PHOTOS: Hawai‘i National Guard provides aid, rescues ambulance crew during Hurricane Lala
The high-wheeled vehicle team assisted with rescues, including a Hawai‘i County paramedic and EMT who had to climb to the roof of their ambulance Saturday night to escape flooding waters.
7 hours ago
The Hawai‘i National Guard high-wheeled vehicle team from Task Force Hawai‘i arrived on Hawai‘i Island this week, providing support to Hawai‘i County during Hurricane Lala.
The team assisted with rescues, including a county paramedic and EMT, who were rescued Saturday night from the roof of their ambulance.
Hawai‘i County Interim Fire Chief Daniel Volpe said during a press conference Sunday that the ambulance crew were working with the National Guard to respond to a report of a person pinned between a couple of vehicles.
“As they were watching and moving, the water levels rose quickly, pushed the vehicle up against the guardrail,” Volpe said.
Repairing LMTV post-mission, near North Kulani and Highway 11 following Hurricane Lala on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)- Repairing LMTV post-mission, near North Kulani and Highway 11 following Hurricane Lala on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard rescues two Hawai‘i County Firefighters after they became trapped on the roof of their ambulance during Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026, in the Ka‘ū District. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard rescues two Hawai‘i County Firefighters after they became trapped on the roof of their ambulance during Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026, in the Ka‘ū District. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard Koa Team 4 responding to Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard Koa Team 4 responding to Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard Koa Team 4 responding to Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard Koa Team 4 responding to Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard Koa Team 4 responding to Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
- Hawai‘i National Guard Koa Team 4 responding to Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i National Guard)
The two-man ambulance crew climbed to the roof of the ambulance, where they got into the high-water vehicle from the National Guard. Neither was injured.
“There’s nothing more terrifying than to find out that one of your own is in danger,” Volpe said, adding the ambulance is still in Ka‘ū. “Vehicles can be replaced. The people are what we’re most concerned about.”
The storm skirted the southern tip of the island on Saturday, wreaking havoc on the Ka‘ū District, destroying or damaging six bridges, cutting off communities and bringing boulders, debris and mud into Nā‘ālehu town.
The high-water vehicles were a much needed resource.
The task force volunteered to be placed on State Active Duty to support Hawaii County during Lala, said Retired Maj. Jeff Hickman, director of public affairs for the Hawai‘i National Guard.
