Tropical Storm Lala moved away from the Hawaiian islands Monday after causing widespread power outages, flash flooding, and significant property damage. The storm, which reached Category 1 hurricane strength on Saturday, brought heavy rainfall and wind gusts across the region before its final rain bands departed Kauai early Monday.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala made its closest approach to the Big Island at approximately 5 p.m. local time Saturday, passing within 30 miles of the southern coast. Meteorologists noted that the storm maintained its strength due to warmer-than-average ocean temperatures linked to a marine heat wave and a developing Super El Niño. Hawaii Governor Josh Green reported that while one death occurred during the storm, officials have not yet determined if it was directly related to the weather event.
On the Big Island, more than 100 homes were damaged or destroyed, including at least two residences in the Kaʻū area that were swept off their foundations by floodwaters. The storm delivered over 3.5 feet of rain to the Big Island's mountains and up to 2 feet on Maui. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda reported that six bridges in the Kaʻū area were destroyed or nearly destroyed, while a portion of Highway 11 in Pāhala collapsed, isolating approximately 2,500 residents from the region’s primary hospital.
The scale of the damage includes more than 100 households that have lost their primary dwellings on the Big Island alone. In Honolulu County, the impact was felt through approximately 160 ocean rescues performed by emergency crews and reports of more than 30 roofs being blown off buildings. The state has also issued a "brown water advisory," warning residents that contaminated stormwater may have entered coastal waters and streams, potentially affecting public health and local ecosystems.
For those currently cleaning up debris, emergency management officials warn of ongoing hazards such as downed power lines and the risks associated with operating heavy machinery or generators. The long-term recovery will involve the reconstruction of six bridges and the Pāhala Highway, which Gov. Green noted was damaged by a massive landslide and the breaching of a rock wall by the Pa’au’au Stream. Utility company Hawaiian Electric is currently prioritizing the repair of main transmission lines on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, though specific completion dates for all customers have not been reported.