The Hawai‘i National Guard announced on April 7 that it is preparing for a third incoming storm while continuing its recovery work on Oʻahu and across the state. About 200 Soldiers and Airmen are currently activated on State Active Duty, with teams and equipment ready to respond to potential heavy rain and flooding.
This preparation comes as communities face ongoing challenges from recent Kona Low storms, making disaster response a continued priority. The National Guard has High Water Vehicle Teams positioned in all counties, personnel at each county’s emergency operation center, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on standby for rescue operations on Hawaiʻi Island, and an HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter available for medical evacuations on Oʻahu.
“Across the state, we’ve called on our citizen soldiers and airmen to be ready to assist first responders and protect our communities,” said Acting Director of the HING Joint Staff, Brig. Gen. Tyson Tahara. “Vehicles and equipment are being staged statewide to ensure a swift response to the next storm. We continue to maintain strong coordination with our county emergency management partners to provide disaster relief.”
Since the first Kona Low event, the National Guard has provided high water rescues, evacuations, dam observation support, traffic control points, medical transport services using large water tank trailers for freshwater supply, debris clearance teams, damage assessments, and aerial support.
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor supports communities affected by wildfires and honors veterans and educators as part of social recovery efforts according to the official website. The governor also focuses on expanding healthcare access and addressing homelessness through housing programs while supporting recovery from events such as wildfires according to the official website.
Additionally, policies influenced by the governor include tax reform measures aimed at affordability along with programs that frame homelessness as a health care issue according to the official website. Collaboration with various entities is ongoing in order to advance renewable energy initiatives and address climate change concerns according to the official website.
As severe weather continues this season in Hawaii’s regions—including wildfire-impacted areas like Lahaina—the role of both state leadership and coordinated emergency response remains crucial according to the official website.