HAWAII — The deceased was a 90-year-old woman who had been reported missing in Naalehu and was found dead on Monday. Floodwaters disturbed some grave sites during the event.

Access to upper Puna is blocked by vegetation in and around power lines. Tree trimmers have been called in to remove vegetation strewn about by the storm in upper Puna to facilitate repairs.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Monday that the damage was not as catastrophic as feared and that recovery would proceed. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda stated, "Roads are getting cleared, debris is getting cleaned up, and the people, while hurting, remain strong."

Most public schools across Hawaii reopened following the storm. Hawaii County's non-emergency operations remained suspended as officials managed the aftermath. Water service was restored to customers in Pāhala, but a boil water notice was issued.

Timeline

On August 15, 2026, Tropical Storm Lala weakened from a hurricane before battering the Hawaiian archipelago over the weekend. On August 16, 2026, many large trees in Maui's upcountry region fell, toppling power lines and damaging infrastructure.

On August 17, 2026, Hawaii Gov. Green said Monday that the damage was not as catastrophic as feared. Also on August 17, 2026, Kimo Alameda said, "Roads are getting cleared, debris is getting cleaned up, and the people, while hurting, remain strong." On that same date, one person died as a result of Tropical Storm Lala. Communities in the southern end of the Big Island were isolated and cut off from communication.

The deceased was a 90-year-old woman who had been reported missing in Naalehu and was found dead on Monday. Floodwaters disturbed some grave sites.

What's New

Additional context established that Hurricane Lala became the first hurricane to directly hit the Big Island of Hawaii since 1871. The Hawaiian Electric utility said nearly 104,000 customers were without power as of Monday afternoon. More than 117,000 Hawaiian Electric customers were without power.

Access to upper Puna is blocked by vegetation in and around Hawaiian Electric lines. Tree trimmers have been called in to remove vegetation strewn about by the storm in upper Puna.

How Sources Differ

Sources also differed on the scope of restoration efforts. The Hawaiian Electric Co. statement said Hawaiian Electric crews were working to restore power to approximately 27,700 customers on Hawaii Island. The Hawaiian Electric inspection report stated that Hawaiian Electric crews were working to restore power to thousands of residents across the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu.

Why It Matters

Hurricane Lala became Hawaii's third-wettest tropical cyclone on record, marking the intensity of the weather system that struck the islands. The storm's impact on infrastructure, including the isolation of communities and the disturbance of grave sites, shows the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.

The scale of the power outages, affecting more than 117,000 customers, required coordination among utility crews and emergency management. The use of helicopters and drones for damage assessments in remote areas reflects the logistical challenges posed by the storm's aftermath on Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian islands.