Hawaiʻi Island mid-day update: Lala reaches hurricane strength, Hazardous weather conditions increasing

Peak impacts from Lala, now a Category 1 hurricane, will arrive this afternoon and evening. Residents and visitors to Hawaiʻi Island should seek safe shelter and are urged to stay off the roadways due to risks of life-threatening flooding and damaging winds islandwide.

As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Lala was located 65 miles south-southeast of South Point with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

For Hawaiʻi Island, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hurricane Warning, meaning hurricane force winds (over 74 mph) are expected, as well as a Flood Watch, through Saturday night. A high surf warning for east-facing shores remains in effect through Sunday morning. 

Throughout the hurricane, windward areas could see rain accumulations of as much as 15-20 inches, with the possibility of some isolated areas exceeding 30 inches. Leeward areas also face a significant flood risk, according to NWS. 

As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, the hurricane has produced heavy rainfall across large areas of the island and wind gusts near 80 mph in South Kohala. Widespread power outages have been reported, and multiple road closures have occurred.

“We are receiving reports of downed trees and road closures across the island, and hazardous weather conditions will continue to intensify today,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “While road crews are working hard to clear debris as conditions allow, we need all residents and visitors to heed all warnings, move into safe shelter, and stay off the roadways. For your safety, and the safety of our first responders, we urge our community to continue to hunker down until this hurricane passes.” 

Road Closures (as of 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15)

• Highway 250: both lanes closed between mile markers 1 and 19.
• Highway 19: both lanes closed at mile marker 53.7.
• Highway 11: both lanes closed between mile markers 57 and 62.
• Highway 11: both lanes closed between mile markers 66 and 68.
• North Kulani Road.
• Government Beach Road from Hawaiians Shores to Waa Waa Road (residents only).
• Haao Springs Road.
• Kaʻalaiki Road (Cane Haul Road). 
• East Kawailani Street between Hoonani Place and Kamalii Street.
• Mud Lane. 
• Puako Beach Drive. 

Closures and Facility Impacts

• All parks and park facilities are closed on Saturday, Aug. 15.
• All solid waste facilities, including transfer stations, are closed on Saturday, Aug. 15.
• Camping and pavilion use permits at County parks are cancelled for Sunday, Aug. 16.

Residents in need of immediate assistance — such as food, clothing, debris removal, or shelter — from a coalition of nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies can complete a request for assistance form at http://bit.ly/vh-rfa. 

Damage reports can be submitted at the following link – Bit.ly/CDDisasterRecovery – or by calling Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

Shelters

The County has opened shelters at the locations below. Bring your own supplies, including food, water, sleeping bags, and any necessary medicine. Shelters are pet friendly. Pets must be kept in a carrier.

• Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaʻau.
• Waikoloa Elementary School cafeteria, 68-1730 Hoʻoko St., Waikoloa.
• Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1182 Lindsey Road, Waimea
• Honokaʻa Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa.
• Laupāhoehoe Public Charter School Band Room, 35-2605 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupāhoehoe.
• Waiākea High School Gym, 155 W. Kawili St., Hilo
• Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-2910 Kauhale St., Pāhoa.
• Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
• Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
• Kealakehe High School Gym, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona.
• Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.

Sandbags can be requested by contacting the Department of Public Works at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8349. For after-hours requests, contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031. Sandpile locations can be found here. Bring your own sandbags.

Stay Informed

The County will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents and visitors can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts at their website. Sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.

View the County Hazard Impact Map here.