Hawaiʻi County Urges Residents to Prepare Before Onset of Tropical Storm Lala Cancellations and Shelters Announced as Storm Strengthens

Hawaiʻi County Urges Residents to Prepare Before Onset of Tropical Storm Lala
Cancellations and Shelters Announced as Storm Strengthens

The County of Hawai‘i urges residents to complete their preparations for the arrival of Tropical Storm Lala, which could produce hazardous weather conditions, including damaging wind and flooding rain, as early as Friday evening.

Lala is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength as it approaches Hawaiʻi Island. Tropical-storm-force winds (39 to 73 mph) are possible across the island, with the greatest wind threat expected over southern areas. The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for Hawaiʻi Island due to the possibility of dangerous and damaging winds.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 5-10 inches are expected but some areas could see as much as 25 inches from this storm. Peak impacts are expected on Saturday with hazardous conditions continuing through Sunday.

“This is a quickly evolving situation and we urge our residents to act now to prepare for the storm by checking your emergency supplies, securing your property, and contacting neighbors who may need assistance,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Readiness requires all of us, and with a storm this close, a slight change in its track can greatly enhance rain and wind hazards across the island. We encourage everyone to stay safe, stay connected and be prepared to hunker down and stay home during severe weather.”

Shelters

The County will be opening shelters as of 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at the locations below. Bring your own food, water, and any necessary medicine.

Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaʻau.

Waikoloa Elementary School cafeteria, 68-1730 Hoʻoko St., Waikoloa.

Kahilu Theater, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea

Honokaʻa Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa.

Laupāhoehoe Public Charter School Band Room, 35-2605 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupāhoehoe.

Waiākea High School Gym, 155 W. Kawili St., Hilo

Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.

Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-2910 Kauhale St., Pāhoa.

Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.

Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.

Kealakehe High School Gym, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona.

Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.

County Closures and Facility Impacts

Camping permits are cancelled for Friday night and Saturday night.

All solid waste facilities, including transfer stations, are closed on Saturday.

Event Cancellations

The following events sponsored by the County or hosted at County facilities have been cancelled due to the storm:

Hawaiʻi Island Agrifood Summit in Honokaʻa and Waimea.

Hulu Street Evacuation Drill in Waikoloa.

Island Showdown at Hilo Drag Strip. (Cancelled for Saturday, Aug. 15).

Bus Service

Hele-On Kako‘o Paratransit Services will end at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

All fixed route Hele-On buses and Paratransit services will be cancelled on Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16.

Fixed route cancellations and modifications for Friday, Aug. 14 can be viewed at https://twitter.com/heleonbus or by calling 808-961-8744 ext. 1.

General Safety Information

Know the areas that are prone to flooding, especially near your home, and use extra caution around them. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not raining where you are.

Be prepared for road closures and extended power outages.

Never try to cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and its potential hazards.

Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate the area, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household (including pets) if you need to leave in a hurry.

Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that may block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.

Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.

Sandbags can be requested by contacting the Department of Public Works at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8349. For after-hours requests, contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031. Sandpile locations can be found here. https://hawaiicountygis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/2973ff89d5a34df181a80aeb2e58e94d