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Statewide

Hawaiʻi is still in storm-recovery mode while another system bears down on the islands. Lala’s rainfall totals underscore how much water fell across the state, and new tropical cyclone forecasts are now driving fresh warnings from Maui to Kauaʻi. On the Big Island, Kaʻū residents are still clearing roads and delivering supplies, while schools, parks and other facilities remain disrupted in the storm’s wake. State agencies are also extending help, including SNAP replacement benefits for food lost in the storm and credit-union relief for affected members. Kauaʻi is watching the next storm closely too, even as grief over Lala’s damage and local political debate continue to shape the island’s news cycle.

Maui

Maui’s main focus remains storm recovery and the next weather threat. Haleakalā National Park’s Summit District is still closed for cleanup while Kīpahulu has reopened, and county officials are urging residents to prepare for another tropical system as Tropical Depression Two-C moves toward stronger status. The University of Hawaiʻi’s estimate that Lala dumped roughly 1.3 trillion gallons of rain statewide gives a sense of why recovery remains a priority. Beyond the weather, Maui also had a note of recognition with Hawaiʻi Community Lending COO Chanel Josiah named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 class.

Big Island

The Big Island is still dealing with Lala’s damage while bracing for another round of heavy rain and wind. Kaʻū residents have been clearing roads and delivering food and water as Nā‘ālehu Elementary and Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary remain closed. At the same time, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is shutting down ahead of the approaching system, and county officials say they are still monitoring the new tropical cyclone closely with the southern part of the island again in the forecast zone. Relief is also starting to take shape, including Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union’s emergency assistance program and extra time for SNAP recipients to report food losses.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi is watching the next tropical system while still absorbing the effects of Lala. Forecasters say Tropical Depression Two-C could bring heavy rain and wind late this weekend, and local coverage says the broader forecast still points to possible impacts across the islands. The island is also dealing with the aftermath of a Wainiha brush fire that crews have under control and the emotional toll of flood damage that disturbed graves and washed away caskets. On top of that, Kauaʻi mayoral candidates Mel Rapozo and Bernard Carvalho Jr. are set to debate county issues, giving voters a local political marker amid the storm recovery.

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