Hurricane Preparedness in Kauai County, HI (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Kauai County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Hurricane Shutters
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), Building Code Section 1609.2 requires opening protection against wind-borne debris in designated wind zones: glazing near grade must pass ASTM E1996's large-missile test, garage doors must meet ANSI/DASMA 115 impact standards, and homes up to 33 feet of mean roof height may use 7/16-inch wood panels sized for the local wind zone instead of impact glass.
Kaua'i Hurricane Shutter and Opening Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2(21) (IBC § 1609.2, Appendix W § W105)
1609.2 Protection of openings. ... In wind-borne debris regions, glazing in buildings shall be impact resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering meeting the requirements of an approved impact-resistant standard or ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886 referenced herein as follows: 1. Glazed openings located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of grade shall meet the requirements of the large missile tes...
Roof Standards
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), conventional light-frame buildings must meet County Code Section R328, added by Building Code Section 12-2.3(43), which requires continuous uplift-tie straps from the roof down to the foundation. Roof-to-wall ties, ridge ties, sheathing and covering all have numeric standards, and the Public Works Building Division checks them at permit and framing inspection before any roof is closed in.
Kaua'i Roof-to-Wall Hurricane Tie-Down Standards
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.3(43) (IRC § R328.2, R328.5.6, R328.5.7, R328.5.11)
R328.2 Scope. This section applies to regular shape buildings, which have a roof structural member spanning 32 feet (9.75 m) or less, are not more than three stories in height and are of conventional light-frame construction. ... R328.5.6 Roof-members-to-wall tie. Tie straps shall be provided from the side of the roof-framing member to the exterior studs, posts or other supporting members below...
Flood Elevation
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), Building Code Appendix U, Section 430, sets hurricane-specific flood elevation criteria for state- and county-owned high-occupancy buildings meant to shelter people through a Category 3 hurricane: floor slabs must clear the base flood elevation by 1.5 feet, and any elevated first floor in a V or Coastal A zone must clear it by 2 feet.
Kaua'i Hurricane Shelter Flood Elevation Standards
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2(66) (IBC Appendix U, § 430.3.1)
430.3.1 Flood zones. Comply with ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and construction, based on provisions for Risk Category III. 1. Floor slab on grade shall be 1.5 foot above the base flood elevation of the county's flood hazard map, or a higher elevation as determined by a modeling methodology that predicts the maximum envelope and depth of inundation including the combined effects of storm s...
Storm Debris
After the Governor or the President declares a disaster and funding is authorized, Kaua'i County's Engineer can run special source-separated debris collection in hit neighborhoods under § 21-2.4. Residents must sort greenwaste, scrap metal and construction debris into separate piles at the roadside on announced pickup dates, and keep debris away from utility poles, water meters and mailboxes.
Kaua'i County Storm Debris Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code §§ 21-2.4, 21-5.6
§ 21-2.4. Procedures Following Natural Disasters. ... Following a natural disaster declared by the Governor of the State of Hawai'i or the President of the United States, and upon authorization of emergency funding, the County Engineer may authorize collection of source-separated debris in residential areas. ... Disaster debris shall be separated into the following categories and placed in disc...
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