Gov. Green and Leaders Provide Update on Potential Tropical Cyclone and Lala Recovery Efforts

Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan and National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Bravender outlined statewide preparedness efforts, the latest forecast and potential impacts. Officials urged residents to monitor trusted sources, review emergency plans and prepare before conditions deteriorate.

The state is closely tracking Tropical Cyclone Two-C southeast of Hilo. The system is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm Saturday before passing south of the islands Sunday and Monday. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are the primary concerns, particularly for Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Residents, especially those still recovering from Lala, should prepare now, review their emergency plans and closely monitor official weather updates.

“Lala tested our communities, but it also showed what Hawaiʻi can accomplish when government, nonprofits, businesses and neighbors work together,” said Governor Green. “As recovery continues and another system approaches, we are focused on both fronts: helping families get the support and resources they need now and ensuring our state is ready for what may come next. I am grateful to every responder, community partner, donor and individual resident, giving of themselves and stepping forward to support our people.”

“Our teams are coordinating closely with county emergency managers, the National Weather Service and response partners across the state while continuing recovery operations from Lala,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Hawaiʻi adjutant general. “Residents should follow official updates, review their emergency plans and take practical steps now to protect their families. Early preparation gives our communities the best chance to stay safe.”

The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) has deployed more than $400,000 through its Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund to organizations assisting affected communities, including Vibrant Hawaiʻi and the Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps. Support includes food, water, wellness checks, emergency communications, shelter assistance and other immediate needs.

Governor Green announced that Tadashi Yanai, UNIQLO founder and Fast Retailing chairman, president and CEO, will give a personal donation totaling $3 million to support communities affected by Lala. UNIQLO USA will donate up to 50,000 items of clothing. Assistance will be provided through Aloha United Way, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Global Empowerment Mission and Hawaiian Council.

“Hawai‘i’s greatest strength has always been our people and our ability to come together when challenges arise,” said Vibrant Hawai‘i CEO Janice Ikeda. “Across our communities, we are seeing cross-sector collaboration — including through our network of Resilience Hubs — driven by people who show up every day. The response has been incredibly coordinated because we have allowed hyper-localized hubs not only to inform the immediate response, but to lead it, while government and nonprofit partners have acted in ways that affirm their leadership and decision-making. It is this understanding — not only of how to step forward, but also when to step back and let others lead, recognizing that each of us holds one piece of something bigger—that will continue to carry us forward.”

“Time and again, we’ve seen how local leadership, trusted relationships and neighbors helping neighbors make all the difference during times of crisis,” said Hawai‘i Community Foundation CEO and President Terry George. “As Hawai‘i’s only community foundation, we built the statewide Stronger Hawai‘i Fund based on lessons learned from disasters such as the Puna lava flows and the Maui wildfires, helping align resources, reduce duplication and support recovery efforts as needs evolve. We’re grateful to the donors and partners who make this work possible and strengthen Hawai‘i for the future.”

Vibrant Hawaiʻi, one of the nonprofits providing recovery assistance on Hawaiʻi Island, is encouraging residents affected by Tropical Cyclone Lala to complete an online intake form to help the organization assess and quickly deploy resources like food, water, wellness checks, emergency communications and other immediate needs to residents. Residents affected by Lala may complete Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s online intake form here.

Nonprofits seeking financial support for community response and recovery efforts are encouraged to apply through the new JustFund application available through Funder Hui’s Hawai‘i Resilience & Recovery Funder Collaborative — a statewide philanthropy network of more than 35 funders — to streamline disaster giving. Nonprofits seeking recovery funding may apply through JustFund here.

The Stronger Hawai’i Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation was established to support preparedness, response, recovery and resilience efforts statewide. Designed for flexibility, the Stronger Hawai‘i Initiative allows HCF and trusted partners to direct resources and support where it is needed most, before, during and after a disaster. To learn more about the Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund or contribute, visit www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strongerhawaii.

For preparedness information, visit ready.hawaii.gov. 

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