohana from whatever disaster may come next."