A preliminary Kauaʻi Community College student impact survey shows Hurricane Lowell affected 80% of students’ ability to participate in classes or complete coursework. Many are struggling to prioritize education while addressing basic needs, home damage, caregiving, emotional exhaustion, utility disruptions and financial strain.
To support students, faculty and staff, Kauaʻi CC hosted a hurricane recovery event on Wednesday. Dominos Pizza donated 50 pizzas for attendees, who connected with campus and community resources, including Kauaʻi United Way and Catholic Charities. Students also received assistance applying for emergency aid, connected with mental health counselors from Kapiʻolani Community College and Honolulu Community College, and had an opportunity to visit the college’s new sensory room.
- Donate to support impacted Kauaʻi CC students.
- The college has developed an online resource guide for students, faculty, staff and the community, which is being updated regularly.
A week or more without electricity
Second-year nursing student Stephanie Cram, a single mother, spent a week without electricity while her daughter’s daycare was closed.
“For me, the biggest challenge was adapting to continuing my education while not having power for a whole week,” Cram said. “We had an exam scheduled for the Monday of the week we returned back to school, and I had no way to study, and my daughter’s daycare closed because they didn’t have power. Navigating through having fewer resources, like not having a fridge and worrying about school, caused me a lot of stress and anxiety.”
Classmate Kelsea Carrasco went nine days without power in Hanalei. Cram brought her a generator, gas, water and Starlink internet.
“It was a big deal for us to have somebody that I’ve only known for a few months reach out and be so generous,” Carrasco said.
She added, “The most amazing thing that came out of it was the community aspect. Our neighbors checked on us every day and brought water, food and ice.”
Immediate support
Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez said the recovery event was designed to provide immediate support while the college continues gathering information about the storm’s impact on students.
“Instructors have been very flexible in supporting our students academically, but we’re also supporting our students with their basic needs and meeting them where they are,” Sanchez said. “We’re really lucky that we have our Hale Mālama program on our campus, which provides students with wraparound services, mental health counseling, and a campus food and goods pantry.”
Kauaʻi CC provided students with a hot lunch on the first day back on campus as well as during the recovery resource event. Additional hot meals are being planned. Staff and faculty are also assisting maintenance crews with the continued clean-up efforts on campus.
—By Caitlin B. Fowlkes
