ENVIRONMENT

Hawaii Governor Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration After Hurricane Lala

PUBLISHED Aug 22, 2026, 10:23 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 21

Left 24%

Center 76%

Sources: 21

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green asked the White House on Aug. 22 for a presidential emergency declaration covering Hawaii County, Maui County and Honolulu after Lala caused flooding, infrastructure damage and power outages. The state said Lala produced roughly 20 to 40 inches of rain in some areas, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes, and disrupting roads, bridges, communications and essential services. About 200,000 utility customers lost power at the storm’s peak, with 11,290 Hawaii Island customers still without electricity when the request was submitted, according to the governor’s office. The request seeks federal emergency protective measures, including mortuary teams after floodwaters disinterred human remains at Naalehu Cemetery, large generators and assistance establishing temporary microgrids. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Moke was approaching south of the islands. The National Weather Service forecast heavy rainfall, especially on the Big Island, where saturated ground increased flooding and landslide risks. The White House decision remained pending.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On Aug. 13, 2026, Green signed emergency proclamation before Lala.
On Aug. 15, 2026, Lala reached hurricane strength near Hawaii.
On Aug. 16, 2026, Lala weakened after rainfall and flooding.
On Aug. 17, 2026, state officials assessed major Kaʻū damage.
On Aug. 19, 2026, crews continued restoring electricity across Hawaii.
On Aug. 22, 2026, Green requested presidential emergency federal declaration.
On Aug. 22, 2026, Moke approached while recovery remained underway.
On Aug. 22, 2026, NWS maintained Big Island Flood Watch.
On Aug. 23, 2026, Moke rainfall may worsen saturated-ground flooding.
On Aug. 25, 2026, drier trade winds are expected statewide.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Hawaii faces disrupted power, transportation, communications, water, and emergency services.
Possible long-term US impact: Federal disaster assistance could accelerate infrastructure repairs and resilience investments.
Most affected groups: Big Island residents, Maui communities, Honolulu residents, utilities, emergency responders, and state agencies.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official NWS, Hawaii, FEMA, and utility updates over social posts.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 21
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 5
Neutral:: 16

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes community vulnerability, infrastructure damage, and climate-related disaster pressures. Center: Coverage emphasizes verified damage, federal request, forecasts, timelines, and official response. Right: Evidence was insufficient to establish a distinct right-leaning framing.