Hawaiʻi National Guard concludes Hurricane Lala response, recovery operations

Hawaiʻi National Guard officially as of Oct. 30 concluded all state active duty response and recovery operations in support of Hurricane Lala, marking the end of more than 2 months of emergency response and community recovery efforts throughout the state.

About 250 Guard personnel were activated at the height of statewide Lala response.

Soldiers and airmen mobilized in August following the storm, assisting state and county emergency management agencies to provide critical capabilities for communities affected by flooding, landslides, damaged infrastructure and widespread debris.

Hawaiʻi National Guard accomplishments

• 16 civilians and two emergency medical services personnel rescued from floodwaters on Hawaiʻi Island.
• 421 wellness checks to assess resident safety and identify needs in storm-affected communities.
• 22 homes assisted with recovery and cleanup efforts.
• 80 damage assessments completed on Maui to help identify storm impacts and support county recovery planning.
• 700 meters of roads cleared on Maui to restore access to affected areas.
• 11,150 meters of roads cleared on Hawaiʻi Island to improve access for residents, emergency responders and recovery crews.
• 623,600 pounds of debris removed from storm-affected communities on Hawaiʻi Island.

Guard personnel also supported specialized recovery operations in Kaʻū on the Big Island, including recovery and documentation of displaced burials at Nāʻālehu Cemetery.

Members of the 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package worked alongside and under the guidance of Hawaiʻi County, cultural practitioners, archaeologists and other subject-matter experts to conduct the sensitive recovery mission with care and respect for the affected community.

Soldiers and airmen continued to assist with removing debris from the site and transporting displaced burials as the operation continued.

“The Hawai‘i National Guard continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment of ‘Always Ready, Always There,’ through sustained recovery support in Kaʻū following Hurricane Lala,” said Task Force Hawaiʻi Commander Maj. Keoki Leong. “Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local residents, county workers and cultural experts, our personnel have answered the call during this challenging time to bring hope, restoration and honor to the community and its ancestors.”

Hawaiʻi National Guard personnel worked alongside county officials, first responders, utility crews and community partners to conduct high-water rescues, evacuations, wellness checks, damage assessments, debris removal and specialized search and recovery operations.

Among the response’s critical missions was Operation TREK808, a coordinated effort between Pacific Air Forces, Hawaiʻi National Guard, Hawaiian Electric and Southern California Edison to rapidly transport 143,790 pounds of utility equipment — including six commercial power and utility repair trucks and a support trailer — from California to Hawaiʻi Island aboard two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

The airlift accelerated delivery of critical equipment and personnel to support power restoration efforts following the storm.

Conclusion of the Lala mission reflects the dedication and readiness of Hawaiʻi National Guard soldiers and airmen, whose service helped protect lives, restore access and support communities during a challenging period.

The Guard worked alongside local, state, federal and private-sector partners answering the call to serve its neighbors and help Hawaiʻi recover.

“While our state active-duty mission has concluded, the impact of this storm will be felt by some families and communities for a long time. We are honored to have played a part in their recovery,” said Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan. “As we transition to ongoing wildfire and hurricane preparedness missions, we remain focused on protecting our communities and standing ready to support our neighbors whenever they need us.”

The Guard remains postured to support the state and counties through the remainder of the 2026 wildfire and hurricane season.

Personnel remain on active duty supporting two ongoing missions:

• 30 personnel assigned to Operation Hoʻopauahi, the annual Hawaiʻi National Guard mission providing rapid aerial firefighting support and emergency response capabilities to first responders during the dry season.
• 113 personnel assigned to Operation Hoʻopalekana, the Guard’s reserve force positioned to respond to potential storms throughout the remainder of hurricane season.

These missions together demonstrate Hawaiʻi National Guard’s continued readiness when called upon to protect Hawaiʻi’s communities and support first responders.