Hawaii Island Communities Isolated After Hurricane-Strength Storm Lala Causes Flooding and Bridge Damage

Storm Lala moved within 35 miles of Hawaii Island on Saturday night at hurricane strength, bringing strong winds and heavy rain before weakening to a tropical storm. The storm damaged at least 100 homes, including one that was swept off its foundation.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said the south side of the island was especially affected. During an aerial survey on Sunday, he observed extensive damage in the Kaʻū District, noting six bridges that were significantly damaged or destroyed. Acting Administrator Darryl Oliveira of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency warned that the damage could impede road access for residents for an extended period.

"That's a critical access hospital for us, and so we need to get access to that ASAP," Alameda said, referring to the road to Pāhala, which was completely cut off. The towns of Nāʻālehu and Waiʻōhinu were also partially isolated, with the highway toward Hilo blocked and access possible only from Kona.

Emergency responders launched search-and-rescue operations in the isolated communities after 911 calls reported flooding. Acting Fire Chief Daniel Volpe said a resident who had been swept away was found and taken to a hospital with moderate injuries; no other missing persons were reported. A separate car collision in Ocean View resulted in one death, though officials said storm conditions were not a factor.

The National Weather Service recorded more than three and a half feet of rain in parts of Laupāhoehoe on the Hāmakua Coast. Hawaiian Electric reported that over half of its customers on Hawaii Island were without power, with some outages expected to last weeks.