Hawaii Guard assists recovery efforts after hurricanes

The Hawaii National Guard is sustaining a statewide emergency response to Hurricane Nolo while continuing long-term recovery operations on Hawaii Island and Kauai after back-to-back storms.

Over the weekend, high-water vehicle teams conducted five rescue missions and assisted 19 civilians, moving people from hazardous conditions to safety. Nolo is the fourth storm to threaten the islands since August, underscoring an intense stretch of tropical cyclonic activity.

Using an agile rotational force structure and a volunteer pool of about 5,500 personnel, the Guard remains postured to support county, state and community partners. Working alongside local emergency responders, Soldiers have used their training and equipment to help people reach safety when conditions turned dangerous.

After Hurricane Lala brought an estimated 1.3 trillion gallons of water Aug. 14-16, the Guard mobilized Task Force Hawaii for extensive cleanup and humanitarian relief. In coordination with the Hawaii Fire Department and local emergency personnel, Guard members 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, the Guard partnered with Pacific Air Forces on Operation Trek 808, rapidly airlifting electric restoration machinery from California to Hawaii Island. Soldiers and Airmen have also supported Hawaii County and cultural practitioners at Naalehu Cemetery, removing debris 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 struck late on Sept. 7, Task Force Kauai continues assisting with infrastructure and community stability. Early in the response, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Oahu transported 11 Transportation Security Administration personnel to Lihue Airport to help the facility reopen quickly. Aircrews 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 also 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.

Even as recovery operations continue on both islands, the Guard is monitoring and staging assets for the potential effects of Hurricane Nolo, with leadership emphasizing that lessons learned from Lala and Lowell have refined response tactics and inter-agency integration.