Heads up, Kauai residents: if you're planning to hit the DMV or need to deal with property tax issues, you'll want to get that sorted sooner rather than later. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be closing its doors alongside the Real Property Assessment & Collections Section on June 17, as staff undergo training. Normal operations are expected to resume promptly the following day, June 18, according to an announcement on the official Kauai County's website.
For those with pressing vehicle-related needs, the Kapa‘a Satellite DMV remains operational by appointment only, maintaining its regular hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception for state and federally observed holidays. While they're not handling driver’s license transactions at present, a variety of other services are available including motor vehicle transactions, utility payments, bus passes, and tipping coupons.
Meanwhile, the Līhu‘e DMV is more accommodating of walk-ins, although securing an appointment is still highly recommended. They are open during the same hours as their Kapa‘a counterpart, with a special "Kūpuna Hour" from 8 to 8:45 a.m. intended for older citizens. According to Kauai County's press release, walk-ins are accepted at the Līhu‘e DMV up until 2 p.m., post which the doors are closed to additional walk-in customers for the day.
Patrons with appointments at either location are advised they can check in up to 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time and have a grace period of 5 minutes after their appointment to do so. For more details or to schedule an appointment, Kauai.gov/DMV is the place to go.
During the Real Property Assessment & Collections Section downtime, residents still have several options for managing their property tax dealings. Exemption applications can be deposited in the designated drop box outside the Kapule Building at the Līhu‘e Civic Center. Payments can also be submitted online, through the mail, or at the drop box. As per usual, the drop box is available for those who prefer a physical, though contactless, option for their documents. Additional information can be sought by reaching out to the Real Property Assessment Section at 808-241-4224 or via email at [email protected], and the Collections Section can be contacted at 808-241-4272 or [email protected].
