Hurricane Recovery Past and Present: Iniki and Lowell

Congressional Visit Highlights Hurricane Recovery

Rep. Tokuda and Capt. Prince discuss hurricane damage and recovery operations at PMRF.

Like much of Kaua‘i, PMRF sustained significant roof and structural damage, downed trees, and equipment impacts from Hurricane Lowell. Base leadership declared an “all clear” on Sept. 9 following initial safety assessments and storm response efforts. As one of the island’s major employers, PMRF remains deeply connected to the local community — especially with most of its over 980 employees residing in West Kaua‘i and navigating similar recovery challenges at home.

On Sept. 10, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, who represents Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District, toured PMRF to see storm-damaged facilities and recovery efforts firsthand. Tokuda met with Sailors, installation personnel, and Capt. Robert Prince, the installation’s commanding officer.

“Rep. Tokuda’s visit provided an important opportunity to highlight the storm’s impacts and the close connection between PMRF and the Kaua‘i community as we recover from Hurricane Lowell,” said Prince. “We rely on many of the same lifelines and critical infrastructure across the island, and our recovery efforts are focused not only on restoring normal operations, but also on strengthening the resilience that supports both mission readiness and community well-being.”

A view of damage to the Kekaha Sugar Company facility.

Remembering Hurricane Iniki

Thirty-four years later, the military’s hurricane response remains a legacy of service, partnership, and aloha.

On Sept. 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki made a devastating impact on Kaua‘i. The Category 4 hurricane brought powerful winds and a storm surge that damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across the island. In the aftermath, the people of Kaua‘i faced the difficult task of rebuilding communities and restoring a sense of normalcy.

Following the issuance of a presidential disaster declaration on Sept. 12, PMRF played a pivotal role in emergency recovery efforts by actively assisting with local debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and logistics. As part of a massive joint military response under Joint Task Force Garden Isle, a major relief supply center was set up at the base, from which goods were sent across Kaua‘i. Working alongside the Hawai‘i National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, and units from across the military services, PMRF and the Navy partnered with state and county agencies, first responders, and island residents to deliver critical food, water, and medical assistance across the island.

Ron Kouchi, now president of the Hawai‘i Senate, was serving on the Kaua‘i County Council when Iniki struck. “With homes destroyed, utility poles down, and communities facing a long recovery, PMRF personnel were there working side by side with the people of Kaua‘i, doing whatever they could to help. I will always remember and appreciate the important role they played in our island’s recovery,” he said.

Navy volunteers repair a building in Waimea.

The recovery from Iniki was a tremendous undertaking, but it also demonstrated the resilience of Kaua‘i and the strength of its partnerships. The combined response reinforced the principle that the military missions of defending the nation and supporting the community are not separate responsibilities.

For PMRF, the lesson of Iniki remains clear: In times of crisis, we remain prepared to support our community and interagency partners, consistent with mission requirements and proper authority.