NEWS RELEASE: Hawaiʻi National Guard Concludes Tropical Cyclone Lala Response and Recovery Operations
November 10, 2026
#2026-014
HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi National Guard (HING) has officially concluded all state active-duty response and recovery operations in support of Tropical Cyclone Lala as of Oct. 30, 2026, marking the completion of more than two months of emergency response and community recovery efforts across the state.
Following the storm’s impacts in August, HING soldiers and airmen mobilized to assist state and county emergency management agencies, providing critical capabilities to communities affected by flooding, landslides, damaged infrastructure and widespread debris. At the height of the response, approximately 250 HING personnel were activated on state active duty to support operations across the Hawaiian Islands.
Throughout the response, HING personnel worked alongside county officials, first responders, utility crews and community partners to conduct high-water rescues, evacuations, wellness checks, damage assessments, debris removal and specialized search and recovery operations.
“The Hawai‘i National Guard continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment of “Always Ready, Always There,” through sustained recovery support in Kaʻū following Hurricane Lala,” said Maj. Keoki Leong, Task Force Hawaiʻi Commander. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with local residents, county workers and cultural experts, our personnel have answered the call during this challenging time to bring hope, restoration and honor to the community and its ancestors.”
HING accomplishments include:
- 16 civilians and two emergency medical services personnel rescued from floodwaters on Hawaiʻi Island
- 421 wellness checks were conducted to assess residents’ safety and identify needs in storm-affected communities
- 22 homes assisted with recovery and cleanup efforts
- 80 damage assessments completed on Maui to help identify storm impacts and support county recovery planning
- 700 meters of roads cleared on Maui to restore access to affected areas
- 11,150 meters of roads cleared on Hawaiʻi Island to improve access for residents, emergency responders and recovery crews
- 623,600 pounds of debris removed from storm-affected communities on Hawaiʻi Island
Among the response’s critical missions was Operation TREK808, a coordinated effort between Pacific Air Forces, the HING, Hawaiian Electric and Southern California Edison. The operation rapidly transported 143,790 pounds of utility equipment, including six commercial power and utility repair trucks and a support trailer, from California to Hawaiʻi Island aboard two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The airlift accelerated the delivery of critical equipment and utility personnel to support power restoration efforts following the storm.
HING personnel also supported specialized recovery operations in the Kaʻū District, including the recovery and documentation of displaced burials at Nāʻālehu Cemetery. Soldiers and airmen assigned to the 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package worked alongside Hawaiʻi County, cultural practitioners, archaeologists and other subject-matter experts to conduct the sensitive recovery mission with care and respect for the affected community. As the operations continued, soldiers and airmen continued to assist with the removing of debris from the site and transporting of displaced burials under the guidance of Hawaiʻi County, cultural practitioners, archaeologists and other subject-matter experts.
The conclusion of the Lala mission reflects the dedication and readiness of HING soldiers and airmen, whose service helped protect lives, restore access and support communities during a challenging period. Working alongside local, state, federal and private-sector partners, the Hawaiʻi National Guard answered the call to serve its neighbors and help Hawaiʻi recover.
“While our state active-duty mission has concluded, the impact of this storm will be felt by some families and communities for a long time. We are honored to have played a part in their recovery,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Hawaiʻi Adjutant General. “As we transition to ongoing wildfire and hurricane preparedness missions, we remain focused on protecting our communities and standing ready to support our neighbors whenever they need us.”
The Guard remains postured to support the state and county through the remainder of the 2026 wildfire and hurricane season. As of Nov. 5, 2026, 143 personnel remain on state active duty supporting two ongoing missions: 30 personnel assigned to Operation Hoʻopauahi, the annual HING mission providing rapid aerial firefighting support and emergency response capabilities to first responders during the dry season, and 113 personnel assigned to Operation Hoʻopalekana, the HING’s reserve force positioned to respond to potential storms throughout the remainder of hurricane season. Together, these missions demonstrate the HING’s continued readiness to protect Hawaiʻi’s communities and support first responders when called upon.
Credit: Hawaiʻi National Guard
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Media contact:
Retired Maj. Jeffrey D. Hickman
Director, Public Affairs
State of Hawai‘i, Department of Defense
Office: 808-441-7000
Direct: 808-779-8008
Email: [email protected]