National Guard outlines storm recovery as response wraps on Oahu, Kauai

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiʻi National Guard (HING) has officially concluded storm response and recovery operations on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu in response to Lala.

Read more Upper Pahala residents freed after roads cleared of Hurricane Lala storm debris

The tropical cyclone passed south of the state last weekend as a hurricane and tropical storm, bringing devastating winds and a deluge of rain to the islands.

At the peak of the storm response, the HING activated as many as 250 soldiers and airmen to provide emergency response and civil support capabilities across the state.

“Our soldiers and airmen answered the call to service, putting community first in support of response and recovery efforts during Tropical Cyclone Lala,” said Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan. “Their commitment to helping neighbors in need, from lifesaving rescues to damage assessments, reflect their dedication to help families begin to recover.”

Active recovery missions remain underway in Hawaiʻi County and Maui County, officials said, as personnel continue to assist local authorities with ongoing relief efforts.

Read more How public adjusters can help navigate Lala-related insurance claims

Rescue operations and damage assessments

Throughout the storm and its aftermath, HING supported state and county emergency management officials with high-water rescues, evacuations, debris clearance, donation deliveries, rapid damage assessments, and aerial reconnaissance.

National Guard liaison officers were also embedded within county Emergency Operations Centers, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and the Honolulu Police Department Joint Operations Center to ensure seamless interagency coordination.

Specific missions and accomplishments of the HING response include:

The HING is also actively monitoring Tropical Storm Moke, which is expected to additional heavy rains to Hawaii Island as it passes south of the state this weekend.

Read more Hurricane Lala knocks out air conditioning, elevators at Hilo hotel

Emergency equipment has been pre-positioned to respond quickly if needed.