Gov. Green conducts Big Island storm assessment, state offices to reopen Wednesday, following Lala

Gov. Josh Green joined Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda and Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan on Monday for an aerial and ground assessment of storm damage across Kaʻū, one of the areas hardest hit by Tropical Storm Lala.

During the visit, Green reconnected with several former patients he cared for while practicing medicine in the community, underscoring his longstanding connection to the area.

The state is working closely with Hawaiʻi County to assess the full extent of the damage, identify immediate needs and ensure families and communities receive the support necessary for recovery.

State and county offices statewide are expected to reopen Wednesday, Aug. 19, and resume normal operations, except in the Ka‘ū District.

Essential employees have been instructed to report as scheduled unless otherwise directed by their department or supervisor. Departments have been instructed to consider allowing telework consistent with the state’s Telework Program Guidelines where practicable, if roads are impassable and an employee can perform their duties remotely.

“We are giving our emergency crews and public employees another day to clear roads, assess damage and make sure our workplaces and schools are safe,” said Governor Green. “Our goal is to resume normal operations statewide Wednesday, but we will not ask students, families or employees to travel through unsafe conditions. Recovery remains our priority and we will continue working with each community until critical services and infrastructure are fully restored.”

State and county teams continue to assess damage, clear debris and restore roads and other critical infrastructure. Residents should avoid flooded roads and damaged areas and monitor official channels for updates.

Public schools are also expected to reopen Wednesday, except for individual campuses that cannot operate safely because of storm-related damage, road closures or other local conditions.

Nāʻālehu Elementary School will remain closed through Thursday, August 20, because of storm-related damage to the campus and classrooms, as well as road closures affecting safe access.

Families, students and employees should monitor the Hawai‘i Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest information regarding individual school closures and reopening plans.

Preparedness and recovery information is available at ready.hawaii.gov.