OAHU, Hawaii — The Hawaii National Guard continues its active response across the state, responding to the impacts of Hurricane Nolo while balancing long-term recovery efforts on Hawaii Island and Kauai from back-to-back hurricanes.
During Hurricane Nolo over the weekend of Sept. 26-27, Hawaii National Guard high-water vehicle teams conducted five rescue missions and assisted 19 civilians, helping move people out of hazardous conditions and toward safety.
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.
Using an agile rotational force structure and drawing from a volunteer pool of about 5,500 personnel, the Guard remains fully postured to assist county, state and community partners during this sustained, multi-front response.
Working alongside local emergency responders, Hawaii National Guard Soldiers put their training and equipment to work to help people get to safety when conditions became dangerous.
After Hurricane Lala inundated Hawaii with 1.3 trillion gallons of water Aug. 14-16, the Guard mobilized Task Force Hawaii to support extensive cleanup and humanitarian relief. Beyond physical clearance, Guard members, alongside the Hawaii Fire Department and local emergency personnel, conducted 421 safety and wellness checks in remote areas such as the Kau District.
“It definitely feels like an honor to help out the community and make things easier for them,” said Spc. Brianna Diazescobar, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment. “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, the Hawaii National Guard partnered with the Pacific Air Forces to execute Operation Trek 808, rapidly airlifting electric restoration machinery from California to Hawaii Island.
In one of the most sensitive operations, Soldiers and Airmen have been assisting Hawaii County and cultural practitioners with operations following severe landslides and flooding at Naalehu Cemetery. They have been 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 Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard. “Their commitment to helping neighbors in need, from lifesaving rescues to damage assessments, reflect their dedication to help families begin to recover.”
On Kauai, where Hurricane Lowell unleashed destructive forces late on Sept. 7, Task Force Kauai remains on the ground assisting with infrastructure and community stability.
Early in the response, the Hawaii National Guard deployed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Oahu to transport 11 Transportation Security Administration personnel to Lihue Airport and help reopen the facility quickly. Aircrews also conducted aerial damage assessments with Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials to target power restoration and scanned storm-swept terrain for distressed civilians.
Guard members have partnered with the Hawaii Foodbank to distribute water, fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals 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 Kauai native assigned to E Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion.
As recovery efforts are sustained across both islands, leadership emphasizes that lessons learned from Lala and Lowell have refined the Guard’s response tactics and inter-agency integration.
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