Hawaii County shifts to damage assessment as Hurricane Nolo moves away

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County is moving into damage assessment mode as Hurricane Nolo tracks away from the island.

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Mayor Kimo Alameda said flooding remains the county’s biggest concern, especially in Kau, where some roads were closed after heavy rain overnight.

“We was concerned about the wind last night, but you know, that seems to have been less of a concern this morning,” Alameda said. “So we’re kind of keeping an eye on some of these conditions. But I think today is more of an assessment, if you will.”

Alameda said communities including Naalehu, Waiohinu and Pahala were among the areas hit by rain and wind — the same communities impacted by Hurricane Lala.

He said three shelters remain open in Naalehu, Pahala and Ocean View; 10 people stayed in them Sunday morning.

County crews are expected to assess conditions in Kau, and shelters have since closed.

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Alameda said residents largely followed warnings to stay off the roads and prepare ahead of the storm.

He said firefighters and National Guard personnel also checked on homes in areas where water began rising overnight and encouraged residents to leave if they felt unsafe.

The county staged generators, water, cots, food and Starlink systems at shelters in case utilities or communications failed.

“We learned a lot from Lala, and that helped ease some anxiety,” Alameda said.

He added that residents and emergency crews are also dealing with storm fatigue after multiple recent weather events.

“We don’t have any control over Mother Nature, but we do have control over how we respond,” Alameda said. “And it’s our job to be the calm in the storm.”

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