Hawaii is facing a challenging cleanup and recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Lala, which brought heavy rains, high winds, and significant damage across the islands over the weekend. Authorities have confirmed two fatalities attributed to the storm, including a beloved former kindergarten teacher, May Doi, 93, who was found dead on Monday. Neighbors believe she was attempting to escape floodwaters from her home when she went missing.
Her former student, ʻĀina Akamu, now a vice principal, described Doi as a "fixture in this community" who taught generations of students at Naalehu Elementary on the Big Island's southern tip. "She taught grandkids of her students," Akamu said, highlighting her long tenure and impact.
The second victim, a man in his 60s, was found in a pasture on Tuesday. His identity has not yet been released.
Residents are contending with widespread destruction: roofs torn off homes, uprooted trees, and roads covered in mud and rock. Many households experienced prolonged power outages. The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved an initial $6 million in emergency relief funds to help repair damaged transportation infrastructure, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii.
Cemetery Damage and Recovery Needs
The storm also caused severe damage to two cemeteries, including one used by Akamu's ancestors since 1850. Caskets were dislodged and headstones scattered, causing deep emotional distress to residents. Akamu expressed concern that road crews clearing debris might inadvertently disturb remains.
Akamu is helping to coordinate recovery efforts, setting up a hub for donated items. The community's most urgent needs include generators, gasoline, and propane.
Potential for Another Storm
Amid the recovery, forecasters are monitoring a developing storm system southeast of the Hawaiian Islands. Conditions appear favorable for a tropical depression to form within days, with the potential to become a hurricane as it approaches the islands by the weekend. The National Hurricane Center has advised those in the Hawaiian Islands to closely monitor its progress, though it is too early to determine the exact impact.
Lingering Power Outages and Storm's Path
As of Wednesday, approximately 17,000 customers on the Big Island remained without power, with some customers on Oahu and Maui also affected. Hawaiian Electric Utility estimates that repairs in the hardest-hit areas, particularly the southern end of the Big Island, could take at least two weeks.
Hurricane Lala, now a Category 3 storm, was moving northwest and was expected to turn north. Hurricane warnings were in effect for parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The storm was forecast to pass east of the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, with limited impacts expected there.
