Hawaii News

Hawaiʻi is still tracking the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, with Hawaiian Electric saying major repairs are complete on Maui and the Big Island and that only some customers remain without power on Hawaiʻi Island, where equipment access is still slowing restoration (Maui Now, Big Island Now). On Maui, the storm’s impact is also showing up in the community: The Sewing Hui says flooding from Lala damaged its studio and it is seeking help to rebuild and keep its programs going (Maui Now).

Weather remains a statewide concern as forecasters monitor Lowell, which is expected to intensify over the next two days but is still described as posing no immediate threat to Hawaiʻi in the partner reports from Big Island Now and Kauaʻi Now (Big Island Now, Kauaʻi Now). Both outlets also note residents and businesses are being encouraged to prepare for possible severe weather. In the same vein, the statewide siren test is set for Sept. 1 at 11:45 a.m., with Maui, Kauaʻi and statewide coverage all flagging the monthly warning-system check (Maui Now, Kauaʻi Now).

Public safety and recovery issues are also prominent. On Maui, a 12-year veteran Maui Police Department officer was arrested on a warrant and charged with sexual assault, while county DMVL offices are set to close temporarily on Friday, Sept. 4 (Maui Now, Maui Now). On Kauaʻi, officials reported a shark sighting at Hanalei Bay and closed one lane on Kūhio Highway after a mainline break, while overnight water shutdowns are scheduled in parts of Umi Street and Poipū (Kauaʻi Now, Kauaʻi Now, Kauaʻi Now, Kauaʻi Now).