Hawaii County damage from Lala nears $50M as Moke approaches

News admin August 23, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii County damage from Lala nears $50M as Moke approaches

HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County is still recovering from Hurricane Lala as officials prepare for another round of heavy rain from Tropical Storm Moke.

Mayor Kimo Alameda said Saturday morning that the county is in preparation mode as Moke tracks south of the island.

“It doesn’t look as strong as Lala, but you never know how it all plays out,” Alameda said.

One of the biggest concerns is the already saturated ground, especially in Kau, where Alameda said some areas received up to 35 inches of rain during Lala.

“We’re very sensitive, hypersensitive in fact right now to rain,” Alameda said. “We encourage folks to get out of the areas that are flooded.”

The mayor said at least 100 homes in the Kaʻū area were damaged during Lala, while hundreds of property damage reports continue to come in.

He estimated the cost of property damage is already approaching $50 million.

“We have made a request to the governor for some upfront funds to help us with equipment, construction costs,” Alameda said.

The county is also dealing with costs related to disturbed cemetery remains.

Recovery efforts are continuing across the island. Alameda said roughly 65,000 homes were without power during Lala, but that number has since dropped to fewer than 10,000.

Restoring power has also helped restore water service in many areas where homes rely on catchment systems and electric pumps.

In Naalehu and Waiʻōhinu, water is available but residents are still being advised to boil it before drinking.

County crews are also working around the clock to clear flood channels and culverts ahead of Moke.

“Take care of your neighbors, call those who are living by themselves, the kupuna especially, the most vulnerable,” he said. “If we can continue to do that like we did with this past storm, we’ll get through this.”