Across some of the hardest-hit communities on Hawai‘i Island, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai‘i is using mobile clinics, satellite internet and supplies from Direct Relief to help restore access to health services and basic resources after Hurricane Lala.
Lala passed south of Hawai‘i Island without making landfall, but intense rainfall caused destructive flooding, damaged homes and infrastructure, and isolated communities with few roads in or out. Two deaths were reported, more than 100 homes were damaged, and roads and bridges were damaged or washed out. Approximately 19,000 utility customers statewide remained without power as of Aug. 19.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies has two mobile clinics operating on the island, both connected via Starlink satellite internet.
The organization is also working to establish Starlink communications at key hospitals across Hawai‘i Island.
Reliable internet allows hospitals and mobile health workers to communicate, coordinate patient care and request supplies when regular phone and internet service is unavailable. Spectrum has also made nearly 3,000 Wi-Fi access points available statewide, although access points in areas without electricity cannot operate until local power is restored.
Local teams are seeking batteries and larger solar-power systems to keep the connections operating in communities that may remain without power for weeks.
Resource Hubs Provide Food, Showers and Light
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies helped establish a community resource hub in Pāhala, where residents can obtain food, take showers, receive supplies and connect with assistance.
Across the island, Vibrant Hawai‘i reported 19 distribution points for food, drinking water, ice, tarps and other essential supplies.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies is distributing solar lights supplied by Direct Relief through these community hubs.
Direct Relief has also provided personal-care supplies for 50 families, including soap, shampoo, towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Additional supplies being prepared for delivery include portable solar lanterns and phone chargers, insect repellent, N95 respirators and 40 doses of the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
Reaching Isolated Communities
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies staff traveling through the southern Kaʻū District described roads covered in dirt and debris and blocked by fallen trees.
Staff reported particularly difficult access between Nāʻālehu and Pāhala. Some routes require four-wheel-drive vehicles, and residents in parts of Wood Valley could be reached only by horseback or helicopter. The Hawai‘i Fire Department airlifted supplies into Wood Valley.
Power outages have stopped water pumps in some communities, creating immediate demand for large water-storage barrels rather than individual cases of bottled water.
To help households maintain access to safe drinking water while tap systems are down, Direct Relief has also shipped 20 reusable bags for treating contaminated freshwater, along with water-disinfection packets. Each bag can treat approximately 2.5 gallons, or 10 liters, at a time.
Fuel is also limited in some areas. Kaʻū Hospital is operating on emergency generator power as it works to maintain essential services.
The combined power and transportation disruptions are particularly dangerous for people who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, including CPAP machines that help them breathe while sleeping.
At the same time, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies is identifying additional needs, including ready-to-feed infant formula and other baby supplies, mobile-clinic equipment, and expanded access to solar lighting and backup power. Providers are also anticipating an increase in injuries related to debris removal, construction, and residents returning to damaged properties.
Medical Supplies Positioned Before the Storm
Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center, formerly West Hawai‘i Community Health Center, already had a Direct Relief emergency medical stockpile in place before Lala passed south of the island.
Stored at the health center ahead of hurricane season, the stockpile contains medicines and supplies for treating diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, infections, allergic reactions and wounds. It is intended to help doctors, nurses and other health workers continue caring for patients when damaged roads, ports or other disruptions delay regular deliveries.
Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center is determining where its mobile clinics and stored supplies can be used most effectively as local aid sites and delivery routes are established.
Direct Relief is also preparing 12 emergency medical backpacks containing medicines, patient-assessment tools, wound-care materials, infection-prevention supplies and protective equipment for health workers providing care outside clinics and hospitals. Additional supplies include personal-care items for 300 families and 100 sets of protective gear, including coveralls, for people returning to damaged properties.
Keeping Routine Medical Care Going
Disasters do not pause chronic illnesses, pregnancy care or other ongoing health needs. Direct Relief has continued regular medicine deliveries to health providers in Hawai‘i alongside the emergency response.
A separate shipment to the University of Hawai‘i Foundation included antibiotics and medicines for breathing conditions, high cholesterol, depression, inflammation and severe allergic reactions, as well as long-acting contraceptives.
Continuing routine medicine deliveries during a disaster helps prevent treatment interruptions from becoming additional health emergencies.
Recovery’s Emotional Toll
Beyond the physical damage, communities face a significant emotional and mental health burden.
Floodwaters severely damaged Nāʻālehu Cemetery, unearthing caskets and scattering human remains. For families in the community—including people working in the response—the loss is deeply personal.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies expects a substantial need for mental health support as residents confront the damage and the recovery continues.
Direct Relief remains in close contact with health providers and community organizations throughout Hawai‘i. Additional assistance will be provided based on specific requests from local teams as they reach isolated areas and gain a clearer understanding of what residents will need in the weeks ahead.
