Hawai‘i County plans to open shelters as Lala takes aim at Big Island

Hawai‘i County will open public shelters the evening of Aug. 14 to provide a safe place to stay for those who need it as what was the night of Aug. 13 still Tropical Storm Lala continues on a path toward the Big Island.

Shelters will open at 6 p.m. Friday in the following locations:

• Hisaoka Gym, North Kohala.
• Waikōloa Elementary School cafeteria, Waikōloa.
• Kahilu Town Hall, Waimea.
• Honoka‘a Armory, Honoka‘a.
• Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School band room, Laupāhoehoe.
• Waiākea High School gymnasium, Hilo.
• Kea‘au Armory, Kea‘au.
• Pāhoa Community Center, Pāhoa.
• Pāhala Gymnasium, Pāhala.
• Nāʻālehu Elementary School gymnasium, Nāʻālehu.
• Yano Hall, Captain Cook.
• Kealakehe High School gymnasium, Kealakehe.

Those who come to a shelter are asked to bring their own personal and sleeping supplies, food, water and any necessary medications.

A hurricane warning was issued Thursday for the entire Big Island, replacing a hurricane watch that was previously in place. Lala is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength as it approaches Hawaiʻi Island.

Hurricane conditions are expected to start late Friday night to early the morning of Aug. 15, with wind speeds atop and on windward slopes and mountains often up to 30% stronger than near-surface winds.

Some locations on the Big Island have potential for winds of up to 110 mph. The greatest wind threat is expected over southern areas.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected. Some locations on the island could see as much as 25 inches from the storm.

Peak impacts are expected Saturday, with hazardous conditions continuing through Aug. 16.

“This is a quickly evolving situation,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a county release, adding the public is urges to act now by checking emergency supplies, securing property and contacting neighbors who might need assistance. “Readiness requires all of us, and with a storm this close, a slight change in its track can greatly enhance rain and wind hazards [around] the island. We encourage everyone to stay safe, stay connected and be prepared to hunker down and stay home during severe weather.”

County closures and facility/service impacts

• Camping permits are canceled for Friday night and Saturday night.
• All solid waste facilities, including transfer stations, are closed Saturday.
• Hele-On Kako‘o Paratransit services will end at 8 p.m. Friday, with all fixed route Hele-On buses and paratransit services canceled Saturday and Sunday. Find additional information online or by calling 808-961-8744, extension 1.

Event cancellations

Events sponsored by the county or hosted at county facilities also were canceled or postponed because of Lala, including:

• Hawaiʻi Island Agrifood Summit in Honokaʻa and Waimea.
• Hulu Street Evacuation Drill in Waikōloa.
• Island Showdown at Hilo Drag Strip (postponed to later date).

Prepare, prepare, prepare

County officials urge residents to complete preparations for Lala’s arrival and expected hazardous conditions that could begin as early as Friday evening.

• Review emergency plans during the remaining time before storm impacts begin.
• Residents also need to make sure they have adequate food, water, medication, a flashlight with batteries and emergency contact information.
• Sandbags can be requested by contacting Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works via email at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or by calling 808-961-8349. Contact Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 for after-hours requests.
• Sandpile locations also can be found online.

Stay in the know

• Sign up online for Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense emergency alerts.
• Visit the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Impact Map for additional hazard information.

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University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College closures

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campuses, offices and off-campus locations will be closed Aug. 15-16 as a precaution in anticipation of hazards caused by Tropical Storm Lala.

Normal operations are scheduled to resume Aug. 17.

All events also are canceled, including sports events. ʻImiloa Astronomy Center will be closed, as well as Maunakea Visitors Center. Access above the visitors center is restricted to essential personnel.

Students and employees are advised to stay home. Residence life staff members are available to provide assistance for students in residence halls.

University of Hawaiʻi continues to monitor Lala and is working closely with Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and other county and state agencies to be prepared and informed.

Updates will be posted at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo website as well as on Facebook and X.