State offices to reopen following Kona low storm, 3 South Kona schools remain closed for cleanup and repair

State offices and operations statewide will reopen following the severe weather brought by the recent Kona Low storm system.

While the immediate threat from the storm has passed, recovery efforts continue across the islands as state and county crews assess damage, clear debris and restore impacted infrastructure.

“The strength of Hawaiʻi is our people,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Throughout this storm, we saw neighbors helping neighbors, communities stepping up and our emergency teams working tirelessly to keep everyone safe. I want to thank our essential workers and partners for their incredible dedication — and I am deeply grateful to the people of Hawaiʻi for looking out for one another during this challenging time.”

Public schools are also resuming operations, except for a small number of campuses on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu and Moloka‘i, that remain closed due to storm-related damage, access issues or safety concerns.

Schools on the Big Island that remain closed include:

• Konawaena Middle School
• Konawaena High School
• Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino

The Kona schools will be closed to students during this period to allow time for cleanup and repair work, and students should not report to campus, according to the Hawai‘i Deparment of Education.

At Konawaena High School, staff will use the week to prepare for the transition to distance learning. The school is scheduled to transition to distance learning beginning Monday, March 30, while remediation efforts continue.

At Konawaena Middle School and Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino, some instructional spaces require additional testing and clearance following professional cleaning. Teachers at these schools will be on telework during the week. All other staff are expected to report to campus or assigned work locations to support school operations.

Approximately 474,000 Hawaiian Electric customers across O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island lost power during the back-to-back Kona low weather systems. As of Sunday afternoon, most power was restored to customers.

Fewer than 220 customers still remain without power.

Residents are reminded to remain cautious as conditions stabilize, particularly in areas still experiencing flooding, road closures or infrastructure damage. The public is encouraged to continue monitoring official updates and to avoid entering floodwaters or unsafe areas.

For preparedness resources and recovery information, visit https://ready.hawaii.gov.