hawaiinewsnow.com · HNN Staff · September 8, 2026
Oahu public schools, state and city offices to reopen Wednesday after Hurricane Lowell passes | Hawaii News Now
# Oahu public schools, state and city offices to reopen Wednesday after Hurricane Lowell passes
Oahu remains under a tropical storm warning with Lowell, currently a category two hurricane, expected to pass just west of the islands.
By HNN Staff
Published: Sep. 7, 2026 at 6:13 PM HST| Updated: 18 minutes ago
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - All non-essential offices, public schools and University of Hawaii campuses and Judiciary facilities on Oahu will reopen Wednesday as Hurricane Lowell moves away from the state.
The state said all public schools on Oahu, Maui County and on Hawaii Island will reopen Wednesday, including the four West Maui schools that were closed Tuesday because of unsafe travel conditions.
Gov. Josh Green closed the state Monday in anticipation of impacts from Lowell as it passed over the state Monday evening.
As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, Lowell was 230 miles north-northwest of Lihue and was moving to the north at 15 miles per hour.
“Conditions have improved enough for Oahu to fully reopen Wednesday, but Kauai continues to face significant impacts from Hurricane Lowell,” Green said. “Keeping offices and schools closed in Kauai County will give utility, public works and emergency crews the space they need to safely restore power, clear debris and support affected communities. Mahalo to everyone working around the clock on the recovery.”
Oahu State employees should report to their normal worksites or follow their departments’ regular telework schedules Wednesday unless otherwise directed by their supervisors.
## Kauai closures to continue
State officials said all public schools on Kauai and Niihau High & Elementary School will remain closed to students through Friday. Families, students and employees should check the Hawaii State Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest school closure and reopening information.
The state said officials will assess conditions throughout the week and determine whether facilities in Kauai County can safely reopen the following week. Reopening depends on the progress of restoring power, clearing roads and debris and ensuring facilities are safe and accessible.
State employees in Kauai County will continue to receive administrative leave through Friday, except:
- Departmental disaster and emergency coordinators; - Disaster response workers; - Employees whose work involves essential operations or services, including hospital, correctional, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service workers; and - Employees assigned to remote work.
The state said employees in these categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their departments. Employees who are unsure of their status should contact their supervisor or manager.
County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.
Essential government services and emergency operations will continue in Kauai County throughout the closure.
The state reminds the public to avoid downed power lines, damaged roads, debris and other post-storm hazards. Families, students and employees are encouraged to monitor official agency websites at ready.hawaii.gov and social media channels for updates.
Kauai residents are being urged to document and report residential and business property damage in the wake of Hurricane Lowell.
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