By Rachel Blaire, State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office
The Hawaiʻi National Guard (HING) continues its active response across the state, balancing long-term recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi from back-to-back hurricanes while concurrently preparing for the potential impacts of Hurricane Nolo this weekend. Hurricane Nolo marks the fourth storm to threaten the island chain since August, highlighting an exceptionally intense period of tropical cyclonic activity in the region.
By utilizing an agile rotational force structure and drawing from a volunteer pool of approximately 5,500 personnel, the Guard remains fully postured to assist county, state, and community partners during this sustained multi-front response.
Following the widespread impacts of Hurricane Lala in August, which inundated Hawaii with 1.3 trillion gallons of water Aug. 14-16, 2026, the Guard mobilized Task Force Hawaiʻi to assist with extensive cleanup and humanitarian relief. In addition to physical clearance, Guard members, alongside the Hawaiʻi Fire Department and local emergency personnel, conducted 421 safety and wellness checks in remote areas such as the Kaʻū District.
“It definitely feels like an honor to help out the community and make things easier for them,” Spc. Brianna Diazescobar, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment said. “I know it’s a very difficult time, so it just feels really good to help out, especially being here from the Big Island.”
To accelerate recovery efforts, HING partnered with the Pacific Air Forces to execute Operation Trek 808, rapidly airlifting electric restoration machinery from California to Hawaiʻi Island.
In one of the most culturally-sensitive operations, soldiers and airmen are assisting Hawaiʻi County and cultural practitioners with operations following severe landslides and flooding at Nāʻālehu Cemetery. They are removing debris from the cemetery and transporting human remains to be identified and recovered in partnership with the county.
“Our soldiers and airmen answered the call to service, putting community first in support of response and recovery efforts during Tropical Cyclone Lala,” said Hawaiʻi Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan. “Their commitment to helping neighbors in need, from lifesaving rescues to damage assessments, reflect their dedication to help families begin to recover.”
Meanwhile, on Kauaʻi, where Hurricane Lowell unleashed destructive forces late on Sept. 7, 2026, Task Force Kauaʻi remains on the ground assisting with infrastructure and community stability.
Early in the response, HING deployed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Oʻahu to transport 11 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel to Līhuʻe Airport to facilitate the facility’s rapid reopening. Aircrews also conducted aerial damage assessments alongside Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) officials to target power restoration efforts and scanned storm-swept terrain for distressed civilians.
Guard members are partnered with the Hawaiʻi Foodbank to distribute water, fresh produce and meals-ready-to-eat to residents facing storm-related grocery shortages.
“Most of my friends and family have been affected by the hurricane, and with the barge having delays and grocery stores not having food, it’s really good to see everybody being helped,” said Spc. Taylor Calixterio-Martinez, a Kauaʻi native assigned to Echo Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion.
Even as recovery efforts are sustained across both islands, the HING is actively monitoring and staging assets in preparation for the potential effects of Hurricane Nolo. Leadership emphasizes that lessons learned from Lala and Lowell have refined the Guard’s response tactics and inter-agency integration.
“This unprecedented storm season has tested our state, but it has also shown the strength of our joint partnerships,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, adjutant general of the Hawaiʻi National Guard. “Working hand-in-hand with county civil defense agencies, state leadership, FEMA, and our active-duty counterparts, we are ensuring that no island is left to recover alone. We will stand beside our communities through the healing of Lala and Lowell, and we are fully prepared to respond as Hurricane Nolo approaches.”
