Office of the Governor – News Release – Expansion of Closure Order for State, County Offices and Public Schools for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2026
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green today announced that state and county offices, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi State Judiciary facilities on Oʻahu and in Kauaʻi County will be closed Tuesday, September 8, because of the continuing threat and impacts of Hurricane Lowell.
The closures include state offices on Oʻahu and in Kauaʻi County, City and County of Honolulu offices, Kauaʻi County offices, Judiciary facilities on Oʻahu and in Kauaʻi County, as well as public schools and UH campuses on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
Essential government services and emergency operations will continue.
“Hurricane Lowell is bringing dangerous conditions, including the threat of destructive winds, flash flooding and damaging surf,” said Governor Green. “Closing offices and schools will help keep people off the roads, reduce unnecessary travel and allow emergency crews to focus on protecting our communities. Please remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all official emergency instructions.”
The National Weather Service warns that dangerous winds, flash flooding and damaging surf will continue tonight and into Tuesday. A statewide flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday, and dangerous coastal conditions are expected along south- and west-facing shores.
State employees affected by the closures should not report to their normal worksites and will be granted administrative leave, except for:
- 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.
Employees in these categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their department. Employees who are unsure of their status should contact their immediate supervisor or manager.
County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.
State and county offices and public schools in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties are expected to remain open Tuesday unless otherwise announced. Families, students and employees should check the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest school closure and reopening information.
Residents are urged to remain away from shorelines, avoid driving through floodwaters, prepare for power outages and continue monitoring official updates from Ready.Hawaii.gov, county emergency management agencies, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.
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