Hawaiʻi requests presidential emergency declaration after Hurricane Lala

Governor Josh Green has signed a formal request for a presidential emergency declaration following the impact of Hurricane Lala on Hawaiʻi. The request seeks federal assistance for Hawaiʻi County, Maui County, and the City and County of Honolulu to support recovery efforts and maintain essential services.

Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm, did not make an official landfall but delivered extreme precipitation across the islands. The University of Hawaiʻi reported that the storm dumped approximately 1.3 trillion gallons of water, the equivalent of nearly two million Olympic-sized pools. Hawaiʻi County received the largest portion of this rainfall, with some areas recording daily maximums of 32.1 inches.

The torrential rains triggered severe flooding, landslides, and mudslides, causing significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Initial reports indicate hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed, particularly in the rural Kaʻū District. Thousands of residents remain without power as the state prepares for the approach of Tropical Storm Moke.