Multiple outlets reported on the Hawaii State Association of Counties conference held in West Maui on September 11–12, 2026, where county officials from across the state gathered to discuss shared challenges. A dominant theme was the unusually active hurricane season, which has already sent five named storms through the Central Pacific and caused widespread damage statewide.
- The Hawaii State Association of Counties conference was held Thursday and Friday in Kā’anapali, West Maui, bringing together officials from all four counties.
- Topics discussed included affordable housing shortages, tourism impacts, and the need for greater community resilience in the face of severe weather.
- The 2026 hurricane season has produced five named storms in the Central Pacific; Tropical Storm Norbert, a potential sixth, is expected to dissipate before reaching Hawaii.
- Back-to-back Kona low storms in March dumped more than 2 trillion gallons of rain statewide, causing severe flooding including in Maui’s ‘Īao Valley.
- Hurricane Lala struck in mid-August, killing two people, damaging more than 200 homes on Hawaiʻi Island, and knocking out power for more than 250,000 residents statewide.
- Hurricane Lowell hit Kaua’i last weekend with winds exceeding 100 mph, damaging nearly 60 homes and destroying at least seven.
- Maui County Council Member Tamara Paltin described the pattern as ‘a sign of the times,’ citing the difficulty severe and accelerating change poses for built environments and communities.
- Kaua’i State Rep. Luke Evslin described strong community mutual aid in Lowell’s aftermath, with restaurants giving away food and neighbors sharing supplies during the power outage. (Bigislandnow)
Sources
- Bigislandnow: Damaging storms and other issues discussed at Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties conference
- Kauainownews: Hawaiʻi counties discuss common challenges at conference, including dealing with severe weather
Share this article
