Hawaii activates joint information center as Tropical Storm Lala approaches
State and local emergency agencies in Hawaii have opened communication and operations centers to coordinate response as Tropical Storm Lala moves toward the islands, with hurricane warnings issued for Hawaii Island.
State and county officials in Hawaii activated emergency response hubs on Friday as Tropical Storm Lala neared the islands, prompting a series of weather watches and warnings. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opened its Joint Information Center to manage state-level communications, operating from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The City and County of Honolulu also activated its Emergency Operations Center and the police department’s Joint Operations Center after Oahu was placed under a Tropical Storm Watch.
The activations bring together municipal departments, first responders and emergency managers to monitor conditions, coordinate operations and deploy resources quickly. Residents and visitors have been urged to complete emergency preparations before the storm intensifies over the weekend.
“We have spent the entire week preparing our City, our first responders and our critical infrastructure for this storm,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. “I am asking everyone to finish your preparations today. Don’t wait for the weather to deteriorate. Stay informed, stay away from dangerous areas, and make sure your family knows what to do if conditions worsen.”
Lala is forecast to reach hurricane strength before crossing Hawaii Island early Saturday, with a hurricane warning in effect and winds up to 85 mph expected. Rainfall of up to 25 inches is predicted on the island’s east side. Maui County is under a tropical storm warning, while Kauai and Oahu remain under a watch.
To bolster Oahu’s response, a 12-member team from South Carolina State Fire and the Palmetto Incident Support Team is arriving Friday, having previously assisted during March’s Kona Low storms. The city’s homeless outreach program shifted to 24-hour operations and is relocating 63 residents to a high school gymnasium. Authorities also warned of an elevated wildfire risk due to strong trade winds and dry conditions.
Other city services are preparing for potential impacts: police officers are readying emergency vehicles and generators, rescue operators are extending patrols along the South Shore, and the Department of Facility Maintenance is clearing stream debris. Public transit and waste-transfer stations continue normal operations, with riders advised to watch for updates.