What Big Island residents need to know Wednesday about Hurricane Nolo

On Tuesday, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply issued a Water Restriction Notice for customers in Kalapana in the Puna District.

Later in the day, the department also issued a Water Restriction Notice for Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Discovery Harbour, Mark Twain Subdivision, Green Sands Subdivision and South Point water service areas.

This requires customers to immediately reduce water use by at least 25 percent until further notice.

Customers in these service areas are being asked to limit water use to essential needs only until further notice due to impacts from flooding associated with Hurricane Nolo. Power outages and possible damage to water system infrastructure are affecting the Department of Water Supply’s ability to provide water to the affected area.

Customers are asked to use water only for essential health and safety needs, including: drinking, cooking and food preparation, necessary personal hygiene, necessary sanitation and other essential household or health needs.

Water restriction measures are necessary to maintain adequate water levels in the storage tanks while the Department of Water Service continues repairs to its water infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala.

Until this notice is lifted, customers are asked to discontinue or postpone nonessential uses of water, including: irrigation and lawn watering, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools or spas, pressure washing and other unnecessary or high-volume water use.

For more information and updates, please visit the Department of Water Supply website, or contact the Department of Water Supply at 808-961-8790.

Damage reports and requests for help

With Hurricane Nolo far past the Big island, Hawaiʻi County is now accepting damage reports to property and asking for other unmet needs.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to report storm damage and other requests for assistance to help local officials and non-profit partners better understand the extent of damage and its impacts on the community.

• To report damages to a residential property, click here.
• To report damages to a commercial property, click here.
• If you have any other unmet needs, please click here.

Visit the Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency website or call Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 for additional information. Below are details on shelters, closures, and other storm-related information.

State parks and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 

All Hawai’i Island state parks have reopened, with the exception of  ʻAkaka Falls State Park – Partial trail is closed due to fallen trees. 

Waialea Section at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Lapakahi State Historic Park are also closed due to fallen trees.

Camping and cabins at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve and Kalopa State Recreation Area remain closed. Day-Use remains open at Kalopa and Kīholo.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has reopened most areas along Kīlauea summit, and Kahuku Unit following Hurricane Nolo. 

Areas around Kīlauea and Mauna Loa that remain closed are Hilina Pali Road past the Mauna Iki trailhead, Mauna Loa Road past the second cattleguard, Kīpukapuaulu Trail, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge. 

Trails at the Kahuku Unit will open as staff finish assessments. Hikers are advised to follow the signs posted at the trailheads and check with staff at the Welcome Center.

Hikers throughout Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park should be aware of potential overhead hanging branches, loose rocks and uneven terrain on trails. 

Park staff will assess conditions and reopen areas when it is safe to do so.

Visitors should check the park website for current alerts and follow the park on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates.

Stay informed

Sign up for Hawai‘i County Civil Defense emergency alerts, and pay attention to the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map.

Be sure to check the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website for the latest information on impacts to your specific local community, including any changes to advisories, watches or warnings issued.