Multiple news outlets are reporting that Governor Josh Green has formally requested a presidential emergency declaration following Hurricane Lala’s damage across Hawaii, while a second storm, Tropical Storm Moke, is now tracking south of the islands. The dual-storm situation has state and county agencies operating on two fronts — continuing Lala recovery while preparing for Moke’s impacts, which include the potential for heavy rain and flooding on Maui.
- Gov. Green submitted a formal emergency declaration request to the White House covering Hawaii County, Maui County, and the City and County of Honolulu.
- U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda issued statements urging swift White House approval of the request. (Kauainownews)
- Hurricane Lala passed approximately 30 miles off the Big Island’s coast as a Category 1 storm on Aug. 15, bringing wind gusts over 80 mph and more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, causing flooding, landslides, and damage to hundreds of homes and several bridges.
- The Ka’ū district on the Big Island was hardest hit; a slope failure at Nā’ālehu Cemetery disinterred human remains, requiring specialized mortuary resources.
- At the storm’s peak, roughly 200,000 Hawaiian Electric customers lost power; most service has since been restored.
- Tropical Storm Moke was located 319 miles south of Hilo as of 5 a.m. HST Sunday, Aug. 23, moving west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. (Maui Now)
- Moke’s center is expected to pass south of the Big Island on Sunday and then well south of the smaller Hawaiian Islands early next week, but is close enough to produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall across the state.
- Eastern Maui is forecast to receive 3 to 6 inches of rainfall; western Maui and other islands may see 1 to 2 inches. The Big Island could see up to 15 inches.
- Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen warned that even light to moderate rain could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, and power outages given the ground already saturated by Lala. (CBS News)
- A flash flood watch was issued for parts of the Big Island through Monday afternoon; tropical storm warnings were in place through Sunday night for surrounding waters, though no coastal watches were in effect. (CBS News)
- 153 Hawaii National Guard personnel are deployed statewide, with 76 on the Big Island supporting county response, including High-Wheeled Vehicle Teams that have already assisted 16 civilians and rescued two EMS personnel. (Hawaii Emergency Management Agency)
Sources
- Kauainownews: Governor officially requests presidential emergency declaration following Hurricane Lala
- Hawaii Emergency Management Agency: NEWS RELEASE: State of Hawaiʻi Update on Tropical Storm Moke – State Departments Continuing to Work to Support Residents
- Maui Now: Tropical Storm Moke to pass close enough to bring a period of gusty winds and heavy rain over parts of Hawaiʻi
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Green formally requests presidential emergency declaration following Lala
- CBS News: Tropical Storm Moke expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain in Hawaii: Maps and projected path
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