Impact and Recovery Efforts Following Tropical Storm Lala in Hawaii

Thousands of residents were left without electricity after Tropical Storm Lala uprooted trees and caused severe disruptions in Hawaii. The storm affected areas from downtown Honolulu to the Big Island, particularly isolating remote communities in the Big Island’s southern region.

In Naalehu, the storm caused one fatality. A woman who had been missing was found deceased on Monday. For communities in the southern part of the Big Island, roads were blocked by debris, cutting off communication and access. Flooding disturbed some grave sites.

Lala downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm on Sunday, unleashing intense rainfall and floods as it bypassed Hawaii’s main islands without making landfall. However, the storm is still expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday as it moves westward, away from land.

Statewide, public schools, some private schools, and state offices were shut on Monday. On the Big Island, schools and county offices will remain closed through Tuesday, with cleanup efforts underway. Crews are actively repairing bridges and removing fallen trees. State officials encouraged drivers to seek alternate routes.

Hawaiian Electric reported about 104,000 power outages as a result of the storm’s strong winds, which knocked down trees, utility poles, and transmission towers. The Big Island’s power transmission system experienced severe damage, according to the utility company.

The 911 emergency number was temporarily out of service on the Big Island but was restored by the afternoon, the Hawaii Police Department reported. State Rep. Jeanné Kapela described the Kau district as being in disarray, with communities like Punaluu, known for its black-sand beach, trapped because of road collapses and blockages.

Kapela emphasized the need for satellite internet connections in areas without power and cellular service. She highlighted the vulnerability of Hawaii’s southernmost point, often overshadowed by more known destinations like Lahaina and Waikiki.

Governor Josh Green expressed optimism for regaining accessibility to the affected areas within days. He asked for respect for the sacred ancestral skeletal remains, or iwi kupuna, disturbed by the storm.

Reports indicated that around 100 homes were washed away on the Big Island. Authorities advised residents to avoid ocean waters appearing brown or murky. While there were no coastal warning advisories on Monday, life-threatening surf and rip conditions persisted, the National Hurricane Center noted. Although the threat from winds had diminished, heavy rainfall left some risk of landslides, said National Weather Service meteorologist Patrick Blood.

Laupahoehoe, on the Big Island’s northeast coast, received a recorded 43.54 inches of rain. The highest wind speeds occurred at Mauna Kea, reaching 140 mph. Across the islands, people encountered 30 to 40 mph winds, with gusts up to 60 mph.

Federal assistance for recovery has been pledged. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz discussed with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy the necessity for federal support in clearing debris and repairing damaged roads.