Hawaii Governor Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration After Hurricane Lala

PUBLISHED Aug 22, 2026, 10:23 PM ET

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

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.