On Aug. 15 and 16, Hurricane Lala caused widespread damage and flooding across Hawaiʻi.
The state is still recovering from the storm's impact. Hawaiʻi Public Radio has created a list of ways you can access resources and help those impacted by the hurricane.
How to donate:
Monetary donations for Hurricane Lala
- Vibrant Hawaiʻi: Provides food, water, tarps, cleanup supplies, and chainsaw support to impacted communities. To donate, click here.
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: Donations to its Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund support nonprofits and organizations delivering direct services to those affected by Lala. It has already dispersed funds to Vibrant Hawaiʻi for community-led response efforts and The Salvation Army Hilo Corps for food distribution. To donate, click here.
- Global Empowerment Mission: Hawaiʻi-based team assists community with immediate needs. To donate, click here.
- The Salvation Army: Provides meals across Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu. To donate, click here.
- Catholic Charities Hawaii: Provides critical assistance to families impacted by Hurricane Lala. To donate, click here.
- World Central Kitchen: Serves meals to families in Hilo. To donate, click here.
- Hawaiian Council: Provides free cesspool pumping for families in impacted areas and deploys personnel, equipment, and resources to affected communities. To donate, click here.
- Hawaiian Humane Society: Supports displaced animals post-Hurricane Lala. To donate, click here.
- Hawaiʻi Mutual Aid Network: Donate to specific families, businesses, and farms. To donate, click here.
- ʻO Kaʻū Kākou: Provides supplies and support for those impacted in Kaʻū. To donate, click here.
- Hawaii Workers Center: Offers assistance funds for workers impacted by the hurricane. To donate, click here.
- Hawaiʻi Farmers Union: Supports farmers, ranchers, and fishers who were impacted by the hurricane. To donate, click here.
Food and supply donations
- Simply Sisters by Lola Miller Designs: Collecting water, propane, gas, and non perishables in Hilo for families in need. To learn more, click here.
- Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area: Collecting food, infant care, medical and sanitary products, and shelter or power-related items for the communities in Ka’ū. To learn more, click here.
Food and supply donations
- State Rep. Jeanne Kapela, who represents the Kaʻū district on Hawaiʻi Island, is looking for volunteers to help collect, sort, transport and distribute donations. Sign up at bit.ly/LalaVolunteer2026.
How to obtain resources:
General assistance
- Kualoa-Heʻeia Ecumenical Youth Project: To apply for assistance, click here.
- Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies: Offers car seats, breast pumps, cribs, and other baby essentials. To learn more, click here.
- U-Haul: Offers 30 days of free storage for residents who need it during cleanup and recovery efforts. To learn more, click here.
Food distribution
The state Department of Education will be distributing free, shelf-stable meal boxes to support families in Kaʻū communities. Each meal box will contain five breakfasts and five lunches that meet school meal nutritional requirements. Click here for more information.
Meals are available at not cost for children ages 18 and younger. Children must be present at the time of pickup. Distribution will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following days and places:
Wednesdays beginning Aug. 26
- Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School, old school gym, 96-3150 Pikake St., Pāhala
- Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission, 95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Nāʻālehu
Thursdays beginning Aug. 27
- St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, 92-8606 Paradise Mauka Circle, Ocean View
Financial assistance
- Catholic Charities Hawaii: Provides short-term housing, utility, and automobile payments for families with dependent children. To apply, click here.
- Hawaii Mutual Aid Network: Apply for financial support either as an individual or a business. To apply, click here.
- Hawaii Workers Center: Workers impacted by the hurricane can apply for a one-time assistance fund. To apply, click here.
Housing assistance
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency is offering temporary housing assistance for residents impacted by Tropical Storms Lala and Moke. The call center is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 808-818-7587 for assistance.
Storm debris cleanup
Hawaiʻi County has set up a residential curbside storm debris pickup program from Aug. 24-28 for Pāhala, Nāʻālehu and Waiʻōhinu. Residents should separate bulky items from green waste and place on the curbside along the street. Debris left on private property cannot be picked up.
Solid waste transfer stations at Pāhala, Waiʻōhinu and Ocean View will be open seven days a week until further notice. Roll-off containers have been placed at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou property for residents to dispose of household solid waste and bulky items.
Report damage
Each Hawaiʻi county is asking residents to submit a report following the storm. This will will help county and state officials assess damage and make the case when applying for federal funds.
- Hawaiʻi County: Click here
- City and County of Honolulu: Click here
- Kauaiʻi County: Click here
- Maui County: Click here
Most Hawaiian Electric customers have had power restored, but those without power who see their neighbors with electricity can report to HECO by clicking here.
