School closures: 2 on Hawaii Island closed following Lala storm damage

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two Hawaiʻi Island public schools will close this week as officials assess campus damage and hazardous road conditions left behind by Storm Lala.

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The closures come after Lala passes south of the island chain this weekend as a hurricane and tropical storm, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain that impacted local homes, communities, and campus infrastructure.

Assessing campus damage

Nāʻālehu Elementary School is scheduled to remain closed to both students and staff from Monday, Aug. 17, through Thursday, Aug. 20.

Department of Education officials cited storm-related impacts to classrooms and campus facilities, as well as nearby road closures that prevent safe access to the school.

All public schools statewide are already scheduled to be closed on Friday, Aug. 21, in observance of Statehood Day.

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Meanwhile, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School will close on Monday, Aug. 17, while assessment teams inspect campus conditions and local roadway accessibility.

State education officials said the safety of students and staff remains the department’s top priority, acknowledging that many local families and employees continue to face storm-related disruptions in their homes.

Families at both affected schools will receive direct updates regarding instructional plans and eventual reopening timelines as assessments continue.

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