All articles tagged with #hawaii island
Storm Lala forces two Hawaiʻi Island public schools—Nāālehu Elementary and Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary—to close starting Monday, Aug. 17, as crews assess campus damage and local road access; Nāālehu remains closed through Aug. 20, Ka‘ū/Pa‘hala closes Aug. 17; statewide public schools will also be closed on Friday, Aug. 21 for Statehood Day, with updates to families as assessments continue and safety remains the priority.
Tropical Storm Lala continues to lash Hawaii with damaging winds and heavy rain, triggering widespread power outages for more than 88,000 Hawaiian Electric customers across the state. About 63,000 on Hawaii Island, 15,000 in Maui County, and 9,500 on Oahu are without power as crews assess damage from downed lines and toppled poles; four independent power producers on Hawaii Island have disconnected from the grid, raising the possibility of load shedding to maintain grid stability. Residents are urged to shelter, monitor updates, and be prepared for extended outages as the storm persists.
The state Department of Health has confirmed two cases of whooping cough on Hawaii Island, with eight probable cases also identified. The affected households have children attending local schools in different areas of the island, and officials are working to identify close contacts. No one is hospitalized, and the cases are not connected to previous ones on Oahu. Whooping cough, caused by bacteria, can lead to severe complications, and vaccination is the best prevention method.
The boyfriend of a woman who tragically died after falling off a cliff into the waters off Hawaii Island is calling for change to the county’s emergency responses, claiming that first responders should have done more to save her. He expressed frustration over the lack of proper equipment and timely assistance, as well as the prolonged wait for help. Despite efforts from authorities, the woman's body was discovered hours later, and an autopsy ruled her death as an accidental drowning.
Tropical Storm Calvin is passing just south of Hawaii Island, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous surf, and damaging winds. The storm has weakened with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hawaii Island, and total rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are expected, with localized flash flooding and mudslides possible. Damaging winds and high surf are also anticipated, with significant coastal impacts along exposed east shores. Calvin is forecasted to continue moving west and weaken further in the coming days.
Hurricane Calvin maintains category 2 strength with sustained winds of 100 mph, possibly weakening to a category 1 or tropical storm as it crosses into the Central Pacific basin. The current forecast track has the center of the storm making landfall on the southern coast of Hawaii Island, but there is uncertainty regarding its exact path. Heavy rain, high winds, and high surf are expected, with the potential for downed trees and powerlines. The strength of Calvin near Hawaii is uncertain due to wind shear and drier air conditions. The Hurricane Hunters may fly reconnaissance missions if Calvin poses a threat to Hawaii.
Hawaii Island police are searching for a 29-year-old woman, Shanice Ogata-Staudinger, who went missing while picking opihi with a relative in Pahoa. Concern grew when she didn't return to their meeting spot, and emergency responders, along with a police K-9, are conducting an extensive search. Ogata-Staudinger is described as a local woman with a medium build, last seen wearing a black tank top, blue jeans, and purple tabis water shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.