The Hawaiian Islands were battered by strong winds and heavy rain this past weekend as Tropical Storm Lala passed south of the state. Residents faced extensive power outages, damaged homes and businesses, and severe flooding.
Lala was a Category 1 hurricane earlier in its approach to Hawaiʻi but weakened to a tropical storm before passing south of the Islands. Its center did not cross over land, but its outer bands still caused significant damage, particularly along the southern and eastern areas of Hawaiʻi Island. Across the Islands, Lala washed out highways, wrecked structures and uprooted massive trees, making some roads impassable.
As the Islands move through the aftermath of the storm, dangerous hazards remain, including flooded areas and downed power lines. Residents and visitors are urged to use caution while cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
Ocean Safety
On Aug. 16, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a statewide brown water advisory. Heavy rain and runoff can carry mud, debris, bacteria and other contaminants into the ocean. Even when the weather improves, water conditions can remain unsafe. The department advises beachgoers to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially near streams, drainage outlets and areas affected by runoff. If the water is brown, turn around.
The Department of Health also advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.
More information and water quality updates can be found on the Department of Health’s environmental portal.
Hiking Safety
Photo: Courtesy of The City and County of Honolulu
After heavy rains, especially during and after tropical storm or hurricane conditions, hiking can be dangerous. Trails can be muddy and slippery, while streams can be overflowing with rushing water. Flash flooding also happens rapidly, especially after a storm, when the ground is saturated and unable to absorb additional rainfall.
The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are warning the public that risking your own safety while hiking during severe weather also puts first responders at risk.
In a news release on Aug. 17, the City and County of Honolulu shared that, following Lala, a group of hikers chose to venture out on Aug. 16 on a trail in Kaʻaʻawa on Oʻahu’s Windward Side. A woman was attempting to cross a stream when she slipped and injured her ankle. She was unable to walk out, so her friends called 911. HFD and EMS responded to the scene.
Four HFD units with 17 personnel and three EMS units with five paramedics and emergency medical technicians responded to the scene. The rescue took nearly three hours because of the difficult terrain and extensive extrication required to reach and remove the injured hiker and her two companions.
Streams and muddy trail conditions are dangerous even days after heavy rains have passed. Avoid hiking unless you are certain of the trail conditions and turn around if you encounter a difficult situation.
Road Safety
The City and County of Honolulu shared these reminders, which are helpful for drivers across Hawaiʻi:
- Never drive through flooded roadways.
- Treat nonfunctioning traffic signals as an all-way stop.
- Be aware that streetlights and lights in tunnels may still be out.
- Be cautious on roads as crews are still cleaning up debris, downed trees and power lines.
- When an emergency vehicle is approaching with its siren activated, drivers are required by law to move over and give the vehicle a clear path.
- Always adhere to directions from police officers.
- Avoid downed power lines.
- Plan for extra time due to nonfunctioning traffic signals.
- Pedestrians are reminded to also be aware when walking.
- Drive cautiously, carefully and with aloha.
