(BIVN) – The State of Hawaiʻi says all state and county offices will be open on Wednesday, following the impacts of Hurricane Lala over the weekend. However, the Ka‘ū district will remain closed.
Nāʻālehu Elementary School will remain closed through Thursday, August 20, because of storm-related damage to the campus and classrooms, as well as road closures affecting safe access. The County of Hawaiʻi added this closure includes all three schools in Pāhala.
According to a State news release:
Families, students and employees should monitor the Hawai‘i Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest information regarding individual school closures and reopening plans.
Essential employees have been instructed to report as scheduled unless otherwise directed by their department or supervisor. Departments have been instructed to consider allowing telework consistent with the state’s Telework Program Guidelines where practicable, if roads are impassable and an employee can perform their duties remotely.
“We are giving our emergency crews and public employees another day to clear roads, assess damage and make sure our workplaces and schools are safe,” said Governor Green. “Our goal is to resume normal operations statewide Wednesday, but we will not ask students, families or employees to travel through unsafe conditions. Recovery remains our priority and we will continue working with each community until critical services and infrastructure are fully restored.”
The County of Hawaiʻi says a task force is using all available resources to take care of the remains from Waiohinu and Naalehu Cemeteries, adding that “all cultural protocols will be observed during this process.”
A Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense message issued at 3:30 p.m. provided this additional recovery information:
Social Services: Points of Distribution (aka PODs) will be distributing food and water and will have Medical Reserve Corps personnel to treat minor injuries.
POD Locations opening at 3:00 pm include: Billy Kenoi Park in Pahoa, Hawaiian Acres 16-1325 Moho Rd., Fern Acres at 11-3606 Lehua St.
POD Locations opening at 5:00 pm include: Fern Forrest at 11-2864 Ala Kapena, Cooper Center in Volcano, The Community Center in Pepeekeo, Paauilo at 43-1355 Mamalahoa Hwy, Hamakua Youth Center in Honokaa, and the Kailapa Community Association.
Initial damage assessments began today and will continue tomorrow. You can submit a damage report on the Civil Defense Website or by calling Civil Defense at 935-0031.
