Hurricane Lowell revealed a significant flaw in Hawaii’s emergency communication systems, particularly on Kauaʻi, where radio stations faced power outages that hindered their ability to deliver vital updates and warnings to the public. Without electricity or internet access, many residents were left without crucial information about road conditions, available food and aid, and the status of public services. Gary Hooser, a former state senator, described feeling cut off from the outside world for 24 hours, emphasizing how critical radio remains as a communication tool during emergencies. Kauaʻi’s two main emergency radio stations, KONG FM 93.5 and Kauaʻi Community Radio station (KKCR), both experienced power issues due to the storm. KKCR, which operates on a low-powered frequency, 90.9, could only reach parts of the island, while KONG temporarily went off the air before resuming broadcasts. KKCR, an independent, non-commercial station founded after Hurricane Iniki in 1992, relies on a diesel generator for its 90.9 broadcasts but lacks backup generators at other transmitter sites. Its executive director, Anni Caporuscio, noted the station’s ongoing underfunding, though it recently regained internet access through a donated Starlink satellite from the Lahui Foundation. The challenges faced during Hurricane Lowell contrast with the response during Hurricane Iniki in 1992, when local radio personality Ron Wiley kept KONG-FM on the air using generator power. However, three days after Lowell, Chuck Bergson, president and CEO of Pacific Media Group Inc., could not be reached for comment. Similar issues arose on Maui during the Kona lows in March, when high winds disrupted an antenna on a broadcasting tower at Haleakalā, cutting off FM signals. Crews were unable to reach the summit for repairs due to heavy rain and rockslides. The station continued streaming online and broadcasting over AM frequencies but still needs a new backup generator for its studio in Kahului. Darryl Oliveira, acting administrator for Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, stressed the importance of radio as the backbone of emergency communication, noting that it is less vulnerable to weather disruptions than social media or email. He called for a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s radio infrastructure, including backup power and improved transmission systems. Chris Leonard, president of New West Broadcasting Corp., highlighted the reliability of radio during disasters and noted past discussions about backup generators after the 2006 Kīholo earthquake. However, many stations still lack backup power due to the high cost of generators, and Leonard urged policymakers to address these infrastructure gaps. Oliveira suggested upgrading aging generators with more fuel-efficient models, incorporating solar panels and batteries, and reinforcing radio facilities. He also pointed out that generators installed on the Big Island two decades ago may need replacement. Leonard warned that current systems may not be sufficient to withstand more powerful storms. Nationally, the status of radio stations during emergencies is a growing concern, as independent and public radio stations face financial strain and reduced federal funding aimed at improving emergency communication. KKCR reported a yearly budget deficit of $83,000 due to the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and while Congress allocated $136 million to FEMA for a next-generation warning system, the distribution of funds has been delayed.