Experts Urge Natural Infrastructure After May Storms Hit Maui and Oahu
Following last month’s flooding from Kona low storms across Maui and Oahu, experts are calling for communities to incorporate more trees and natural systems to absorb water rather than relying solely on traditional drainage infrastructure. Recent Kona low storms caused widespread flooding and evacuations from Haleʻiwa to Lahaina, Kīhei, and ʻĪao Valley. Current infrastructure moves […]
Red Cross Seeks Maui Volunteers for Hurricane Season Emergency Shelters
The Hawaii Red Cross is training community volunteers to run emergency shelters ahead of an expected busier hurricane season due to El Niño conditions. The program aims to have trained volunteers available in all island communities in case access roads are blocked during storms. El Niño conditions are expected to increase hurricane and storm activity […]
Large South Swell Expected This Weekend, Coastal Impacts Possible
A major south-southwest swell arriving Saturday night could bring High Surf Warning conditions and coastal infrastructure impacts through early next week. Current south shore surf is minimal but expected to rise to seasonal average by Tuesday. A large south-southwest swell from a New Zealand storm will arrive Saturday night with waves potentially exceeding High Surf […]
Philippines Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Waves, Threat to Hawaii Passes
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the Philippines killed at least 32 people and generated tsunami waves that reached as far as Japan, but the Pacific-wide tsunami threat has been lifted. The magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning, killing 32 people and injuring over 200. A 1-meter tsunami hit nearby Philippine […]
Hawaii National Guard Launches Wildfire Response Operation for 2026 Season
Governor Josh Green has signed an emergency proclamation authorizing Operation Hoʻopauahi, a statewide wildfire response initiative that keeps National Guard helicopters ready for immediate deployment during fire season. Multiple sources report this marks the second year of the program, which runs from June through November and aims to provide faster aerial firefighting support to county […]
Haleakala Could Erupt Again, Scientists Say Volcano Remains Active
Haleakala is an active volcano that last erupted 400-500 years ago and could potentially erupt again, though scientists expect any future eruption would produce slow-moving lava flows rather than explosive activity. Haleakala has erupted at least 10 times in the last 1,000 years, with the most recent eruption occurring between 1480-1600. USGS geologists classify Haleakala […]
Hawaii National Guard Activated for 2026 Wildfire Season Through November
Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation launching Operation Ho’opauahi for the second consecutive year, as reported by multiple state sources. The initiative activates Hawaii National Guard helicopters and crews to provide rapid aerial firefighting support during the 2026 wildfire season. Emergency proclamation authorizes Adjutant General to activate Hawaii National Guard for wildfire response from […]
Research Shows Communities Need 6+ Exit Roads to Survive Wildfires
New research analyzing 20 years of wildfire deaths found communities with fewer than six major evacuation routes face exponentially higher fatality rates during fires. Study of U.S. wildfire deaths since 2008 identified six major roads as the critical threshold for community survival. Communities with six or fewer evacuation routes show exponentially increasing per capita fatality […]
Ocean Conditions Calm as High Surf Advisory Ends for Maui
High surf advisory has been cancelled as wave heights decline across Maui shores. All areas will see minimal surf conditions through the weekend. High Surf Advisory cancelled as south-facing shore waves decreased to 3-4 feet. All shorelines expect minimal ankle-high surf through Friday and weekend. Small north swell will peak Friday morning then subside over […]
Disaster Unemployment Aid Available Until June 15 for March Storm Impacts
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms, floods, and landslides can apply for disaster unemployment assistance until June 15. Benefits range from $346 to $868 weekly through October 2026. Disaster Unemployment Assistance covers job losses from March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties. Eligible applicants include business […]