City moves into final preparations as Tropical Storm Lala approaches Hawai‘i

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is moving into final preparations for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, as departments and first responder agencies take additional steps to protect critical infrastructure and prepare for potentially dangerous conditions across Oʻahu this weekend.

City officials are urging residents to use Thursday to complete preparations and closely monitor official information as the storm approaches the Hawaiian Islands.

Latest forecast:

Tropical Storm Lala continues to move toward the Hawaiian Islands, with a Hurricane Watch now in effect for Hawaiʻi Island. Oʻahu is not currently under a tropical storm or hurricane watch, but forecasters continue to expect impacts across the state this weekend as Lala moves westward. The exact track and intensity remain uncertain, and City officials are urging residents to complete preparations today and continue monitoring official updates.

For Oʻahu, the primary concerns remain strong and gusty winds, elevated wildfire danger ahead of the storm, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, rapidly rising streams, and large and dangerous surf along east-facing shores. Conditions are expected to begin changing ahead of the system, with the greatest potential for heavy rainfall and other impacts on Oʻahu later in the weekend. Residents should not focus solely on the storm’s center line, as hazardous conditions can extend well away from the center of a tropical cyclone.

“We have been preparing for this storm throughout the week, and today we are moving into the final stages of those preparations,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “I am asking everyone on Oʻahu to do the same. Use today to finish what you need to do. Secure your property, make sure you have the supplies and medications you need, check on your kūpuna and neighbors, and know what you will do if conditions become dangerous. Our City teams are ready, and we need everyone to take this storm seriously and be ready as well.”

The Department of Emergency Management continues to coordinate the City’s preparations with the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, first responder agencies and other government and nongovernmental partners.

City preparations:

City departments and agencies are moving forward with additional protective measures on Thursday as the storm approaches the Hawaiian Islands.

Stream and flood preparations: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) will begin opening several stream mouths Thursday morning to help improve water flow ahead of potential heavy rainfall.

Beginning at 8 a.m., crews began work at:

• Kapakahi Stream in Kāhala

• Muliwai Ditch in Kāhala

• Niu Valley Stream

• Kuli‘ouʻou Stream

Crews are also scheduled to arrive at Kaʻelepulu Thursday evening and are expected to begin opening the stream mouth between 10 p.m. and midnight, timed with tidal conditions.

DFM continues to monitor streams and drainage systems across Oʻahu. Crews are also checking conditions at Pōkaʻi Bay and ʻUlehawa, which could be added to the stream-mouth opening schedule if conditions warrant.

Construction sites:

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) continues to secure construction areas ahead of the storm. Crews along Nimitz Highway are securing equipment and materials, reinforcing active work sites and checking stormwater protections to reduce potential impacts from heavy rain and strong winds.

Public transportation:

TheBus, TheHandi-Van and Skyline continue to operate normally. However, riders should be prepared for potential service changes or delays as weather conditions deteriorate.

Heavy rain, flooding, hazardous road conditions, or strong winds could result in service modifications or temporary suspensions if conditions become unsafe for passengers, operators, or the transit system. Riders should monitor City and Department of Transportation Services communications for the latest information and plan accordingly.

The public is also encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel once severe weather develops, allow additional travel time, and use extreme caution on roadways.

Emergency communications:

Department of Information Technology (DIT) technicians are inspecting and securing critical communications infrastructure ahead of the storm, including waterproofing and equipment at the Mokulēʻia radio tower. The work is intended to help ensure the City’s P25 radio network remains operational and first responders can communicate reliably throughout the storm.

Honolulu Zoo:

The Honolulu Zoo is taking precautionary measures to prepare for the storm, including securing facilities, checking emergency supplies, and reviewing contingency plans to ensure the care and safety of its animals. Zoo staff is also prepared to relocate animals to secure areas within the facility if conditions warrant.

Board of Water Supply: The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) continues to monitor water levels at the Nuʻuanu No. 1 and No. 4 reservoirs, which remain stable. As of Wednesday afternoon, Nuʻuanu No. 1 was at 381.2 feet, and Nuʻuanu No. 4 was at 29.2 feet. Pumps are in position at Nuʻuanu No. 1 and are ready to be deployed if conditions warrant.

Wastewater operations: Crews at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant are conducting full system checks, fueling generators, and ensuring pumps and other critical equipment are operating properly ahead of the storm. Backup systems have also been tested and are ready for deployment if needed.

Residents should complete preparations Thursday

The City is urging residents to make every effort to complete storm preparations Thursday rather than waiting until conditions begin to deteriorate.

Residents should secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects, fuel vehicles, charge phones and portable batteries, fill necessary prescriptions, check emergency supplies and review family emergency plans.

Residents living near streams, flood-prone areas or the coastline should pay particular attention to changing conditions and be prepared to take action if instructed.

With strong winds and low humidity expected to increase wildfire danger ahead of the storm, residents should avoid outdoor activities that could spark a fire.

Residents should also check on kūpuna, neighbors and others who may need assistance preparing.

City officials continue to urge residents to rely on official information from the National Weather Service, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the City and County of Honolulu rather than on individual computer models or unverified information circulating on social media.

The City will announce any changes to City operations, public transportation, facilities, parks, refuse collection or other services as conditions warrant.

Residents can find emergency preparedness information at www.honolulu.gov/DEM.

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