Tropical Storm Lala moved across Hawaii on Sunday, causing widespread power outages and property damage after earlier passing near the Big Island as a hurricane. According to poweroutageus.com, approximately 219,000 utility customers remained without power statewide as of 12:05 p.m. HST. Hawaii Governor Josh Green reported that at least 100 homes have been damaged, while the National Weather Service confirmed that two homes were swept away by floodwaters.
The storm was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm after its maximum sustained winds dropped to 65 mph, just below the 73 mph hurricane threshold. As of 11:00 a.m. HST on Sunday, the storm was moving west-northwest at 16 mph. State officials reported one death related to a vehicle accident and noted that 117 residents were staying in emergency shelters. Heavy rain led to flash flooding in southern areas, and video from the Hawaii Department of Transportation showed water covering several roadways.
Repair efforts by Hawaiian Electric were delayed on Saturday evening due to fallen trees and flooded roads. While all airports in the state have since reopened, officials advised travelers to verify flight status with their respective airlines. A tropical storm warning remains active for the counties of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai as the system continues to move through the region.
The scale of the disruption extends to the state's transportation and emergency infrastructure. With 117 people in shelters and one reported fatality, the immediate focus remains on life safety and basic needs. While airports have resumed operations, the initial closure and subsequent delays impact both residents and the tourism sector, which is central to the state's economy. The flash flooding described by state officials as historic in the southern regions has rendered some roads impassable, complicating the movement of emergency supplies and utility repair crews.
Future impacts will depend on the speed of utility restoration and the assessment of infrastructure damage. Hawaiian Electric has indicated that environmental conditions, such as toppled trees and standing water, will dictate the pace of repairs. Residents in Maui, Oahu, and Kauai counties remain under a tropical storm warning, meaning they must continue to monitor weather updates and follow local guidance regarding travel and outdoor activities. As of Sunday afternoon, the state had not provided a specific timeline for when power would be fully restored to the remaining 219,000 customers.