Civil Defense message for Tuesday 08-18-2026 at 15:29:09
This is a Civil Defense message for Tuesday 08-18-2026 at 15:29:09.
Thank you for your patience as the County and our partners continue to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Lala.
Updates for today:
Public Safety: Fire, Police, and National guard personnel continue to conduct welfare and accountability checks in affected areas. This will continue until everyone is accounted for.
Infrastructure:
HECO, Public Works, Water Supply, and State Highways continue with emergency repairs and debris removal.
HECO expects to restore power to 95% of customers by Friday.
Water has been restored to Pahala; as a precaution residents are asked to boil the water before use. Water is available in Naalehu on Highway11 across from Ace Hardware .
A task force is using all available resources to take care of the remains from Waiohinu and Naalehu Cemeteries, all cultural protocols will be observed during this process.
Department of Education reports that all schools will open on Wednesday with the exception of Naalehu Elementary and all three schools in Pahala.
Social Services: Points of Distribution (aka PODs) will be distributing food and water and will have Medical Reserve Corps personnel to treat minor injuries.
POD Locations opening at 3:00 pm include: Billy Kenoi Park in Pahoa, Hawaiian Acres 16-1325 Moho Rd., Fern Acres at 11-3606 Lehua St.
POD Locations opening at 5:00 pm include: Fern Forrest at 11-2864 Ala Kapena, Cooper Center in Volcano, The Community Center in Pepeekeo, Paauilo at 43-1355 Mamalahoa Hwy, Hamakua Youth Center in Honokaa, and the Kailapa Community Association.
Initial damage assessments began today and will continue tomorrow. You can submit a damage report on the Civil Defense Website or by calling Civil Defense at 935-0031.
Again, thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to address the impacts from Hurricane Lala.
This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
