(BIVN) – There are a number of continuing closures – and some new openings – to report for Tuesday, August 18, following Hurricane Lala.
The County of Hawaiʻi reported Monday evening that access to Pāhala and Nāʻālehu on Highway 11 has been restored for local residents and emergency and essential travel only.
All state and Hawaiʻi County offices will remain closed Tuesday due to the continuing impacts of the storm.
All Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools on Hawaiʻi Island will remain closed Tuesday.
All courts and Judiciary facilities on Hawaiʻi Island will also remain closed Tuesday.
An emergency shelter at Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym remains open.
County transfer stations and landfills that are normally scheduled to be open on Tuesday will be open, except for transfer stations in Pāhala and Wai‘ōhinu.
All Hele-on routes, except for Routes 10, 12 & 90, will be open on Tuesday.
Hawaiʻi Community College and UH-Hilo will not be open for normal operations, with the exception of Student Housing Move-In Day for students at UH-Hilo.
The Kō Education Center in Honokaʻa is still experiencing power outages and will also remain closed.
Hawaiʻi County beaches, parks and parks facilities will remain closed on Tuesday.
The following state parks will open today:
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park
- Kekaha Kai State Park
- Manukā State Wilderness Area
- Wailuku River State Park
“Among the biggest issues we continue to face are widespread power outages and road damage,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda in a Monday evening news release. “We ask that people use these closures as an opportunity to stay home and off the roads, which will support the tremendous work of our utility companies and road crews as they restore electricity and road access in communities across the island.”
“Roads are getting cleared, debris is getting cleaned up, and the people, while hurting, remain strong,” added Mayor Alameda. “There is a lot of work still to be done but know that we stand with you completely, and we are working around the clock with our government and community partners to get you the help that you need.”
