Disaster Response & Federal Aid: Gov. Josh Green has formally requested a presidential emergency declaration for Hawaiʻi after Hurricane Lala, seeking specialized federal resources to protect public health and keep essential services running as Tropical Storm Moke approaches. Power & Grid Accountability: Hawaiian Electric says it’s restoring power on Hawaiʻi Island ahead of Moke, with about 8,800 customers still without electricity as crews work through storm-damaged areas and update estimated restoration timelines. Storm Watch: Moke is weakening slightly but still threatens heavy rain and gusty winds; a flood watch remains in effect for the Big Island through Monday, with saturated ground from Lala raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides. Community Recovery: In Kaʻū and Pahala, residents describe long outages, shortages, and reliance on neighbors and nonprofits as cleanup continues and fear grows about what happens if another storm hits before services fully return. Energy Policy: A debate continues over whether Hawaiʻi should invest in LNG infrastructure for Oʻahu power plants, with analysts saying LNG’s rate impact may be modest and urging decision-makers to weigh more than price. Local Business & Safety: A lawsuit was filed over a Kauaʻi “doors-off” helicopter tour crash, alleging passengers were unable to escape after the aircraft went into the ocean. Solar Market Signal: Even after the federal rooftop solar tax credit ended, Hawaiʻi added thousands of new rooftop solar systems in early 2026, suggesting demand is holding up.