Red Cross Emergency Center on Standby at Kapa'a Middle School for Kona Low

The American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region scrambled to correct the record on March 13 after an initial report the night before stated an emergency center had already opened on Kaua'i in response to the kona low. The Kapa'a Middle School location at 4867 Olohena Road was on standby, not yet open, and volunteers were waiting for a possible 6 p.m. activation tied to coordination with Kaua'i County officials.

"While we remain fully committed to supporting the community, the Kaua'i emergency center at Kapa'a Middle School is not open at this time," interim Communications Director Mimi Teller said in an email. "It is currently on standby for activation at 6 p.m. today, if needed, in coordination with [Kaua'i County] officials."

The original posting, published at 9:14 p.m. on March 12, had said the Red Cross "opened an emergency center on Kaua'i to support any residents affected by the kona low." The correction arrived the following morning at 8:22 a.m., with Teller noting that Red Cross volunteers and partners were working closely with local emergency management to ensure resources would be in place if conditions required the shelter to open later that day.

Had the center activated, residents could have accessed safe shelter, snacks, water, emotional support, disaster health services, mental health support, spiritual care, and information about community resources. Phone charging was also available, and no ID was required to enter. Red Cross emergency centers are described as safe places that act as a hub for help, open to anyone affected by the severe storm.

Residents seeking to find open emergency centers can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or download the free Red Cross Emergency app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The American Red Cross website also lists active shelter locations.