Live Updates
HURRICANE LALA | HAWAIʻI | WEEK 1 RESPONSE
One week into GEM Hawaiʻi’s Hurricane Lala response, our teams remain on the ground across Hawaiʻi Island, delivering immediate assistance to families and communities impacted by the storm, with operations focused throughout the devastated Kaʻū region.
In Nā‘ālehu, one of the hardest-hit communities, floodwaters swept away homes, damaged local businesses and Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, and left streets and properties buried beneath mud and debris.
The iconic Punaluʻu Bake Shop, a longtime landmark and international destination, and Hana Hou Restaurant, a community gathering place and the only restaurant within 55 miles, also sustained significant damage.
GEM’s established presence on Hawaiʻi Island allowed our teams to mobilize immediately and move directly into affected communities. GEM Hawaiʻi is putting essential recovery supplies directly into the hands of families, including cleanup kits, buckets, tarps, shovels, gloves, rakes, and other tools needed to clear debris from homes and properties.
For families whose homes have become unlivable, GEM is also providing immediate financial assistance through cash cards distributed directly to affected households and community centers to help cover urgent necessities.
As we move into the next phase of recovery, monetary donations are the greatest need. Contributions allow GEM Hawaiʻi to purchase supplies locally — getting families what they need faster, supporting the local economy, and avoiding the significant cost and delays of shipping aid to the islands.
For families who have lost homes, belongings, businesses, and so much of the life they knew before Hurricane Lala, the road ahead will not be measured in days or weeks.
Recovery happens one home, one family, and one community at a time — and GEM Hawaiʻi will be there for the road ahead.
Learn more and support the GEM Hurricane Lala Hawaiʻi Response through the link in our bio or at GEM.org. @govhawaii @govjoshgreen @himayorkimo @hicountyofficial @hawaii_ema @hawaiicountycivildefense @uniqlo_hawaii
GEM Hawaii is deploying to identify areas impacted by Lala so that we can begin to assess areas of impact to determine needs. According to NOAA, Lala has strengthened to hurricane strength with winds at 75 mph moving west at 10 mph.
It is expected to remain at hurricane intensity as it moves near the Big Island or over the most southern tip. Strong winds are already being felt across Hawaii, with a 69 mph gust reported at Pu’uloa on the Big Island. Honolulu Airport also recently recorded a 40 mph gust. Heavy rain, flooding and strong winds remain the main concerns across the islands this weekend. Lala is expected to weaken tonight into Sunday as it tracks south of the islands. To donate to this response please visit GEM.org
HURRICANE LALA RESPONSE | HAWAIʻI
As Hurricane Lala approaches the Hawaiian Islands, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is on the ground and ready to respond.
GEM has a permanent office and team based in Hawaiʻi, allowing us to mobilize quickly and work alongside state, county, and community partners to support communities that may be impacted by the storm.
Our team is actively preparing, coordinating with local partners, and standing by to provide immediate assistance wherever it is needed most.
GEM has stood with Hawaiʻi since the Maui wildfires, and we remain committed to supporting our communities through every stage of disaster response and recovery.
Please consider donating to GEM’s Hurricane Lala response. Your support helps us move quickly and put critical resources directly into the hands of families impacted by disaster.
🔗 Donate through www.GEM.org
Mahalo for standing with Hawaiʻi. 🤙🏽❤️
🌺 We’re Hiring Across Hawaiʻi! 🌺
Do you want to help communities recover after disasters? Join the GEM Hawaiʻi team and make a direct impact in the lives of disaster survivors across our islands.
We are currently hiring for Maui-based and statewide positions, including:
✅ Housing Program Advocates
✅ Disaster Case Managers
✅ Data Analysts
✅ Construction Cost Analysts
Our team works alongside individuals and families recovering from disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Whether helping survivors navigate resources, secure housing, analyze recovery data, or support rebuilding efforts, every role contributes to helping our communities move forward.
📍 Work Environment
Most positions are a hybrid of home and office work. Some roles require travel throughout Hawaiʻi to support recovery efforts and partner organizations.
If you’re passionate about service, community, and helping people rebuild after disaster, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Send your resume to:
[email protected]
Please include the position you’re applying for in the subject line.
Help us build a stronger, more resilient Hawaiʻi—one family, one community, and one recovery at a time.
🎶 Come Meet GEM Hawaiʻi at The Melting Pot Today! 🎶
We’re excited to be participating in The Melting Pot, a community celebration of Maui’s creativity, culture, and future.
If you or someone you know is still recovering from the Maui Wildfires or the Kona Low storms and flooding, stop by the GEM table to learn about available recovery resources and support programs. Our team will be available to answer questions, connect households with services, and share information about disaster recovery assistance throughout Maui County and across Hawaiʻi.
This event brings together local artists, musicians, nonprofits, vendors, and community members for a day of connection and giving back. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, support local organizations, and help strengthen our island community.
📍 650 Lipoa Parkway, Kīhei
📅 Today, June 12
⏰ 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM (All Ages)
🎵 Live Music • Local Vendors • Food & Drinks • Nonprofit Activations
We look forward to seeing you there!
🌺 Mahalo to everyone who joined us at the Housing & Resource Fair! 🌺
What an incredible day of connection, collaboration, and hope for our Lahaina community.
We were honored to welcome 216 households who came to learn about housing opportunities, recovery resources, and programs designed to support long-term stability. The event brought together 15 community-based organizations and resource providers alongside 4 property management firms, creating a unique opportunity for residents to connect directly with services, housing options, and recovery partners all in one place.
Events like these remind us that recovery happens through partnership. By bringing housing providers, legal services, community organizations, and recovery programs together under one roof, we can help families navigate the path forward more efficiently and with greater support.
A heartfelt mahalo to all of the organizations, property managers, volunteers, and community members who made this event such a success. Your commitment to serving Maui continues to make a meaningful difference.
A special mahalo to Imua Maui Community Healing Initiative and Hawaiian Council for providing the grant funding that made this event possible. Your investment in our community creates opportunities for families to access the resources, connections, and housing solutions they need to move forward.
Together, we’re building pathways home. GEM.org
🏠 Housing & Resource Fair – Lahaina Community Event 🌺
Looking for housing resources, support programs, or help navigating available options? Join us for a day focused on connection, information, and community support.
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Royal Lahaina Resort
2780 Kekaa Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761
Come connect with organizations and partners providing support and learn more about:
🏡 Available housing programs and resources
📋 Current rental opportunities
🤝 Connections with others navigating similar housing needs
💬 Direct access to community support and information
Representatives from housing and recovery support organizations will be available to answer questions and help connect community members to resources.
Mahalo to our partners and everyone helping strengthen pathways toward housing and recovery across Maui.
Report by @aadukelow @hawaiinewsnow MOLOKAI - During the second Kona Low storm, Molokai resident Maka McGuire recalled waking up early in the morning to floodwaters rushing beneath her post-and-pier home.
“I’ve never seen it that bad before. It was never expected for the floods to get that bad,” McGuire shared.
Thankfully, McGuire’s Kaunakakai home was spared, but many valuables in two storage units on her property were ruined. “We live in a tiny home, so everything that is not used on the daily is put in the storage. We also have our own catering business, which everything is held in our storage,” McGuire added, saying she and her family lost their refrigerator, washer, generators, and other costly supplies.
McGuire then sought help from nonprofit organization Molokaʻi Cares. “It’s just so unbelievable, the help that has been sent to us during this time of need,” McGuire said. After receiving much-needed assistance, McGuire wanted to give back to others experiencing similar struggles, so she became a volunteer with Molokaʻi Cares.
McGuire is now a disaster case manager with nonprofit @globalempowermentmissionhawaii, or GEM. #konalow #hawaii #gem
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2026
HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green’s Hawaiʻi Office of Recovery and Resiliency (HIORR), along with other state, federal and county partners, will expand direct, in-person assistance for Kona Low storm recovery within Maui County.
Anyone directly impacted by the recent Kona Low weather events and in need of support may be eligible for the Kona Low Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP). HIORR is closely coordinating with all the counties and local partners to ensure a cohesive and trauma-informed disaster response.
The Kona Low DCMP is funded collaboratively by the state, counties and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation for 90 days and will provide up to 40 dedicated case managers to support those in need.
Residents may sign up for the Kona Low DCMP by calling Aloha United Way 211, by visiting ready.hawaii.gov, or by emailing [email protected] to get started.
Recovery support is coming to Molokaʻi 🌺
HIEMA, FEMA, SBA, and community partners will be hosting upcoming recovery events on Molokaʻi for residents impacted by the recent Kona Low storms. Disaster Case Managers and recovery teams, including support from GEM Hawaiʻi, will be available to help connect residents with available resources and assistance programs.
📍 Kilohana Community Center
334-A1 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaunakakai
🗓 May 11–12
⏰ 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Mitchell Pauole Center Hall
90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai
🗓 May 11–12
⏰ 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Available support may include:
• FEMA application assistance
• SBA disaster loan information
• Disaster Case Management services
• Recovery resource navigation
• Housing and recovery support guidance
Please help share this information with anyone on Molokaʻi who may benefit from these services. 🤝
#Molokai #Molokaʻi #KonaLow #HawaiiRelief #DisasterRecovery
Join GEM Hawai‘i and community partners at the Kihei Resource Fair for direct access to recovery resources, housing guidance, and disaster case management support.
📍 Kihei Community Center
303 E Lipoa St, Kihei, HI 96753
📅 Monday, May 11
⏰ 9AM–7PM
Services available include:
• FEMA & SBA application assistance
• Disaster Case Management support
• Emergency shelter assistance
• Housing transition guidance as FEMA and State programs evolve
• Connections to additional recovery resources
Whether you were affected by flooding, storm damage, housing instability, or wildfire impacts, our teams are here to help connect you to available programs and long-term recovery support.
Please share with anyone who may need assistance. 🤝
#Maui #Kihei #MauiStrong #KonaLow #DisasterRecovery GEMHawaii WildfireRecovery CommunitySupport MauiCounty HawaiiRelief DisasterCaseManagement
Join us on Molokaʻi for the 5th Annual Molokaʻi Educational Resource Experience!
GEM Hawaiʻi and Molokaʻi Cares Disaster Case Managers will be onsite to support individuals and families impacted by the recent Kona Low storms. Whether you need help navigating recovery resources, housing support, FEMA applications, or just want to connect with available services, we’re here for you.
📍 Lanikeha Community Center
📅 Saturday, May 9
⏰ 9AM–2PM
This community event will also feature:
* Live music
* Greased pig contest
* Petting zoo
* Food & craft vendors
* Prize giveaways including Hawaiian Airlines tickets, TVs, and more!
Mahalo to all of the organizations and community partners coming together to support Molokaʻi families and create a fun, resource-filled day for the whole ʻohana.
#Molokai #MolokaiCommunity #KonaLow #DisasterRecovery #CommunitySupport
Summary Stats
Rental Assistance Program for FEMA-Ineligible
Phase 1: Immediate Response
Our GEM BStrong team is on the ground now in Maui, Hawaii, assisting those who have been severely affected by the wildfires. Our immediate assistance will come in the form of our BStrong cash cards, which offer survivors the flexibility of purchasing whatever supplies they need most. We will also be offering Airbnb Short-term accommodation assistance, Long-term housing solutions, Rebuilding projects, and Contractor tool purchasing assistance to those who’s homes have been severely damaged or completely destroyed in the fires. We will also be offering support for pets affected. Our team will be on the ground indefinitely, ensuring that those on Maui will be given as much long-term support as needed.
GEM will now be operating from our new Maui office, which is open to assist with long-term housing applications, our BStrong cash assistance cards, and other aid.
Long-term Housing Solutions
GEM is presently offering longer-term housing assistance to those who have been displaced by the Lahaina fires. In this program, we are helping to alleviate housing costs to families having to move into new spaces. We will also supply these homes with basic first needs, within our GEM Welcome Home Kits.
Partners
