TS LALA
No, that's not my new drag name...although it would make for a great one!
Lala began as a tropical storm, then strengthened into a Hurricane as it approached Moku o Keawe. Across ko pae ʻāina, we prepared as best we could and waited to see what she would bring. For some communities, especially in Kaʻū and Nāʻālehu, the impacts were devastating.
My ʻohana was prepared. I follow the weather as part of my own kilo, along with news reports and conversations with friends. I had gathered what we needed ahead of time and made sure we had wai, food, lights, charged devices, and other basic supplies. When you stay ready, you don't need to get ready. Of course, preparation cannot prevent every loss, but it helped us remain calm and take care of one another at home.
After the stormy weekend, I took my usual kakahiaka walk along the coast to check things out. Be niele liddat. The tide was high, the sky was still cloudy, and a slight drizzle continued as the clouds slowly started to part. I listened to the wind and ocean and noticed a monk seal in my path ahead--the same one who has been resting every few days in the area for the past few weeks. I also was able to kilo two kōlea who were playing with, or maybe bothering, each other. It was good to be back outside after spending most of the weekend indoors.
For my ʻohana, the storm brought minor inconvenience compared to what many others experienced. Our power was out for a few hours. A good friend of ours went without power for multiple nights. We were safe, had access to wai and ʻohana nearby.
Across Hawaiʻi, many communities are still recovering from serious damage. In Nā'ālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and other parts o Kaʻū, homes were flooded or washed away. Bridges were destroyed. Communities were cut off. What was a stormy weekend and temporary inconvenience for us, changed lives elsewhere.
I feel very fortunate and grateful for our safety and the resources we have, including wai and electricity. I am also grateful for the way ʻohana and communities come together to mālama and recover. There is still a lot of work ahead, and several organizations are accepting donations and providing support to those affected.
Ways to Kōkua
ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina, based in Nāʻālehu, is accepting support for Hurricane Lala recovery in Kaʻū.
Vibrant Hawaiʻi is providing food, water, tarps, cleanup supplies, and other recovery support across Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Island United Way has activated a community relief fund for people impacted by Lala.
Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund supports disaster response and recovery across the pae ʻāina.
Civil Beat’s relief list includes additional organizations and ways to help.
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