Hawaiʻi County officials have begun accepting damage reports from residents and businesses following Hurricane Nolo’s passage, as the storm moves northwest away from the islands. While public schools resumed Monday, Sept. 28, and most county operations resumed Sunday, the Department of Water Supply maintains an essential-use-only notice for several South Hawaiʻi communities due to infrastructure impacts.
Damage Reporting for Hawaiʻi County Property Owners
Hawaiʻi County is collecting information on storm-related property damage to assess the total impact on the community. Officials are asking both residential and commercial property owners to submit reports through the county’s online portal. These reports help local government and non-profit partners coordinate recovery efforts and identify unmet needs. Residents who have needs beyond physical property damage are also encouraged to use the county’s designated online form for assistance requests.
Essential Water Use Restrictions in South Hawaiʻi
The Department of Water Supply has issued an Essential Water Use Only notice for customers in Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Discovery Harbour, and South Point. Flooding from Hurricane Nolo damaged water system infrastructure and caused power outages, limiting the department’s ability to maintain normal service.
Residents in these areas must limit water consumption to essential health and safety needs, including drinking, cooking, food preparation, and personal hygiene. Non-essential activities—such as irrigation, lawn watering, vehicle washing, and filling swimming pools—must be postponed until further notice. The department warns that customers may experience low pressure or intermittent service while crews work to stabilize the system and connect backup generators. For status updates, residents can contact the department at 808-961-8790.
Resumption of County Operations and Public Schools
Hawaiʻi County government operations returned to a regular schedule on Sunday. Solid waste facilities, county parks—including the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens and Hilo Municipal Golf Course—and Hele-On bus routes are scheduled to resume normal operations.
All Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools on the island reopened Monday, Sept. 28. Campus assessments conducted by the department confirmed that schools sustained no significant damage from the hurricane, and roads serving these campuses are accessible.
Weather Hazards and Road Conditions
Although Hurricane Nolo is moving away from the Big Island, a high wind warning remains in effect for North Hawaiʻi until 6 a.m. Monday. The National Weather Service reports that east winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 50 mph, could cause downed tree branches, structural damage to roofs, and hazardous driving conditions.
State and federal land management agencies continue to assess recreational areas. While Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has reopened most of the Kīlauea summit and the Kahuku Unit, some locations remain closed, including portions of Hilina Pali Road and Mauna Loa Road. Hikers are advised to watch for loose rocks and hanging branches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Nolo Recovery
Where can I report storm damage to my property? Hawaiʻi County has dedicated online portals for both residential and commercial property damage reports. Links to these forms are available on the official county website.
Is tap water safe to drink in the affected South Hawaiʻi areas? The Department of Water Supply has mandated that water usage be restricted to essential needs only—such as drinking and hygiene—due to system instability and potential infrastructure damage.
Are state parks and hiking trails open? Most areas in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have reopened, but specific trails and roads remain closed for safety assessments. All other Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks on the island remain closed, including forest reserves and hunting areas.
How can I check the status of my shipping or cargo? Young Brothers has adjusted sailing schedules due to the storm. The barge from Honolulu to Hilo was rescheduled to arrive Sept. 29. Customers should monitor the Young Brothers website for the latest updates on harbor access and gate times.
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