Hawai‘i Public Schools to Reopen After Hurricane Lala
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) has announced that most public schools across the state will resume normal operations on Wednesday, August 19, following Hurricane Lala. This decision comes after extensive post-storm campus assessments, utility restorations, and recovery efforts. While most schools are ready to reopen, two schools on Hawai‘i Island—Nā‘ālehu Elementary and Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary—will remain closed through Thursday, August 20, due to ongoing safety assessments and road access issues. Superintendent Keith Hayashi acknowledged the challenges faced by families and staff in affected areas, particularly those dealing with power outages and road conditions. As of Monday evening, HIDOE had received over 600 storm-related work orders statewide, including damage reports such as downed trees, roof damage, and water intrusion.