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Hawai'i Faces High Ninth-Grade Repeater Rate, Exceeding National Average

Hawai'i Faces High Ninth-Grade Repeater Rate, Exceeding National Average

Hawai'i's public high schools are experiencing a significantly high rate of ninth-grade students being held back, with approximately 1 in 10 freshmen repeating the grade in the 2021-2022 school year. This figure is more than double the national average for that period, according to an analysis of federal data by Big Local News, an initiative of Stanford University. While the rate has slightly decreased to 1 in 13 freshmen in the 2024-2025 academic year, it remains elevated. This issue primarily affects high school students, as less than 1% of elementary and middle schoolers in Hawai'i repeat a grade. Factors contributing to this trend include increased peer pressure, more challenging coursework requiring strong foundational skills, and students being unaccustomed to strict credit requirements for advancement. Schools are attempting to address this through summer programs, counseling, and personalized learning plans, with the state education department aiming to improve academic readiness and engagement sta...
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Pacific Hurricane Activity Intensifies Amid Warm Ocean Waters

Pacific Hurricane Activity Intensifies Amid Warm Ocean Waters

The Pacific Ocean is experiencing heightened hurricane activity due to unusually warm waters stretching from Hawaii to Mexico and south to the equator, influenced by a strengthening El Niño. Hurricane Lala has regained strength but is expected to move north into the open Pacific. Meanwhile, a disturbance in the orange area has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm, potentially bringing a moisture surge to Hawaii over the weekend or early next week. Another system offshore of Mexico has a high chance of forming into a tropical depression or storm, with long-range forecasts suggesting it could develop into a strong hurricane and track westward, away from the Mexican coast. Hawaii remains at risk this hurricane season due to its location amidst vast warm waters, which provide extra energy for storm development (Fox Weather, Aug. 18, 2026).
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Tropical Storm Lala Brings Heavy Rain, Flooding to Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Brings Heavy Rain, Flooding to Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala, which recently weakened from hurricane strength, is causing significant impacts across Hawaii, including the Big Island and Oahu. The storm narrowly missed landfall but has brought torrential rainfall, with totals expected to reach 30 to 35 inches (76 to 89 cm) in some areas of the Big Island. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) is forecast for the Big Island and windward Maui. Dangerous storm surges are flooding coastal areas, and life-threatening flooding and mudslides are anticipated, particularly in steep terrain. As of Sunday morning, nearly 60,000 customers were without power, and over 100 flights were canceled. The storm's maximum sustained winds have decreased to 65 mph (104 km/h), but some restrengthening is expected midweek. The tropical storm warning has been lifted for Hawaii County but remains in effect for Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai County. (Source time: 8 a.m. local time, Sunday).
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Hurricane Lala Causes Fatality and Extensive Damage in Hawaii

Hurricane Lala Causes Fatality and Extensive Damage in Hawaii

Hurricane Lala, which strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, caused widespread destruction across Hawaii Island over the weekend. Floodwaters in the Kau community of Naalehu claimed the life of a 93-year-old woman, marking the first confirmed fatality from the storm. The hurricane brought heavy flooding, mudslides, and wind damage, leaving homes partially buried in mud and infrastructure severely impacted. Power outages have affected thousands, with some areas still without electricity. Officials, including Gov. Josh Green, are assessing the damage and coordinating recovery efforts. Relief organizations are providing essential supplies such as water, ice, and propane to affected residents. The storm exposed vulnerabilities in Hawaii’s infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, which are undergoing repairs.
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Tropical Storm Lala Causes Power Outages and Flooding in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Causes Power Outages and Flooding in Hawaii

Crews in Hawaii are working to restore power and clear debris after Tropical Storm Lala swept through the islands over the weekend, causing significant flooding and infrastructure damage. The storm, which weakened from a hurricane, left thousands without electricity and disrupted daily life, including schools and non-emergency operations. Hawaiian Electric reported extensive damage to power lines, particularly in remote areas, while Maui County officials noted fallen trees and damaged infrastructure. The storm has since moved westward and is expected to turn north toward the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, according to the National Weather Service. One fatality has been confirmed—a 90-year-old woman found in Naalehu. Recovery efforts are underway, with officials emphasizing the resilience of affected communities.
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Tropical Weather Outlook: Hurricane Lala and Developing Systems in the Eastern Pacific

Tropical Weather Outlook: Hurricane Lala and Developing Systems in the Eastern Pacific

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring several weather systems in the eastern and central North Pacific. Hurricane Lala is located a few hundred miles west of Kauai, Hawaii, and remains under active advisories. Additionally, a low-pressure area is expected to form south-southwest of Mexico later this week, with a high likelihood (80%) of developing into a tropical depression over the next seven days. Another tropical wave, situated east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. This system has a 30% chance of development within 48 hours and a 70% chance over the next seven days as it moves westward into the Central Pacific. (Source time: not specified.)
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Tropical Storm Lala Causes Widespread Damage in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Causes Widespread Damage in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala has caused significant disruption across Hawaii, with over 200,000 customers left without power and at least 100 homes damaged. The storm brought torrential rain, flash flooding, and hurricane-force wind gusts, particularly affecting the Big Island, Oahu, and Maui counties. Kauai remains under a tropical storm warning as heavy rainfall and strong winds persist. The National Hurricane Center has warned of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain. The storm, fueled by El Niño conditions and warmer ocean temperatures, is expected to exit the Hawaiian Islands by Monday morning local time. Emergency responders are actively addressing urgent situations, including rescues and road closures caused by landslides and fallen trees.
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Tropical Storm Lala Weakens After Passing Hawaii, Heavy Rain and Winds Persist

Tropical Storm Lala Weakens After Passing Hawaii, Heavy Rain and Winds Persist

Tropical Storm Lala, previously a hurricane, has weakened after passing the southern tip of Hawaii's Big Island. As of 10 a.m. on August 16, 2026, the storm is producing sustained winds of 70 mph (112.65 km/h) and is expected to move into the open Pacific later tonight. The storm has caused significant rainfall, with over 6 inches (15.24 cm) reported on the windward slopes of Maui and other smaller Hawaiian Islands. Gusts near hurricane force are still possible at higher elevations on Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. The Big Island, which bore the brunt of the storm yesterday, continues to experience residual rain, though the intensity has decreased. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring two other potential development zones in the Pacific, though neither is expected to pose an immediate threat to Hawaii.
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Over 191,800 Customers Without Power in Hawaii After Tropical Storm Lala

Over 191,800 Customers Without Power in Hawaii After Tropical Storm Lala

Tropical Storm Lala has caused widespread power outages across Hawaii, leaving approximately 191,800 Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) customers without electricity as of 2:30 p.m. HST on August 16, 2026. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, damaging transmission lines and making repairs challenging. HECO crews are working to restore power, with helicopters and drones conducting damage assessments on Hawaii Island and Maui. Oahu is scheduled for aerial inspections on Monday. Restoration efforts are prioritizing emergency facilities such as hospitals and water supply systems. Over 180,000 customers have had their power restored since the storm began, but rural areas may face extended outages lasting weeks or months.
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Hawaii Begins Recovery After Tropical Storm Lala's Destruction

Hawaii Begins Recovery After Tropical Storm Lala's Destruction

Hawaii is in recovery mode after Tropical Storm Lala caused widespread damage across the islands. The storm, which weakened from a hurricane on Sunday, brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. Approximately 117,300 customers lost power, and flash flooding isolated remote communities. Public schools and state offices were closed on Monday as cleanup efforts began. The storm is now moving westward and is expected to regain hurricane strength far from land by midweek. Despite the destruction, no fatalities have been reported (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 2026-08-17).
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Lala Leaves Severe Flood and Wind Damage Across Hawaiʻi's Kaʻū District, Punaluʻu Bake Shop Badly Hit

Lala Leaves Severe Flood and Wind Damage Across Hawaiʻi's Kaʻū District, Punaluʻu Bake Shop Badly Hit

The Kaʻū District on Hawaii's Big Island has experienced widespread devastation following Hurricane Lala, which skirted South Point on Saturday. Although not a direct hit, the hurricane brought sustained winds of 70 mph and heavy rainfall, transforming small streams into raging rivers. This led to significant damage to roads, cutting off the Green Sands Beach Subdivision and impacting communities such as Nāʻālehu, Waiʻohinu, and Pāhala. The Punaluʻu Bakery in Nāʻālehu, a beloved local establishment, was inundated by floodwaters, mud, and boulders, with General Manager Zach Kennedy describing the damage as catastrophic. Many residents in the affected areas are currently without communication and power, and Nāʻālehu Elementary School has been forced to close due to storm-related impacts and road closures.