Full Breakdown
Hawaii Prepares for Tropical Storm Moke While Recovering from Hurricane Lala
8/21/2026, 12:01:51 PM
Current Threat and Immediate Preparations
A tropical depression designated Two-C is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Moke as it moves west-northwest toward the Hawaiian Islands. Forecast models show the system passing south of the Big Island this weekend and near the smaller islands early next week. The National Weather Service warns of 5–15 inches of rain on the Big Island’s windward slopes and 1–5 inches elsewhere, raising the risk of flash flooding, landslides, dangerous surf and possible wind impacts. County and state officials are urging residents to ready emergency supplies, secure property and monitor for watches that could be issued as early as Friday.
Ongoing Recovery from Hurricane Lala
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Lala’s flooding, Hawaii continues to assess damage and restore services. Lala caused two fatalities, destroyed or heavily damaged 263 homes and 18 businesses on Hawai‘i Island, and left mud and debris up to 10 feet deep in places such as Na‘alehu. Power outages peaked at 200,000 customers; about 13,380 remain without electricity, with restoration at roughly 80 % on Hawai‘i Island and full service restored on O‘ahu and Maui.
The Hawaii National Guard has deployed roughly 136 soldiers and airmen statewide for debris clearance, reservoir monitoring and door-to-door wellness checks. A Guard team recovered more than 60 remains from inundated cemeteries in the Ka‘u District, and officials are considering a temporary recovery village—similar to the Lahaina model—to house displaced residents.
Infrastructure and Energy Grid Overhaul
Governor Josh Green has called for a long-term upgrade of the state’s energy grid to reduce future outage risk. He proposes adding microgrids in remote areas in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has discussed the plan with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) leadership.
Philanthropic and Community Support
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Stronger Hawai‘i Fund has disbursed more than $732,000 in grants, supplemented by over $5 million in private donations—including $3 million from Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai and $1 million each from Salesforce co-founder Marc Benioff and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs contributed $500,000, and Norwegian Cruise Line added $50,000.
Vibrant Hawai‘i reports receiving over 1,200 aid requests representing more than 6,000 residents, with nearly every household seeking replacement food. The Department of Human Services is preparing emergency SNAP benefits to help residents replace spoiled provisions.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Green emphasized the need for a “temporary recovery village” and a grid upgrade, noting private-sector resources are essential.
Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan described the Guard’s response as “thoughtful” and “culturally appropriate,” highlighting ongoing wellness checks.
Mayor Richard Bissen warned the community is “tired” after Lala but urged vigilance, noting saturated ground increases flood risk.
MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett outlined coordination among the Maui Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service and partners, urging residents to adopt a “Two Weeks Ready” approach—maintaining go-bags, securing homes and planning for possible extended power outages.
Data & Statistics
- Homes damaged/destroyed: 263
- Businesses affected: 18
- Customers without power: ~13,380
- National Guard personnel deployed: ~136
- Grants from Hawai‘i Community Foundation: $732,000
- Total private donations: >$5 million
What’s Next
State officials are arranging transport of heavy recovery equipment and an additional 100 utility workers from California aboard military C-17 aircraft to accelerate repairs. The National Weather Service will continue to update forecasts, and watches for tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain may be issued as early as Friday. Residents should monitor official channels for the latest guidance and complete preparedness actions promptly.
