Recovery Update on Tropical Cyclone Lala and Tropical Storm Moke

Governor Green, Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda and Adj. Gen. Maj. Gen Logan conducting damage assessments on Hawai‘i Island.

Tropical Cyclone Lala brought intense flooding and strong winds to the islands last month, leaving behind significant damage throughout the state. Luckily were were spared further damage from Tropical Storm Moke, which passed further away from us with only some additional rainfall.

Approximately 690 homes and structures were damaged, including many belonging to residents still recovering from earlier disasters such as the March Kona Low storms and the 6.0-magnitude earthquake. Human remains and iwi uncovered by flooding require specialized care and cultural sensitivity to ensure proper identification and return, underscoring the importance of a coordinated and compassionate recovery effort.

As we begin to recover from Tropical Cyclone Lala, the state of Hawai‘i continues to prepare for any additional potential storms that may come our way due to the super El Niño hurricane season. Here are some of the things the departments have been doing to keep our people safe and prepared:

Aerial view of the damage in Ka‘ū, Hawai‘i Island.

Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation ahead of the storms to position state resources and enable the NationalGuard and other teams to respond quickly, if needed. He also requested and received a presidential disaster declaration to support recovery efforts in Kaʻū and address impacts at Nāʻālehu Cemetery.

Governor Green and Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan launched Operation TREK808, bringing together the Pacific Air Forces, the Hawai‘i National Guard, Southern California Edison and Hawaiian Electric, to accelerate power grid restoration on Hawai‘i Island. Military and civilian teams worked together to deliver 143,790 pounds of critical utility equipment and vehicles from California to Hilo on two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

At its peak, the Hawai‘i National Guard (HING) had more than 240 personnel continuing recovery efforts by clearing debris, conducting search-and-rescue operations, extracting and identifying remains, conducting wellness checks, performing rapid damage assessments and coordinating the transportation of additional recovery equipment. While efforts have concluded on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, HING continues to support Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.

Governor Green visiting Nā‘alehu Elementary School for damage assessment.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continues to clear streams and repair damaged roads. As of late August, Kaʻalaea, Kaukonahua, Waiawa and Waiāhole Streams have been cleared. In preparation for Moke, drains and culverts were cleared, along with the filters for drains on construction sites. Staff were also on standby for the storm.

The Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) has been providing free boxes of nonperishable meal to support children and families in Kaʻū communities in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu and Ocean View. For those 18 and under, the meal is free. Each meal box will contain five breakfasts and five lunches that

meet school meal nutritional standards. Plans are currently being developed to support learning while campus and community recovery efforts continue.

The Department of Accounting and General Services is working with the HIDOE to restore school facilities at Naʻālehu Elementary School, Kaʻū High School and Pāhala Elementary School as timely as possible. Classes at Kaʻū and Pāhala Elementary were to resume Monday, August 31.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources warned the public that hazards from recent storms may still pose safety risks, such as flooding, rockfalls, landslides and unstable vegetation. Anticipated impacts of hazardous weather conditions included rising stream levels, flash flooding, falling trees and branches, storm surge and high surf.

The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Agricultural Development Corporation have been monitoring the Wahiawā Reservoir water levels and dam structures. An AquaDam was installed to increase the spillway capacity by 1.5 to 2 feet. Water levels were intentionally lowered in preparation for Tropical Storm Moke by doing controlled releases of 85 million gallons daily.

Governor Green visiting former patients and nurses at Ka‘ū Hospital on Hawai‘i Island while doing his damage assessment tour.

The Department of Health (DOH) was operating statewide with aircraft and transit on standby. Mental health clinics were opened across Hawai‘i Island. The department was also keeping close watch on infectious disease threats from the aftermath of the storms. Funded by the DOH, The Parent Line is supporting families by replacing essential baby items affected by Tropical Cyclone Lala, such as car seats, breast pumps and cribs.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has been assisting residents with temporary housing and SNAP replacement benefits. Statements for SNAP replacement benefits may be submitted to any DHS Processing Center statewide, except the Kaʻū–Nāʻālehu and Kohala offices, which remain closed.

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency worked around the clock to ensure the timely release of hurricane preparedness information, storm updates, warnings and post-storm safety tips. The department also assisted with temporary housing for residents who were affected by the recent storms.

The Department of Taxation is waiving penalties from August 20, 2026, to October 20, 2026, for residents who were impacted by Tropical Cyclone Lala.

For more information on available resources or to get help, call United Way at 211 or visit ready.hawaii.gov.

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