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Honolulu EMS Responds to Partial Ceiling Collapse at Kaimuki Chinese Restaurant, Four Women Treated

Honolulu EMS Responds to Partial Ceiling Collapse at Kaimuki Chinese Restaurant, Four Women Treated

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) responded to a partial ceiling collapse at the Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Kaimuki. The incident, initially classified as a 'confined rescue incident' by HFD, occurred at approximately 1 p.m. at the restaurant located in the Waialae Plaza. Footage from the scene showed HFD rescue personnel inside the building and paramedics using evacuation chairs. EMS confirmed that the interior of the restaurant had partially collapsed. Four women, all believed to be in their 80s, were treated at the scene for minor injuries. One woman sustained lacerations and was transported to an emergency room in stable condition, while the other three declined hospital transport. As a result of the incident, 11th Avenue between Waialae Avenue and Harding Avenue, and the eastbound lane of Waialae Avenue between 11th and 12th Avenue, were closed.

Hurricane Lala Leaves Hawaii Reeling with Power Outages and Flooding

Hurricane Lala Leaves Hawaii Reeling with Power Outages and Flooding

Hurricane Lala has caused significant damage across Hawaii, leaving tens of thousands without power and uprooting trees. The storm brought flash floods to areas from Honolulu to the Big Island over the past weekend. Officials have reported one fatality, a 90-year-old woman, and noted that the damage could have been much worse. Crews are actively working to clear roads and restore power to affected areas. Meanwhile, parts of Indiana are also dealing with catastrophic flooding, with neighborhoods submerged and infrastructure severely damaged. Residents in Indianapolis are beginning to assess the damage as floodwaters recede.

Honolulu City Council Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless for Shopping Cart Possession

Honolulu City Council Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless for Shopping Cart Possession

The Honolulu City Council is considering Bill 53, a proposed law that would impose fines of up to $2,000 or up to 30 days in jail for individuals found with shopping carts outside of store premises. The bill also allows for the confiscation of these carts. Council Chair Tommy Waters, who introduced the measure, states that it aims to curb shopping cart theft and abandonment, which he claims create safety hazards by obstructing sidewalks, bus stops, parks, and waterways. Retailers and law enforcement officials support the bill, viewing shopping carts removed from store property as stolen items that incur significant replacement costs. Honolulu Police Maj. Paul Okamoto highlighted that abandoned carts contribute to public safety and health issues, particularly by clogging waterways. The bill passed its first reading on August 12, with several council members supporting it, while others voted with reservations.

1 death linked to Tropical Storm Lala as more than 100,000 remain without power in Hawaii

1 death linked to Tropical Storm Lala as more than 100,000 remain without power in Hawaii

Thousands remain without power after Tropical Storm Lala hit Hawaii, uprooting trees and causing flash floods from Honolulu to the Big Island

Honolulu City Council Considers Fines and Jail Time for Unauthorized Shopping Cart Possession

Honolulu City Council Considers Fines and Jail Time for Unauthorized Shopping Cart Possession

The Honolulu City Council is considering Bill 53, a proposed law that would impose fines of up to $2,000 or up to 30 days in jail for individuals found with shopping carts outside of store premises. The bill, introduced by Council Chair Tommy Waters, aims to address the issue of shopping cart theft and abandonment, which he states creates safety hazards by obstructing sidewalks, bus stops, parks, and waterways. Supporters of the bill, including retailers and law enforcement, argue that shopping carts are valuable business property and their unauthorized removal constitutes theft. Honolulu Police Maj. Paul Okamoto noted that the bill would close an enforcement gap, as police currently have limited ability to penalize individuals for possessing carts unless a retailer pursues a theft case. The bill passed its first reading on August 12, with Council Members Scott Nishimoto, Val Okimoto, Augie Tulba, and Matt Weyer supporting it, and Radiant Cordero and Esther Kiaʻāina voting with reservations.

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Maui, Hawaii

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Maui, Hawaii

The National Weather Service in Honolulu, Hawaii, has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui in Maui County. As of 2:07 AM HST on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Doppler radar detected heavy rain bands over the region, with rainfall rates ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches per hour. The heaviest precipitation is concentrated on the south and east slopes of Haleakala. Local streams are rising rapidly, and flash flooding is either ongoing or expected to begin shortly. This warning remains in effect until 5:00 AM HST. The hazard is flash flooding caused by heavy rain, as indicated by radar data.

Lala is again a tropical storm, sending drenching rain and high winds across the Hawaiian islands

Lala is again a tropical storm, sending drenching rain and high winds across the Hawaiian islands

Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it's not done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts

Tropical Storm Lala Causes Flooding and Heavy Rain Across Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Causes Flooding and Heavy Rain Across Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala, recently downgraded from hurricane status, is causing life-threatening flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds across Hawaii. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the storm is currently located about 140 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and 75 miles south of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (113 km/h) and higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. Rainfall totals of up to 35 inches are expected in windward areas of Hawaii island, while other islands may see 2 to 6 inches. Dangerous storm surges of 1 to 2 feet above ground level are predicted for Oahu and Kauai during high tide. The storm is moving northwest at 14 mph (22.5 km/h) and is forecast to weaken before restrengthening midweek.

Hurricane Lala disrupts flights between Los Angeles and Hawaii

Hurricane Lala disrupts flights between Los Angeles and Hawaii

Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h), caused significant travel disruptions on Saturday as it approached Hawaii's Big Island. Flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Kona, Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu were canceled, along with inter-island and trans-Pacific flights. The storm prompted the closure of Hilo International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with rainfall rates reaching 2 inches per hour in some areas and up to 25 inches expected at higher elevations. Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to shelter in place as the storm approached.

Tropical Storm Lala drenches Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds

Tropical Storm Lala drenches Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds

Tropical Storm Lala, which had briefly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), weakened back to tropical storm status on Sunday morning. Despite not making landfall, the storm caused widespread destruction across Hawaii's Big Island and other parts of the state. Heavy rainfall, reaching nearly one meter (39 inches) in some areas, triggered flash floods and mudslides, while hurricane-force gusts battered the islands. Honolulu experienced significant impacts, including downed trees, power outages, and flooding. As of 11 a.m. local time, Lala was located 220 kilometers (137 miles) west of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 28 km/h (17 mph) with sustained winds of 100 km/h (62 mph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that Lala could regain hurricane strength by Tuesday or Wednesday as it moves away from Hawaii.

Tropical Storm Lala Brings Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds, and Flooding to Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Brings Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds, and Flooding to Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala, previously a hurricane, is impacting Hawaii with heavy rain, damaging winds, and flash flooding. As of 11 a.m. HST on August 16, 2026, the storm was located 275 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and 140 miles west of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph, with gusts reaching higher speeds. Rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour have been recorded in eastern Maui, with flash flooding reported in areas such as Kīpahulu and Hāna. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Maui County, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi County, while the warning for Hawaiʻi County has been canceled. The storm is expected to continue westward, with the potential to regain hurricane strength by Tuesday or Wednesday. Coastal areas are experiencing storm surges of 1 to 3 feet, accompanied by large, dangerous waves.